Starmer Visits Ankara as Türkiye Set to Receive First Eurofighter Jets
Istanbul, Türkiye – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Ankara on Monday for his first official visit to Türkiye since taking office last year, with discussions expected to focus on the pending sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets.
Starmer was welcomed by Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler. Unlike other visiting leaders, his plane landed at a military base, reflecting the defense-centered agenda of the trip. He was accompanied by UK Defense Secretary John Healey and Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth.
A Turkish official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that discussions are ongoing but that Britain would hand over several jets on Monday, with analysts suggesting the number is likely two. British authorities have not confirmed whether a formal handover or agreement will take place during the visit.
Türkiye has sought to strengthen its air capabilities through the purchase of advanced fighter jets, including 40 Eurofighter Typhoons as well as U.S. F-16s and F-35s. Under the agreement nearing completion with Britain, Türkiye is expected to receive 12 used Typhoons from prior orders placed by Qatar and Oman immediately, with 28 new jets to be delivered in the coming years.
The deal, first preliminarily signed in July by Ankara and London, was approved by Eurofighter consortium members — Britain, Germany, Italy, and Spain — represented by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo. Germany had initially blocked the sale but lifted its opposition in July.
The visit comes ahead of further diplomatic engagements, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to Ankara on Thursday and an upcoming visit by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to discuss remaining issues regarding the jets. Observers note that the jets originally intended for Qatar’s 2017 order will likely be redirected to Türkiye.
Beyond defense, talks between Erdoğan and Starmer are also expected to cover Gaza and regional stabilization efforts, with Türkiye expressing interest in participating in an international stabilization force.
