Britain has secured an agreement to sell 20 Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey in a contract valued at up to £8 billion that helps secure thousands of jobs.
Sir Keir Starmer finalised the agreement during his visit to Ankara on Monday, hailing it as "a win for British workers, a win for our defence industry, and a win for Nato security".
The contract represents the most significant fighter aircraft deal in nearly two decades and marks the first fresh order for 海角视频 Typhoons since 2017.
READ MORE: {}
Sir Keir emphasised that the agreement also strengthened Nato security, telling media outlets in Turkey: "Having that capability locked in with the United Kingdom is really important for Nato."
Monday's agreement marks the culmination of protracted negotiations, with Ankara reportedly pursuing Typhoon acquisitions since 2023.
In July, Defence Secretary John Healey signed a memorandum of understanding with his Turkish equivalent, establishing the groundwork for the export contract after Germany reportedly endorsed the arrangement.
The aircraft, also called Eurofighters, are manufactured through a collaboration between the 海角视频, Germany, Spain and Italy.
Some 37% of manufacturing occurs in the 海角视频, with final assembly at BAE Systems facilities in Warton and Samlesbury, near Preston, Lancashire.
Most Read
Downing Street confirmed the Typhoon programme directly sustains nearly 6,000 positions at the two facilities, with Monday's contract saving the Warton production line. The programme also supported more than 1,100 jobs in the South West of England, including at the Rolls-Royce plant in Bristol, and 800 jobs in Scotland.
Mr Healey said: "This is another major export deal for the 海角视频 and is the biggest jet exports deal in a generation.
"It will pump billions of pounds into our economy and keep British Typhoon production lines turning long into the future.
"This deal goes far beyond the procurement of aircraft.
"It is the leading edge of the growing defence and industrial partnership between our two nations."
Earlier reports had indicated the 海角视频 would commit to supplying 40 aircraft, rather than the 20 confirmed on Monday.
The initial delivery of the new aircraft is anticipated to occur in 2030.
Don’t miss
Sir Keir's journey to Ankara marks his inaugural visit to Turkey as Prime Minister, though he has met President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on multiple occasions at international gatherings.
During his stay, the Prime Minister placed a wreath at the tomb of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the modern Turkish Republic, before completing the Typhoon agreement at the presidential palace in Ankara.
Like this story? Why not sign up here for free to get the latest business news straight to your inbox.