john healey signed a multi-billion-pound training and support agreement in London today to back the landmark Typhoon export deal with Türkiye, securing UK training capacity and industrial support for the aircraft. The deal follows the October 2025 export agreement for 20 Typhoon fighter jets and aims to train pilots and ground crews in the UK while supplying long-term maintenance capability. Officials say the package will anchor production of components and spares in the UK and protect thousands of British defence jobs.
John Healey signs support pact as part of Typhoon export win
Defence Secretary John Healey and Türkiye’s Minister of National Defence, Yaşar Güler, signed the multi-billion-pound support agreement in London, marking the next phase of the October 2025 Typhoon deal. The original export contract secured the supply of 20 Typhoon jets and was valued at £8bn. Final assembly of the Turkish jets is planned at the BAE Systems site in Warton, Lancashire, and the new support contract will provide equipment, pilot and engineer training and technical support for an initial three-year term.
Deal details: UK training, industry work and job backing
The support package will train Turkish Air Force personnel in the UK. The agreement will see 10 Turkish pilots and nearly 100 ground crew technicians — covering mechanical, avionics, weapons and mission systems — trained in the UK, and it secures production of aircraft components and spares with the support of UK defence firms. The work involves delivery of spares and support equipment, high‑tech training simulators and electronic warfare capabilities, and names in the industrial list include BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA, Rolls‑Royce and Martin Baker. Government material linked the wider export to backing 20, 000 UK jobs.
Immediate reactions from ministers and industry
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the deal as “a win for British workers, a win for our defence industry and a win for Nato security” while visiting Ankara to formalise the wider export arrangement. Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Air sector, said: “We’re proud to support the UK’s partnership with Türkiye by delivering a trusted defence capability that deepens collaboration and reinforces shared security commitments. ” The UK government and industry framed the agreement as central to building Türkiye’s sovereign support capability for the aircraft.
Quick context
The support agreement builds on the landmark Typhoon export deal agreed in October 2025 and follows earlier announcements that the UK had secured an £8bn contract for 20 Typhoon jets. Final assembly and in‑country sustainment work are core elements of the broader arrangement.
What’s next
Next steps include beginning the UK‑based training pipeline for pilots and technicians, initiating production of agreed components and spares, and delivering the first tranche of training and support under the initial three‑year term. Officials expect the package to strengthen long‑term maintenance and sovereign support capability for the Turkish Air Force while sustaining UK industrial employment. senior officials will oversee rollout of training schedules and logistics, and Defence Secretary john healey will remain the UK lead for implementation and industry coordination.
