Latest news with #combatAircraft
Times
6 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.
Reuters
02-06-2025
- Business
- Reuters
EU approves British, Italian, Japanese joint venture for combat aircraft
BRUSSELS, June 2 (Reuters) - The European Union said on Monday it had approved a joint venture between BAE Systems (Holdings) Limited, Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd and Leonardo S.p.A., which will be the prime contractor and lead systems integrator for the Global Combat Air Programme. The joint venture will develop a sixth-generation combat aircraft for use by the governments of Italy, the United Kingdom and Japan, with the potential for other sales to other jurisdictions or government buyers in the future, the European Commission said. The companies have said they would each hold a 33.3% share and that the new firm would be headquartered in Britain and its first CEO would be from Italy. Separately, France, Germany and Spain are working on their own next-generation fighter project, raising concerns from some in the industry who wonder if Europe can sustain two decades-long programmes.
