UK and Türkiye Sign Security and Defence Partnership

The United Kingdom and the Republic of Türkiye signed a new Security and Defence Partnership on July 8, 2026, during the NATO Summit in Ankara. The agreement was finalized following a meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

This partnership institutionalizes cooperation in response to the Euro-Atlantic security environment. It specifically targets the defense industry, technology, cybersecurity, hybrid threats, counter-terrorism, and space. The deal builds upon a Strategic Partnership Framework signed in April and follows a recent Turkish decision to purchase Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets from a consortium that includes the UK.

While the agreement emphasizes shared responsibility within NATO and an increase in defense expenditure, officials have not disclosed the specific scope of the pact or whether it includes mutual defense commitments.