Fighter jets deal with Turkey shows benefits of a coherent defence strategy, says Prospect

The UK and Turkish governments have signed an agreement that paves the way towards the export of Typhoon fighter jets to Istanbul.

Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon

Around 20,000 UK jobs are supported by the Typhoon programme and exports will help to secure thousands of those jobs.

Responding to the announcement of an agreement between the UK and Turkey on exporting Typhoon fighter jets, Prospect General Secretary Mike Clancy said:

“This agreement shows the importance of government leadership to delivering a coherent defence industrial strategy.

“For too long key capabilities and skilled workers have been lost by industry when programmes end, and there is lack of clarity about what work will follow. This potential deal would help bridge the gap for combat aviation until the Global Combat Air Programme fully ramps up.

“This clear, long-term pipeline of both UK and export orders is needed for every area of the defence industry, in particular naval shipbuilding.”