Cypriot federation in UK asks John Healey to justify Eurofighter Typhoon deal with Turkey

London, United Kingdom. The Federation of Cypriots in the UK has asked British Defence Secretary John Healey to justify a multi-billion-pound contract linked to the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey. The group said the agreement could breach UK export licence criteria and Britain’s obligations under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee.

Letter raises security and legal concerns

The federation warned that the agreement, signed last week, may breach UK strategic export licence criteria and Britain’s obligations as a guarantor power under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee.

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It said supplying advanced combat aircraft to Turkey could create “serious risks to Cyprus’ security,” citing Turkey’s ongoing military presence in the north, repeated violations of Cypriot airspace and waters, and the deployment of F-16s.

The federation called on the British government to provide assurances that equipment sold to Turkey will not be used to “perpetuate the occupation or strengthen Turkey’s military presence in Cyprus,” and asked whether Ankara had committed to not deploying the jets in violation of international law.

Details of the agreement and companies involved

The agreement was signed in London by Healey and Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler and includes UK-based training for Turkish pilots and ground crew as part of an £8 billion Typhoon deal.

Defence firms including BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA, Rolls-Royce and Martin-Baker are set to supply components and training equipment.

UK government position

The British government said the deal reinforces NATO’s combat air capability on its eastern flank and marks the next phase of Turkey’s entry into the Eurofighter programme.

What assurances, if any, has the British government provided about how the equipment will be used?