Federation of Cypriots in the UK questions multi-billion pound Eurofighter deal with Turkey

The National Federation of Cypriots in the UK has formally requested that British Defence Secretary John Healey justify the recent multi-billion-pound contract related to the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey. Signed in London by Healey and Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler, the agreement involves UK-based training for Turkish personnel and support from major defence firms including BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA, Rolls-Royce and Martin-Baker. The Federation argues the deal may breach UK Strategic Export Licence Criteria and Britain's commitments under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee. Critics cite Turkey's military presence in northern Cyprus and recent airspace violations as evidence of potential security risks to the Republic of Cyprus. The Federation further notes that supplying advanced combat aircraft could contradict international resolutions regarding the status of the island. Conversely, the British government maintains that the partnership strengthens NATO’s combat capabilities on its eastern flank and represents a significant phase in Turkey’s participation in the Eurofighter programme. The Federation has called for guarantees that the provided military equipment will not be used to strengthen the Turkish presence in northern Cyprus.