BAE Systems begins production of Turkey’s first Eurofighter Typhoon

Production has commenced on the first Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet destined for the Turkish Air Force. BAE Systems announced that assembly of the aircraft’s forward fuselage is underway at its facilities in the United Kingdom, while Airbus is manufacturing the center fuselage in Germany.

The project follows a contract for 20 Tranche 4 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, valued at approximately 8 billion lira, which includes mission equipment and ammunition. Deliveries are scheduled to occur in phases: six aircraft by 2030, eight by 2031, and the final six by 2032. Additionally, a separate agreement for personnel training was signed, with the Royal Air Force set to train ten Turkish instructor pilots and nearly 100 maintenance instructors.

BAE Systems Vice President for Turkey, Dave Ward, stated that the aircraft will play a significant role in the Turkish Air Force’s frontline capabilities and strengthen NATO’s combat air power. The Eurofighter consortium is also reportedly considering the potential sale of an additional 24 aircraft to Ankara.