27.10.2025 17:57
UK Prime Minister Starmer arrived in Ankara at the invitation of President Erdoğan. Erdoğan welcomed Starmer with an official ceremony at Beştepe, and the main agenda item for the two leaders will be the acquisition of Eurofighter jets. Following the meeting, it is expected that an agreement regarding the purchase of 40 Eurofighter jets will also be signed.
```html
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan officially welcomed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is visiting Turkey.
UK PRIME MINISTER STARMER IN ANKARA
The horsemen who greeted Starmer's official vehicle on the street in front of the Presidential Complex accompanied the vehicle to the protocol entrance. President Erdoğan welcomed Starmer at the main entrance of the complex. After Erdoğan and Starmer took their places in the ceremony area, the band played the national anthems of both countries.
ERDOĞAN WELCOMED WITH AN OFFICIAL CEREMONY
In the ceremony, flags and soldiers representing the 16 Turkish states established in history were also present, and a 21-gun salute was fired. UK Prime Minister Starmer greeted the Guard Regiment with "Hello soldiers." President Erdoğan and Starmer introduced their delegations to each other. Erdoğan and Starmer shook hands in front of the flags of Turkey and the United Kingdom on the stairs, posing for the press.
In the bilateral meeting, Erdoğan and Starmer will participate in a signing ceremony for agreements after a working dinner between the delegations and will hold a joint press conference. The ceremony will also include Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, Presidential Secretary General Hakkı Susmaz, Turkey's Ambassador to London Osman Koray Ertaş, Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, and Presidential Chief Advisor on Foreign Policy and Security Akif Çağatay Kılıç.
HERE ARE THE TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED AT THE SUMMIT
Critical issues will be addressed at the summit. In a statement from the Communications Directorate regarding the matter, it was stated: "UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will officially visit Ankara on October 27, 2025, in response to our President's invitation. The discussions will address the strategic dimension of Turkey-United Kingdom relations based on close alliance, as well as current regional and international developments."
EXPECTATIONS FOR SIGNATURES ON EUROFIGHTER PURCHASE
The most important agenda item of the summit will be the process of purchasing 40 Eurofighter fighter jets that Turkey has long awaited. After the meeting, it is planned to sign the agreement regarding the Eurofighter purchase process.
2 EUROFIGHTER JETS SENT
Additionally, according to reliable sources cited by Middle East Eye (MEE), it was claimed that to demonstrate the seriousness of the upcoming meeting, Starmer sent 2 Eurofighter jets to Turkey before his arrival.
GERMANY'S APPROVAL RECEIVED IN THE EUROFIGHTER PROCESS
The German government had also officially approved the agreement regarding the sale to Turkey. The Eurofighter consortium, which includes the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, announced that negotiations for Turkey's purchase of 40 fighter jets are ongoing.
WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF THE EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON?
The Eurofighter Typhoon, which Turkey is in the procurement process for, is among the most advanced fighter jets in Europe. Developed by Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain, this aircraft stands out as an important product of multinational defense cooperation. The Eurofighter Typhoon project is an initiative for European joint defense that began in the 1990s. The production and development process of the aircraft is carried out by three main companies: Airbus Defence and Space (Germany & Spain), BAE Systems (United Kingdom), and Leonardo (Italy). The Eurofighter Typhoon is actively used not only by the producing countries but also by many other countries, including Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Austria.
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a multirole fighter aircraft designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Here are its prominent technical specifications:
- Maximum Speed: Mach 2 (approximately 2,495 km/h)
- Range: 2,900 km (can be further increased with air refueling)
- Ceiling Altitude: 16,764 meters
- Engine: 2 × Eurojet EJ200 turbofan
- Radar: Captor-E AESA radar (in new generation models)
- Air Refueling: Yes
- Weapon Systems:
- Short and medium-range air-to-air missiles such as Meteor and AIM-120 AMRAAM
- Cruise missiles and precision-guided bombs
- 27 mm Mauser BK-27 cannon
VISIT TO TUSAŞ BY STARMER
On the other hand, in a post shared by the Ministry of National Defense (MSB) on its social media account, it was stated that after the welcoming ceremony at the Mürted Air Base Command, Starmer went to TUSAŞ with National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler to receive information about KAAN.
The post also included photos from the visit, which was attended by UK Defense Minister John Healy, Chief of the Air Force General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu, and Chief of the UK Air Force General Harv Smyth.
``````html
HE ALSO VISITED ANITKABIR
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, who is in Turkey for an official visit, visited Anıtkabir. Walking along the Lion's Road with his accompanying delegation, Starmer arrived at the mausoleum of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, laid a wreath, and paid his respects. After taking a commemorative photo and moving on to the Misak-ı Milli Tower, Starmer signed the Anıtkabir Special Book.
Starmer wrote in the book: "It is an honor to pay my respects to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the father of modern Turkey. England and Turkey have deep and lasting ties as strong allies and trusted friends. These ties will grow even stronger as we enhance our cooperation in the years to come."
After signing the guestbook, Starmer visited the Atatürk and War of Independence Museum, accompanied by the Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler and the UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey during his visit.
```