Erdogan, Starmer discuss Eurofighter procurement, trade deal update

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday to discuss bilateral ties, regional and global issues, as well as defense and trade cooperation, Report informs via Daily Sabah.

The leaders reviewed recent progress on Türkiye’s potential procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, according to a statement by the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications.

The two sides expressed optimism that developments in this area would further strengthen defense cooperation between Ankara and London, the statement said.

Türkiye has been in negotiations to acquire up to 40 Eurofighters to enhance its air force. The jets are built by a consortium of Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain, represented by companies Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo.

While the UK has been eager to proceed with the sale and all manufacturing partners except Germany have expressed support, the deal has remained stalled for months.

But officials have recently voiced progress in negotiations.

Erdogan on Sunday said Britain and Germany showed a "positive" stance on Türkiye's potential purchase of Eurofighters, stressing that Ankara wants to finalize the acquisition as soon as possible.

On Tuesday, Erdogan also told Starmer that he hopes that negotiations to update the free trade agreement (FTA) between Türkiye and the United Kingdom would conclude within this year, the statement said.

During the phone call, Erdogan also raised concerns over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, stressing that deaths from starvation could not be prevented and that immediate and unhindered access to humanitarian aid must be ensured, according to the statement.