Multi-Billion-Pound Training & Support Contract Signed for TurAF Eurofighter Typhoons
Marking the next phase of the landmark Eurofighter Typhoon program initiated in October 2025, a multi-billion-pound Training and Support Contract for the Turkish Air Force (TurAF) has been signed in London on March 25, 2026. The agreement was concluded between Turkish Minister of National Defense Yaşar GÜLER and UK Defense Secretary John HEALEY, marking a significant step forward in the bilateral defense partnership between the two nations.
At the official invitation of John HEALEY, Minister Yaşar GÜLER travelled to the United Kingdom on March 24, 2026. The following day, the two ministers held talks in London at the UK Ministry of Defense. The meeting began with a one-on-one discussion, followed by a broader session with delegations from both sides. Following the discussions, the ministers signed an intergovernmental technical and logistical support (Training and Support Contract) agreement covering the sustainment and operational support of the aircraft under the Eurofighter Typhoon Program.
With this agreement, Türkiye and the United Kingdom have entered a critical new phase in their defense cooperation. The contract establishes a comprehensive framework for training, sustainment, and operational readiness of the TurAF’s future Typhoon fleet, ensuring a smooth transition from procurement to service entry.
Separately, UK Defense Secretary John HEALEY visited Qatar on March 31, where he met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-THANI to discuss bilateral defense cooperation.
Program Context and Industrial Scope
The Training and Support Contract follows Türkiye’s October 27, 2025 agreement for the procurement of 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets in the latest Tranche 4+ configuration, addressing the Turkish Air Force (TurAF)’s urgent air-superiority requirement. Valued at approximately £5.4 Billion, the deal represents the United Kingdom’s largest fighter aircraft export in nearly two decades and marks Türkiye’s first acquisition of newly built combat aircraft from a non-U.S. supplier in over 50 years.
Under the procurement agreement, BAE Systems is responsible for manufacturing major airframe components alongside its Eurofighter consortium partners Airbus and Leonardo, with BAE, conducting final assembly at its Warton facility in Lancashire, and leading weapons integration activities. The program is expected to generate substantial workshare across the UK defense-industrial base, supporting hundreds of companies throughout the supply chain.
With this acquisition, Türkiye becomes the 10th export customer of the Eurofighter Typhoon, reinforcing the platform’s continued relevance in the global combat aircraft market. The core contract covers the delivery of 20 new-build aircraft, alongside a comprehensive mission equipment package, spare parts, and a range of air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions.
BAE Systems has indicated that it expects to recognize approximately £4.6 Billion in revenue from the program, including returns linked to its 37.5% shareholding in MBDA. According to the UK Government, the total value of the overall package could reach up to £8 Billion (approximately $10.7 Billion), with the remaining £2.6 Billion allocated to training, maintenance, and support. These elements had not yet been finalized at the time and were therefore not included in BAE Systems’ announcement in October 2025.
While the precise value of the multi-year, multi-billion-pound Training and Support Contract has not been disclosed, it is assessed at approximately £2.5–2.6 Billion, making it a critical pillar of the overall program. As prime contractor, BAE Systems will deliver a comprehensive sustainment ecosystem, supported by key industry partners including Leonardo UK, MBDA, Rolls-Royce, and Martin-Baker—reflecting the multinational architecture of the Eurofighter consortium.
Scope of the Training and Support Package
The multi-billion-pound Training and Support Contract encompasses a full-spectrum sustainment and capability development package designed to ensure operational readiness from the outset. Core elements include:
Delivery of spare parts and ground support equipment
High-fidelity training simulators
Pilot and maintenance personnel training
Electronic warfare (EW) capabilities
Engineering and technical support services
BAE Systems, acting as the Prime Contractor will also provide in-service technical support for an initial three-year period following the aircraft’s entry into service.
A notable component of the agreement is the human capital development framework. Under separate arrangements with the UK Government and the Royal Air Force (RAF), 10 TurAF Instructor Pilots and nearly 100 Maintenance Technicians will undergo training in the UK at the RAF Coningsby Air Base. This approach is designed to enable TurAF to establish an indigenous training pipeline and sustainment capability over time.
A central objective of the Training and Support Contract is the progressive development of Türkiye’s sovereign maintenance and support capacity. Turkish authorities have emphasized plans to conduct depot-level maintenance domestically, covering airframes, propulsion systems, and onboard subsystems once the aircraft enter service.
Building Indigenous Sustainment: The Role of 1st AMFD
As part of the Eurofighter Typhoon acquisition program, Türkiye is planning to establish a comprehensive Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capability at the 1st Air Maintenance Factory Directorate (1st AMFD) in Eskişehir. This infrastructure will enable the Turkish Air Force (TurAF) to independently sustain and operate its future Typhoon fleet, covering airframes, avionics, and propulsion systems, including the Eurojet EJ200.
As part of the Eurofighter procurement process, a delegation from BAE Systems visited the 1st AMFD in Eskişehir during the week of December 11–15, 2023. Despite an accelerated program, the delegation required two full days to tour the facilities—underscoring both the scale and technical sophistication of the complex. Following on-site inspections and detailed briefings by Turkish personnel, the delegation was reportedly highly impressed by the facility’s existing capabilities.
The 1st AMFD is expected to play a critical role in the rapid induction and sustainment of Türkiye’s future Eurofighter Typhoon fleet. This includes not only the newly built Tranche 4+ aircraft—scheduled to enter service from 2030 onward—but also second-hand Tranche 3A and Tranche 3 Typhoons to be procured from Qatar and Oman and expected to be inducted into TurAF service by the end of 2026 or in early 2027.
From a sustainment perspective, the facility will serve as the backbone of depot-level maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities, encompassing structural airframe work, avionics systems, and engine-level maintenance. Such capabilities are critical to ensuring high fleet availability and sustained operational readiness, particularly during the initial years of service entry.
Türkiye’s long-term operational concept envisages a phased transition toward full sovereign sustainment. During the first 3–5 years following induction, the Turkish Air Force is expected to operate under a support framework in partnership with BAE Systems. This transition period will facilitate the structured transfer of technical know-how and the development of indigenous maintenance competencies.
Over time, Türkiye aims to internalize all critical capabilities within the 1st AMFD, ultimately achieving full autonomy in the maintenance and sustainment of both the aircraft and their propulsion systems. In this mature phase, the 1st AMFD—working in close coordination with BAE Systems—is expected to function as a central hub for integrated logistics support. This will include engineering support, maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade (MRO&U), supply chain management, and comprehensive training solutions for both aircrew and ground personnel operating the Typhoon fleet.
Up to 36 Additional Second-Hand Typhoons from Qatar and Oman
To bridge the capability gap ahead of the delivery of new-production Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 4+ aircraft beginning in 2030, Türkiye is actively pursuing the acquisition of second-hand Typhoons from both Qatar and Oman. The current plan envisages the procurement of 12 Tranche 3A aircraft from the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF)—featuring the P3E(b) software configuration and ECRS Mk-0 AESA radar—and 12 Tranche 3 aircraft from the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO), equipped with the P1E(b) software standard and CAPTOR-M mechanically scanned array radar.
In parallel, media reports suggest that the Turkish Air Force (TurAF) is also evaluating the potential acquisition of an additional 12 Tranche 3A aircraft from Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) inventories. If this option is implemented, the total number of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to be procured will reach 56 over a six-year period (2027-2032). The first batch of former QEAF Tranche 3A aircraft are expected to be ferried from Qatar to Türkiye by TurAF pilots, supported by aerial refueling assets, following the completion of pilot and ground crew training and the establishment of the necessary operational and logistics support infrastructure in Türkiye. The first Typhoon squadron is planned to be stood up in Eskişehir. This transition phase—including training, infrastructure readiness, and aircraft transfer—is assessed to take approximately 12 to 18 months.
For Qatar, the implications are significant. The QEAF inducted a total of 24 Tranche 3A Typhoons—comprising 20 single-seat and four twin-seat aircraft—between 2022 and 2025 (last 2 aircraft). A full transfer of these aircraft to Türkiye would effectively mean divesting its entire Typhoon fleet, including associated infrastructure, munitions, and spare parts, thereby closing the chapter on the platform within Qatari service.
The approximately £6 Billion deal signed with BAE Systems in December 2017 for the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) included not only the procurement of 24 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft and nine Hawk jet trainers, but also a comprehensive six-year support package and training through joint UK–Qatar squadrons. The package further covered an extensive weapons suite, including METEOR missile, ASRAAM, Brimstone 2, GBU-series munitions, Paveway IV 500 lb bombs, and Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Under this agreement, BAE Systems is set to provide in-service support to the QEAF Typhoon fleet through 2028.
In December 2024 during a visit by the Emir , Qatar announced it was “broadening our co-operation” on Eurofighter Typhoon and Hawk, the advanced jet trainer aircraft produced by BAE Systems which it operates. In response, BAE Systems said: “We welcome the ongoing discussions between the UK and State of Qatar to broaden their cooperation on the Hawk and Typhoon partnership. There remains great interest in Typhoon and we are currently pursuing a number of orders in the Middle East and Europe, in addition to orders placed by Germany, Italy and Spain. Our focus remains on delivering on our existing Hawk and Typhoon commitments to the Qatar Emiri Air Force.”
BAE Systems delivered the final Qatar Typhoon from at the end of 2025. With Türkiye’s subsequent order for 20 new-build Typhoons in October 2025, the operational continuity of BAE Systems’ Warton final assembly facility has effectively been secured through the end of 2032.
During the Ministry of National Defense’s Annual Evaluation Meeting on December 20, 2025, Minister Yaşar GÜLER outlined the delivery schedule for Türkiye’s new-build Typhoons:
6 aircraft in 2030
8 aircraft in 2031
6 aircraft in 2032
He also confirmed that negotiations with Qatar and Oman are progressing positively, highlighting that the aircraft to be acquired from both countries have very low flight hours, with the Qatari platforms reportedly below 200 flight hours.
The Qatari aircraft are expected to be transferred together with their associated munitions and support equipment, enabling rapid operational integration. In contrast, the Omani aircraft will require a comprehensive modernization package, including:
Integration of AESA radar
Compatibility with Meteor missile
Upgrades to avionics systems
These upgrades are expected to be completed by 2028, with work likely carried out at BAE Systems facilities in the United Kingdom.
According to a statement by the Turkish Ministry of National Defense on December 11, 2025, the first batch of 12 Qatari Typhoons is expected to be delivered shortly after the signing of a formal agreement, which anticipated in the first half of 2026, while the Omani aircraft will follow post-modernization between 2026 and 2028.
Given that the recently signed Training and Support Contract covers an initial three-year period, it is assessed that, in its first phase, the agreement will primarily support the induction of second-hand Typhoons acquired from Qatar and Oman. This will include training, logistics, and sustainment services necessary for rapid operationalization. Looking ahead to the introduction of new-production Tranche 4+ aircraft from 2030, additional Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) and training requirements will emerge. In this context, it is highly likely that the Turkish Ministry of National Defense will exercise an in-service support extension option, under which BAE Systems would once again act as prime contractor, ensuring continuity in sustainment and operational support across the fleet.
First TurAF Eurofighter Typhoon Squadron in Eskişehir
A single Eurofighter Typhoon squadron consists of 12 to 16 aircraft. In general, each Royal Air Force (RAF) squadron aims to have a minimum of 12 combat-ready airframes with as many as 16 total at any given time. The Turkish Air Force Command (TurAF) plans to establish its first Eurofighter Typhoon squadron, designated as an Operational Conversion Unit (OCU), responsible for pilot training. The unit is expected to be based at Eskişehir (1st Main Jet Base Command), although this has not yet been officially confirmed by the Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MoND). This squadron will operate 12 Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 3A (T3A) aircraft acquired from Qatar. All aircraft are fully capable of employing METEOR and ASRAAM Block 6 air-to-air missiles and are lightly used, most of which having accumulated fewer than 200 flight hours.
TurAF Instructor Pilots who will undergo training in the UK at RAF Coningsby will later train new pilot candidates on Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft within the domestic OCU squadron. These instructors will form the backbone of Türkiye’s Eurofighter training capability, ensuring national independence in both training and operational employment. Pilots transitioning to the Eurofighter Typhoon will sequentially complete Conversion Training, Combat Readiness Training, and Continuation Training. It is assessed that an experienced F-16 pilot can achieve Combat Ready status on the Eurofighter Typhoon in approximately six months.
For comparison, Turkish Air Force pilots sent to the United States for F-35A Lightning II training achieved solo flight qualification within three months and reached Instructor Pilot status in about six months. The transition process for the Eurofighter Typhoon is expected to be at least as fast. In contrast, training for maintenance and munitions personnel is anticipated to take longer, with ground crew training programs estimated to last between six and nine months. Training for pilots and ground crews assigned to the first squadron is expected to be completed by mid 2027.
A delegation from the Turkish Air Force Command visited RAF Coningsby on February 23, 2026, for a four-day working visit aimed at planning the initial training of Instructor Pilots and Maintenance Technicians who will serve on the Eurofighter Typhoon fleet. The visit formed part of the broader training preparation process under the Eurofighter Typhoon procurement program. The Turkish delegation conducted on-site assessments and coordination activities related to the training syllabus, infrastructure, and timelines. The training schedule was also confirmed by Turkish Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki AKTÜRK during a weekly press briefing held on February 19, 2026 at the Signal Electronic Information Systems (MEBS) School and Training Center Command.
“Within the scope of the Eurofighter Typhoon Procurement Project, a working visit will be conducted to the United Kingdom’s Coningsby Air Base Command between February 24–27 for the initial training of flight and ground personnel,” AKTÜRK stated.
This engagement represents an early and critical step in establishing the human capital foundation required for the operational introduction of the Typhoon into TurAF service.
Timeline and Industrial Execution
Production of the Turkish Typhoon aircraft is already underway across the Eurofighter partner nations, with final assembly to be conducted at BAE Systems’ Warton facility in the UK. The first aircraft deliveries are scheduled for 2030.
The program is also expected to generate significant economic impact within the UK, sustaining tens of thousands of jobs across the aerospace and defense supply chain, while simultaneously deepening bilateral industrial ties.
Strategic and Operational Implications
From a strategic perspective, the agreement reinforces NATO interoperability and enhances collective airpower on the Alliance’s eastern flank. The integration of the Typhoon into the Turkish Air Force inventory will significantly augment Türkiye’s advanced combat air capabilities, particularly in air superiority and multi-role mission sets.
For Ankara, the deal represents more than a platform acquisition—it establishes the infrastructure, expertise, and industrial linkages required to operate and sustain a modern fighter fleet independently. For London, it underscores the UK’s role as a key defense partner and exporter of high-end combat air capabilities.
Eurofighter Typhoon: Technical Overview
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a 4.5-Generation single-seat, twin engine, all-weather multirole combat aircraft with a two-seat variant. It can be used in both air defense (air/air) and air attack (air/ground) roles. Only 15% of the aircraft’s surface is metal, delivering stealth operation and protection from radar-based systems. It delivers both superior maneuverability at subsonic speeds and efficient supersonic capability to support the widest range of combat scenarios.
With the latest contract, awarded on October 27, 2025 by Türkiye 10 countries have now ordered a total of 770 Eurofighter Typhoons: Germany (201), Italy (120), Spain (118), the United Kingdom (160), Austria (15), Saudi Arabia (72), Oman (12), Kuwait (28), Qatar (24), and Türkiye (20), making the Eurofighter Typhoon the most successful European fighter aircraft program currently in production. 613 of these aircraft have been delivered. Including aircraft that have been lost or retired (Tranche 1), the number of Eurofighter Typhoons currently in active service is 562. Eurofighter Typhoons across the globe have now flown over 1.000.000 hours, a landmark achievement for one of the world’s most advanced multi role fighters.
The Eurofighter Typhoon remains one of the most capable 4.5-Generation combat aircraft in service, optimized for both air superiority and precision strike missions. Typhoon will continue in operation with air forces across Europe and the Middle East well into the 2060s due to continuous investment by Eurofighter partners ensuring the aircraft remains at the forefront of combat air superiority.
Technical Data (Eurofighter Typhoon)
Crew: 1 (single-seat) or 2 (twin-seat)
Empty Weight: 11.000 kg (24.500 lb)
Maximum Take-off Weight: 23.500 kg (51.809 lb)
Maximum External Loads: > 7.500 kg (16.535 lb)
Length: 15.96 m
Height: 5.28 m
Wingspan: 10.95 m
Wing Area: 50 m²
Take-off Distance: Less than 700 m
Landing Distance: Less than 600 m
Engines: 2 × Eurojet EJ200 turbofans
Maximum Dry Thrust: 2 × 60,000 N
Afterburner Thrust: 2 × 90,000 N
Maximum Speed: Mach 2.35
Supercruise: ~Mach 1.5 (without afterburner in clean configuration), Mach 1.15 – 1.3 with standard air-to-air missile loads
Brakes Off to 35.000 ft: M1.5 < 2.5 minutes (with a full Air-to-Air Missile fit)
Brakes Off to Lift Off: < 8 seconds (with a full Air-to-Air Missile fit)
At Low Level: 200 kts to Mach 1.0 in 30 seconds (with a full Air-to-Air Missile fit)
At Sea Level: 200 kts to Mach 1.0 in 30 seconds (with a full Air-to-Air Missile fit)
Service Ceiling: > 16.765 meters (> 55.000 feet)
Airframe Load Limits: +9 G / –3 G
Combat Radius: ~1,390 km (air-to-air mission profile), 2.900 km (1.800 miles) with drop tanks
Avionics & Sensors
Radar: Captor-E AESA Radar Family (ECRS Mk-0, ECRS Mk-I and ECRS Mk-II)
IRST: PIRATE infrared search and track system
Cockpit: Fully digital glass cockpit with HOTAS and helmet-mounted display
EW Self-Protection Suite: The Praetorian Electronic Defensive Aid Sub System (DASS) & Praetorian eVo Evolved DASS under LTE Phase
Armament
Internal Gun: 27 mm Mauser BK-27
Air-to-Air Missiles: METEOR, AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-132 ASRAAM, AIM-9 Sidewinder and IRIS-T
Air-to-Surface Weapons: Storm Shadow, Brimstone, Paveway-series guided bombs
Mission Capabilities
Multiple configurations of air-to-air and ground-attack payloads can be accommodated under 13 wing and fuselage stations, providing a highly flexible and mission-specific configuration.
Air Superiority
Interdiction/Strike
Swing-role (simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground missions)
Suppression & Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD/DEAD)
Strategic Attack
Close Air Support
Maritime Attack
