Ankara: Trkiye signed an £8 billion ($10.7 billion) deal this week with the UK to buy 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets - a move Britain's defense readiness and industry minister says should serve as 'a good model for all NATO allies to follow.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Luke Pollard, in an interview, remarked that the deal would bolster the security of both nations and enhance their strategic alliance. He expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration between the two air forces, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in maintaining safety during uncertain times.

Pollard pointed out that this acquisition exemplifies how allies should react to global threats. As two robust NATO allies facing increasing challenges, he noted, sharing platforms and planes enables collaborative training, procurement, and upgrades over the years.

Ankara has shown interest in acquiring up to 40 multirole fighter jets produced by a consortium of four nations, but the deal was previously hindered by German opposition. With Britain, a key partner in the Eurofighter program, supporting Trkiye, the agreement was reached after extensive negotiations, overcoming a German veto in 2024.

Pollard highlighted the enhanced deterrence and interoperability within NATO resulting from the cooperation of the two air forces. He urged other NATO members to increase defense expenditure, referencing Russia's actions in Ukraine as a cautionary example. He noted that joint initiatives like the Typhoon deal improve defense investment efficiency by sharing platforms and fighter jets.

The minister also underscored the broader economic and strategic advantages, suggesting that the deal goes beyond mere hardware acquisition, opening business opportunities and forging stronger ties between the countries.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan praised the agreement as a significant step in Trkiye-UK strategic relations, foreseeing it as a precursor to joint defense projects. The British government hailed the deal as the largest fighter jet export agreement in a generation.

President Erdogan reiterated Trkiye's commitment to enhancing trade with the UK, aiming initially for a $30 billion volume, with aspirations to reach $40 billion. He and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also announced the initiation of the first-ever UK-Trkiye bilateral cooperation framework.