Ministry of National Defense announces: Eurofighter agreement between Turkey and the UK

The Ministry of National Defense held its weekly press briefing.

Following the previous agreement for the procurement of 20 aircraft within the scope of the Eurofighter Typhoon project, a technical and logistical support agreement regarding the maintenance and operation of the aircraft was signed in London, the capital of the United Kingdom. The agreement, signed by Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler and UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey, covers pilot and technical personnel training, spare parts supply, simulators, and ground support systems. The manufacturer will also provide technical support for the first three years.

The statement also noted that, in line with the decision to terminate the NATO Mission in Iraq, Turkish Armed Forces personnel serving in Baghdad have been evacuated to Turkey, and support has been provided for the withdrawal of allied elements.

The statements made by the Ministry of National Defense are as follows:

"Our Turkish Armed Forces continue to contribute to the establishment of peace and the maintenance of stability across a wide geography within the scope of international missions and bilateral relations. In the context of recent developments in our region, it has been decided by NATO authorities to withdraw the “NATO Mission in Iraq”.

In line with this decision, the evacuation of our Turkish Armed Forces personnel serving in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, to our country has been successfully carried out. Within the scope of the withdrawal plan conducted by NATO, support has also been provided by our country for the evacuation activities of Allied country personnel.

EUROFIGHTER TECHNICAL AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT AGREEMENT

The contract regarding the purchase of 20 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, equipment, and ammunition within the scope of the Eurofighter Typhoon Project was signed in October 2025 by our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Mr. Keir Starmer.

A technical and logistical support agreement for the maintenance and operation of the aircraft within the scope of the Eurofighter Typhoon Project was signed yesterday in London by our Minister of National Defense, Mr. Yaşar Güler, and the UK Secretary of State for Defence, Mr. John Healey.

The contract covers training for pilots and instructor pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, electronic warfare and system administrators, as well as spare parts, simulators, test equipment, and ground support devices.

Technical support services will also be provided by the manufacturer for the first three-year period from the time the aircraft enter service.

UNMANNED SURFACE VEHICLE (USV) FOUND ON THE ORDU COAST

On March 21, 2026, an US-origin Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), which is assessed to have drifted to the shore due to currents following an engine failure, was safely destroyed by SAS Command teams off the coast of the Ünye district of Ordu.

The risks posed in the Black Sea as a result of USVs and UAVs, which are used extensively in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, losing control or losing their mobility, are being closely monitored. This situation requires attention and precautions in terms of maritime security.

In this context, it is important for all our citizens, especially our fishermen and seafarers operating at sea, to show maximum attention.

In case a suspicious object or a washed-up USV/UAV is detected, it should absolutely not be interfered with, and our security units should be informed without delay.

Elements affiliated with our Naval Forces Command continue their reconnaissance, surveillance, and patrol activities on a 24/7 basis to protect our maritime jurisdiction areas in the Black Sea.

Discussions are being held with our counterparts regarding not jeopardizing navigation safety in the Black Sea, and necessary warnings are being issued.

HELICOPTER CRASH IN QATAR

A helicopter belonging to the Qatar Armed Forces crashed due to a technical failure according to initial findings. The exact cause of the crash will be determined as a result of the investigation conducted by Qatari authorities. Our Turkish Armed Forces perform the testing, development, and training activities of the domestic and national defense industry products produced in the field, shoulder to shoulder with our engineers and technicians both domestically and abroad. This is a practice that has no example in any other country in the world and contributes greatly to the development of our domestic and national defense industry products.

SAFETY OF OUR ELEMENTS IN QATAR

The safety of the Qatar-Turkish Combined Joint Force Command and our personnel serving there is ensured at the highest level with additional measures taken in full coordination with Qatari authorities, taking into account current regional developments and increasing security sensitivity. No negative situation has been experienced so far.

PLANNED NATO MULTINATIONAL CORPS HEADQUARTERS

Our Ministry ordered the initiation of efforts to establish a Corps Headquarters within the scope of the NATO Southeast Regional Plan in 2023, and this intention was declared to NATO in 2024.

In this context, the 6th Corps Command has been tasked to meet the needs of the headquarters, which is planned to be established under the command of a Turkish general, and necessary appointments have been made to the national core staff.

Efforts to transform the headquarters into a multinational structure are being carried out in coordination with NATO authorities, and the approval process is ongoing as NATO procedures have not yet been completed. The headquarters does not have an approved logo.

The mission of the aforementioned Corps Headquarters is to support deterrence and defense activities in its area of responsibility by ensuring the integration of forces to be allocated to it within the scope of Regional Plans.

On the other hand, since the NATO Southeast Regional Plan, prepared within the scope of threat assessment, was previously approved by the Allies, the aforementioned Multinational Corps Headquarters planned to be established has no connection with the recent developments in our region."

News Source: 12punto