Union Calls on RAF to Procure New Typhoons Following Turkish Deal

The trade union Unite has praised the £8 billion Turkish Typhoon order but has urged the government to invest in new Eurofighters for the RAF.

On Monday, BAE Systems Lancashire military aircraft factories received a major boost with the deal to supply 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Türkiye, The Caspian Post reports citing foreign media.

It is the largest fighter jet deal in almost 20 years and the first new order for UK Typhoons since 2017.

Now Unite, the UK’s leading union - which represents thousands of workers at BAE Systems, Rolls Royce, Leonardo and other manufacturers in the Typhoon supply chain - has welcomed the announcement by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Its general secretary, Sharon Graham, said order is critical to maintain vital fast jet engineering skills, particularly in final assembly.

However, she is adamant that it remains imperative that the RAF also places an order for new Typhoon aircraft without delay.

Sir Keir said the agreement on Monday during a visit to the Turkish capital Ankara, describing it as “a win for British workers, a win for our defence industry, and a win for NATO security”.