Latest news with #YasarGuler
LBCI
4 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanon and Turkey discuss military cooperation in Istanbul meeting
Lebanon's Defense Minister, General Michel Mnassa, visited Istanbul at the invitation of his Turkish counterpart, Yaşar Güler, where the two officials held a bilateral meeting focused on strengthening military cooperation between the two countries. According to a statement from the Lebanese Defense Ministry's media office, the talks emphasized the importance of exchanging expertise and advancing defense ties in line with shared interests. The visit was described as a key step in Lebanon's efforts to engage with international military experiences and enhance the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces. The ministry added that this initiative reflects the Defense Ministry's commitment to staying informed on global developments in the defense sector, especially amid ongoing regional security challenges.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Turkey nears Eurofighter jet purchase after agreement from UK, Germany
Find out what's new on ST website and app. British Defence Secretary John Healey (left) and Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler at a signing ceremony for the jets, in Istanbul on July 23. ISTANBUL - Turkey reached deals with Nato allies Britain and Germany on July 23 that pave the way to acquiring dozens of Eurofighter Typhoon jets, which Ankara has sought to bolster defences in an increasingly volatile region. Britain signed a preliminary deal allowing Ankara to operate the jets while Germany approved delivery of 40 of them to Turkey, which has relied on both foreign purchases and its own defence industry projects, including domestic jets, to ramp up deterrence. Beyond the Eurofighters, Ankara is also in talks with Washington to purchase 40 F-16s. Israel's attacks on regional countries, including its 12-day conflict with Turkey's neighbour Iran and more recent strikes on another neighbour, Syria, have unnerved Ankara, prompting a push for rapid armament in order to counter any potential threats. Turkey has been in talks since 2023 to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoons, which are built by a consortium of Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain, represented by Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo. Speaking at a signing ceremony with British Defence Secretary John Healey in Istanbul, Defence Minister Yasar Guler said the deal brought Turkey 'one step closer to a fully comprehensive agreement' on the jets, adding it would also strengthen Nato and Turkey's aerial capabilities. 'We welcome this positive step toward our country joining the Eurofighter Typhoon club, and want to reiterate our mutual ambition to complete the necessary arrangements as soon as possible,' he said. Mr Guler also told reporters that the composition of the planned acquisition was for 40 jets but that different options were being considered. New lease of life for BAE UK factory Separately, the German government - initially opposed to the sale - has cleared the way for the delivery, a government spokesperson said. Spiegel news magazine reported earlier on July 23 that the government's Federal Security Council, which decides on arms export licences based on legal and foreign policy considerations, had made a positive decision on the order for 40 jets. 'I can only confirm that the Ministry of Defence has sent a written confirmation to the Turkish government confirming that the export has been approved,' a government spokesperson said, when asked about the report at a regular press conference in Berlin. The agreements come after weeks of positive statements from Ankara and the Eurofighter consortium on the sale, with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan praising the German and British stance on the issue this week. Britain said negotiations with Turkey over an ultimate sale will continue over the coming weeks. The deal would be the first export order secured by Britain for the jet since 2017 and would give a new lease of life to the final assembly line at BAE's factory in northern England. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the multi-billion dollar agreement with Turkey would 'sustain and protect 20,000 UK jobs for future years to come', while an official at BAE Systems said last week the company was confident of winning new orders from countries, including Turkey. REUTERS
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
CJCSC attends IDEF-2025
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza attended the 17th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF-2025) at Istanbul, Turkiye, a globally renowned event that highlights cutting-edge innovations and advancements in the defence sector. On the sidelines, the CJCSC held separate meetings with General (Retd) Yasar Guler, Minister of National Defence of Turkiye, Colonel General Hasanov Zakir Asgar Oglu, Minister of Defence of Azerbaijan, Gurbanov Agil Salim Oglu, Deputy Minister of Defence Azerbaijan and General Metin Gurak, Chief of Turkish General Staff, said a news release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) here Wednesday. Discussions were held on variety of issues of bilateral military cooperation with emphasis on importance of expanding cooperation in the fields of defence and security. The dignitaries reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening strategic partnerships and enhancing defence corporation in line with dictates of future geo-strategic environment and technological advancements. The dignitaries praised the professionalism, operational excellence, and sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces in the fight against terrorism, recognizing their significant contributions to regional and global peace and stability.
Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Times
BAE Systems boosted by Turkish order for up to 40 jet fighters
Turkey has struck a deal with the British government to buy up to 40 Typhoon combat aircraft, a move that should see work restart at BAE Systems' final assembly line for the planes at Warton in Lancashire. A memorandum was signed on Wednesday at a defence trade show in Istanbul by John Healey, the defence secretary, and the Turkish defence minister Yasar Guler. Turkey first discussed buying the aircraft three years ago, but the sale was blocked by the German government over concerns about Turkey's foreign policy. • Jailed Turkish opponent 'begs' Berlin to lift ban on fighter jet sale Germany — a member of the four-nation Eurofighter consortium that makes the Typhoon, along with the UK, Italy and Spain — has now dropped its veto. A statement from the British and Turkish government said the deal 'codifies the relationship between the countries, taking them one step closer to a full agreement on Typhoon'. This month BAE Systems demonstrated an improved cockpit display for the Typhoon PHIL NOBLE/REUTERS Turkey has been eager to re-equip its air force. Last year it signed a $23 billion deal with the United States for 40 new F-16 jets and upgrades to its existing fleet of the aircraft. The upgrade package was later ditched. A deal to buy a more advanced combat aircraft, the F-35, was blocked by the Pentagon after Turkey purchased Russian-made air defence systems. A deal for 40 Typhoons would be worth about £2.8 billion for the aircraft alone, with the value of the contract likely to be taken higher with provision for training, spares and support. Work at Warton stopped earlier this year after the completion of aircraft for export to Qatar, and staff were sent to other operations and Royal Air Force stations. The union Unite warned that a lack of UK orders for Typhoon was putting valuable aerospace skills at risk. The RAF has 137 of the aircraft, and is in the process of retiring its oldest 'Tranche 1' models. It last placed an order for Typhoon in 2009. Last month's strategic defence review prioritised the purchase of 12 F-35A planes instead. BAE Systems, whose shares are up nearly 50 per cent in the past year on hopes of rising defence spending, welcomed the agreement with Turkey. Chief executive Charles Woodburn said it underscored 'the critical role Typhoon plays in security and defence in Europe and the Middle East.' Although Typhoon has lost out to the F-35 in recent tenders, BAE Systems still has hopes for more export deals. Saudi Arabia, which operates 71 of the aircraft, has proposed buying another 48, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a memorandum for the new planes on a state visit to the UK in 2018. • Captured: moment seagull hits 600mph Typhoon at air show No final contract has been signed. Defence industry sources said the deal was not dead, but could be linked to talks on Saudi participation in the Global Combat Air Programme, which is led by the UK with Japan and Italy as partners. This plans to produce an advanced, stealthy aircraft to enter service in about a decade's time.
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First Post
6 days ago
- Business
- First Post
UK brings Turkey to Eurofighter club with a preliminary deal for Typhoon jets
Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler and his British counterpart, John Healey, signed a MOU during a defence industry show in Istanbul, according to the Turkish Ministry of National Defence read more Turkey, a NATO member, has long sought to purchase 40 Eurofighter planes produced by a collaboration of British, German, and Italian businesses. File image/ AP Turkey and Britain inked a preliminary deal on Wednesday for the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter planes to Turkey, marking a significant step forward in Ankara's goals to modernise its air fleet. Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler and his British counterpart, John Healey, signed a memorandum of understanding during a defence industry show in Istanbul, according to the Turkish Ministry of National Defence. Turkey, a NATO member, has long sought to purchase 40 Eurofighter planes produced by a collaboration of British, German, and Italian businesses. Germany apparently first rejected the transaction but eventually changed its position. Britain oversaw discussions on behalf of the group. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to a statement from Turkey's defence ministry, the pact brings the two countries 'one step closer to a full agreement on the Typhoon.' 'Both Ministers welcome signature as a positive step towards bringing Turkey into the Typhoon club and share a mutual ambition to conclude the necessary arrangements as soon as possible,' it added. Britain's BAE Systems, a part of the consortium, hailed the agreement and stated that it will continue to work with the Turkish and British governments to finalise the procurement deal. Turkish authorities have stated that they are currently negotiating price and technical details, having received an initial bid and want to submit a counter-proposal. Turkey is also looking to return to the US-led F-35 fighter jet program, from which it was expelled in 2019 after purchasing Russian-made S-400 missile defence systems. The US said the systems presented a threat to the F-35s. Turkey is also building a homegrown fifth-generation fighter plane, the KAAN, which is expected to be operational in 2028.
