Latest news with #fighterjets
The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
UK and Turkey set for Typhoon fighter jet deal
A major sale of Typhoon jets to Turkey is set to go ahead after an agreement was struck on Wednesday with the British government, and with Germany finally clearing objections to the deal. In the absence of an F-16 fighter export agreement with the US, Ankara will now progress with the purchase of up to 40 of the battle-proven aircraft that will be assembled in the UK. The move will also save the BAE Systems production line of Typhoons in Warton, Lancashire, that has been wound down with no further orders and its staff posted elsewhere. After two years of talks, UK Defence Secretary John Healey and Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Guler signed a preliminary agreement on building the fighters, at the International Defence Industry Fair in Istanbul on Wednesday. Negotiations to finalise an arms deal will continue over the coming weeks, but the UK will hope to secure its first major export order for Typhoons since 2017. The highly capable fighter-bomber is flown by several Gulf states, with squadrons fielded by Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain and a total of about 700 Typhoons built to date. Mr Healey said the preliminary agreement was 'a big step towards Turkey buying UK Typhoon fighter jets' and that the jets would 'strengthen Nato's collective defence'. Charles Woodburn, chief executive of BAE Systems which assembles the aircraft, agreed that the move underscored the importance of co-operation in Nato and 'the critical role Typhoon plays in security and defence in Europe and the Middle East'. The RAF's Typhoon, regarded as an agile aircraft, has seen active service across the Middle East, primarily targeting ISIS during its insurgency in Syria and Iraq. It initially saw action during the 2011 bombing campaign in Libya and is capable of carrying several ground attack weapons including the Storm Shadow cruise and Brimstone precision missiles. The Turkey deal, which could be worth $5.6 billion, had been held up by the previous German government's reluctance to approve export licences, allegedly for political reasons following Ankara's treatment of opposition figures. But Chancellor Friedrich Merz's new government had cleared the way for it following a positive decision by the federal security council earlier this week. Further progress had been made after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday, which Turkish government officials said had gone positively. After the announcement of Wednesday's preliminary agreement, Mr Starmer said that 'signing a multibillion export deal with Turkey' will sustain 20,000 UK jobs as well as 'keep us and our allies safer during these uncertain times'. Mr Erdogan said developments in the defence sector would positively contribute to co-operation between the sides, who are both Nato members. A defence industry source told The Nationa l that while staff had been allocated elsewhere from the Warton site, BAE had 'been in this position before' when orders had dried up and it would be straightforward to stand up the production line again if the Turkey deal succeeded. The UK Ministry of Defence also said the potential Typhoon exports would strengthen Turkey's 'advanced combat capabilities'. As the second-largest military force in the Nato alliance, the addition of 40 highly capable fighter jets will provide Turkey with an important upgrade to its air force. The $110 million warplanes are built by a consortium of Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain, represented by Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo, with the main production line in the UK.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Healey signs agreement paving way for export of Typhoon jets to Turkey
The Defence Secretary has signed an agreement paving the way for the export of Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey. John Healey and Turkish counterpart Yaşar Guler signed a memorandum of understanding at the International Defence Industry Fair in Istanbul. It comes after the German government reportedly cleared the path for the delivery of 40 Typhoon Eurofighter jets to Turkey. 'Today's agreement is a big step towards Turkiye buying UK Typhoon fighter jets,' Mr Healey said. 'It shows this government's determination to secure new defence deals, building on our relationships abroad to deliver for British working people. 'Equipping Turkiye with Typhoons would strengthen Nato's collective defence, and boost both our countries' industrial bases by securing thousands of skilled jobs across the UK for years to come.' More than a third of each aircraft will be manufactured in the UK, with final assembly taking place at the BAE Systems site in Lancashire. The Typhoon jet programme is a partnership with Germany, Spain and Italy. Germany's security council has signed off on a Turkish request to buy the jets, which will use German parts, Der Spiegel reported, and has informed Turkish and Greek leaders of the decision. The programme supports 20,000 jobs in the UK. The RAF's own fleet of Typhoons is being upgraded over the next 15 years.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Boeing sends contract offer to union members
(Reuters) -Boeing sent a contract offer on Tuesday to union members who assemble its fighter jets in the St. Louis area. The company's proposal includes a 20% general wage increase over four years and a $5,000 ratification bonus, as well as more vacation time and sick leave. Local union leaders are recommending that the more than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837 approve the contract when they vote on Sunday, the day it expires. Boeing's defense division is expanding manufacturing facilities in the St. Louis area for the new U.S. Air Force fighter, the F-47, after it won the contract earlier this year. The company is expected to expand its workforce in the coming years, as well. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Boeing sends contract offer to union members
(Reuters) -Boeing sent a contract offer on Tuesday to union members who assemble its fighter jets in the St. Louis area. The company's proposal includes a 20% general wage increase over four years and a $5,000 ratification bonus, as well as more vacation time and sick leave. Local union leaders are recommending that the more than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837 approve the contract when they vote on Sunday, the day it expires. Boeing's defense division is expanding manufacturing facilities in the St. Louis area for the new U.S. Air Force fighter, the F-47, after it won the contract earlier this year. The company is expected to expand its workforce in the coming years, as well. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Reuters
3 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Boeing sends contract offer to union members
July 22 (Reuters) - Boeing (BA.N), opens new tab sent a contract offer on Tuesday to union members who assemble its fighter jets in the St. Louis area. The company's proposal includes a 20% general wage increase over four years and a $5,000 ratification bonus, as well as more vacation time and sick leave. Local union leaders are recommending that the more than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837 approve the contract when they vote on Sunday, the day it expires. Boeing's defense division is expanding manufacturing facilities in the St. Louis area for the new U.S. Air Force fighter, the F-47, after it won the contract earlier this year. The company is expected to expand its workforce in the coming years, as well.
