6,000 Lancashire BAE Systems jobs supported as multi-billion-pound Typhoon fighter jet deal moves forward
Thousands of Lancashire jobs are being secured as part of a major new UK–Türkiye deal announced by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) today.
The multi-billion-pound agreement will see the UK train Turkish Air Force pilots and ground crew to fly and maintain Typhoon fighter jets, marking the next phase of the landmark £8 billion Typhoon deal agreed in October 2025.
Nearly 6,000 jobs at BAE Systems’ sites in Warton and Samlesbury — where production and final assembly of the Turkish Typhoon aircraft will take place — are directly supported by the overall programme, part of around 20,000 skilled jobs secured across the UK.
The support agreement, signed in London today between Defence Secretary John Healey MP and Turkish Defence Minister, Yaşar Güler, will see 10 Turkish pilots and nearly 100 ground crew technicians - covering mechanical, avionics, weapons and mission systems - trained in the UK.
More than a third of every Typhoon jet is built in Britain, with key production lines spanning Lancashire, Scotland and Bristol, alongside a wider supply chain of 330 UK companies.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: "This partnership does not just export world-leading British built jets, it builds alliances, grows our economy, and makes NATO stronger.
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“Türkiye's decision to acquire Typhoon is a vote of confidence in British industry and British jobs, and this agreement brings the UK-Türkiye partnership to life.
“As UK Typhoon pilots continue to fly defensive missions over the Middle East, I’m proud that Turkish pilots and engineers will train alongside our RAF personnel to strengthen our collective security - this is defence delivering for Britain."
Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director, BAE Systems’ Air sector, said: “We’re proud to support the UK’s partnership with Türkiye by delivering a trusted defence capability that deepens collaboration and reinforces shared security commitments.
“Türkiye’s acquisition of Typhoon strengthens this partnership and enhances the country’s advanced combat air capabilities.
“We’re delighted to play a key role in enhancing Türkiye’s readiness to operate the new aircraft through this training and support agreement with the UK Government.”
Typhoon remains the proven backbone of RAF combat air power, and Türkiye's acquisition signals growing international confidence in British aerospace capability.