TLF Special: Starmer's Turkey Visit to Seal Eurofighter Deal as Cyprus Reunification Talks Return to Agenda
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to finalize a multibillion-dollar Eurofighter Typhoon agreement during his first official visit to Ankara on Monday, while the long-stalled Cyprus reunification issue is expected to feature prominently in discussions with Turkish leadership, sources have confirmed.
According to Middle East Eye, Turkey and the UK are poised to conclude negotiations over the purchase of 40 advanced fighter jets, with Starmer reportedly sending two Eurofighter aircraft to Ankara ahead of his arrival to underscore the deal's significance. The Levant Files has learned from well-informed sources in Ankara that the Cyprus file will also be discussed during the high-stakes visit, with the Greek Cypriot side having conveyed a special message to Ankara via London expressing readiness for fresh negotiations with the new Turkish Cypriot leadership.
The Eurofighter agreement represents a major milestone in UK-Turkey defense cooperation. Ankara has been negotiating with Britain, the lead nation in the Eurofighter consortium, since 2023. The deal cleared a critical obstacle in 2024 when Germany withdrew its veto, which had previously blocked the sale.
Photo: Gemini AI
Under the proposed arrangement, 20 of the 40 jets will initially be operated by the Royal Air Force to expedite delivery, while the remaining 20 will be delivered later with customizations tailored to Turkish specifications. The aircraft will be the latest Tranche 4 variant, featuring upgraded avionics and radar systems.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reportedly postponed a cabinet meeting to accommodate Starmer's visit, signaling the importance Ankara places on both the defense deal and broader bilateral relations. The timing is particularly significant for Turkey's Air Force, which urgently requires a stopgap solution as its fleet becomes increasingly outdated while awaiting the domestically produced Kaan fifth-generation fighter jet, expected to enter service in 2028.
Photo: TRT
To accelerate aircraft availability, Turkey signed an agreement earlier this month to acquire used Eurofighter jets from Qatar, according to Turkish officials. Turkish broadcaster NTV reported that the UK would prioritize Ankara's order by delivering aircraft currently under construction for the RAF. A separate maintenance and modernization agreement must also be finalized to cover the second-hand Eurofighter jets Turkey plans to purchase from Qatar and Oman.
The Cyprus dimension of Starmer's visit adds significant diplomatic weight to the trip. Sources in Ankara told The Levant Files that the Greek Cypriot side's message, delivered through London, represents a possible breakthrough in the decades-long division of the island. The willingness to engage with new Turkish Cypriot leadership suggests renewed momentum for reunification talks that have remained largely dormant in recent years.
This marks the first time Turkish pilots will operate European-made fighter jets, as Ankara has traditionally relied on US-made F-16s and other American models. The dual-track nature of Starmer's visit—combining major defense procurement with sensitive diplomatic negotiations over Cyprus—demonstrates Britain's strategic positioning as a bridge between NATO allies and its continued influence in Eastern Mediterranean affairs.