Britain’s Minister of State for Defense Procurement Luke Pollard said Thursday that the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet purchase agreement between Türkiye and the United Kingdom will strengthen bilateral relations and serve as a model for NATO cooperation.
“This relationship is an example that all NATO allies can follow,” Pollard said, responding to questions from a state-run Anadolu Agency (AA) reporter about the agreement covering the purchase of 20 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft by Türkiye.
Pollard emphasized that Türkiye and the United Kingdom are two strong NATO allies facing an era of increased threats.
“We are living in a time of increased threats. To respond to these threats, all allies must work more closely together. This also increases our deterrence,” he said.
A Eurofighter Typhoon jet from the Royal Air Force Typhoon Display Team performs during 10th edition of Sivrihisar Air Shows in Sivrihisar district of Eskisehir, Sept. 20, 2025. (AA Photo)
NATO allies must increase defense cooperation
Pollard highlighted the benefits of common platform usage among allied nations, saying, “By using the same platforms, we fly the same aircraft, we conduct joint training, we conduct joint procurement, and we will develop the platforms together in the coming years.”
He emphasized that Türkiye’s acquisition of Typhoon jets will enhance security not only for Türkiye but also for the United Kingdom and NATO allies, noting, “Türkiye’s possession of Typhoon jets will make not only Türkiye safer but also make the United Kingdom safer.”
The agreement strengthens bilateral ties between the two nations, with increased cooperation between their air forces particularly noteworthy.
“Closer working of our air forces excites me even more. In such uncertain times, the way to keep our people safe, to keep our NATO allies safe, is to take action. Türkiye and the United Kingdom are doing this,” Pollard said.
This photograph shows the NATO or OTAN logo a day prior to a meeting of The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in The Hague, on June 23, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Defense spending must increase, says Pollard
Pollard stressed that NATO allies must increase defense spending to strengthen their militaries and deter aggression, saying, “Increasing defense spending not only makes our armies stronger but also serves as a deterrent against aggression toward us. When we look at what is happening in the world, when we look at Russia’s illegal occupation of Ukraine, we are facing new threats.
“While we spend more on defense, we must do it correctly,” Pollard noted.
He noted that using common platforms strengthens militaries while also advancing bilateral relations. Pollard also stressed that the Türkiye-U.K. agreement represents more than a simple aircraft transaction, creating new opportunities for companies in both nations.
“This is not just aircraft trading. New opportunities are arising for companies in both countries,” Pollard said.
Eurofighter agreement reflects deeper strategic partnership
Pollard underscored that the 20-aircraft Eurofighter Typhoon deal represents a deeper relationship than a simple commercial transaction, noting, “We are not just acquiring metal parts. We are strengthening a friendship.”
Increased trade between the two countries will create employment while deepening relations and creating a safer environment for all parties, according to Pollard.
“This increased trade between the two countries will not only create employment. This will bring us even closer and create an environment where everyone is safe. What is at stake is not just aircraft, but deeper relationships. This is the fundamental desire of both Türkiye’s President and the British government,” Pollard said.
Eurofighter Typhoon, the most advanced multi-role combat aircraft available on the market today, built by a four-nation European consortium. (Photo via BAE Systems)
Turkish indigenous fighter jet KAAN praised
During his visit to Türkiye, Pollard learned about Türkiye’s domestically developed KAAN fighter aircraft. “I am very excited about the possibilities,” Pollard said regarding the Turkish indigenous warplane program.
October 30, 2025 11:56 AM GMT+03:00