UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that discussions on a potential sale of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to Türkiye are progressing well, highlighting Türkiye’s strategic role within NATO. His remarks came ahead of an official visit to Ankara, during which defense and trade matters are expected to feature prominently.
Speaking to Türkish newspaper Hürriyet ahead of his trip, Lammy noted that there had been “excellent progress” in talks over the possible export of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Türkiye. The aircraft is produced by a consortium involving the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain. While Germany has reportedly expressed reservations, Lammy said all four nations support the potential sale and emphasized the UK’s continued dialogue with Berlin to resolve the issue.“We continue to make excellent progress on the potential export of Eurofighter Typhoons to Türkiye. All four partners in the consortium are supportive,” Lammy said. “Having Türkiye as a Typhoon operator would further strengthen long-standing ties among key NATO allies.”
Lammy also underscored defense cooperation as a central pillar in the UK–Türkiye relationship, describing Türkiye as a country of growing importance in both regional and global security.
“Türkiye is an indispensable partner for the UK, for Europe, and for international security,” he said. “Its strong military integration and defense industrial cooperation make it a key ally within NATO and in our bilateral relationship.”
In addition to defense matters, Lammy commented on the planned launch of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between the two countries in July. He said the new agreement would include services, investments, and digital trade, and represents an opportunity to modernize the UK–Türkiye trade relationship, which currently totals nearly £28 billion annually.
“The new deal, focused on services, investment, and digital trade, is a strong opportunity to bring our trading relationship into the 21st century,” Lammy added.
The UK foreign secretary’s visit to Ankara is expected to focus on both the Eurofighter issue and the upcoming trade talks, reflecting the broader strategic agenda between the two countries.
