UK's Defence Secretary in Turkey and Saudi Arabia for talks on Middle East tensions

John Healey also looks to build on Britain's 'decades-long' defence ties with the kingdom

A model of a BAE Systems Tempest next-generation combat aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow, in southern England. Bloomberg

Britain's Defence Secretary has travelled to Saudi Arabia and Turkey to hold talks as diplomats work to “urgently de-escalate” rising tensions in the region.

But John Healey also looked to deepen the UK's defence relationship with the kingdom as well as look at potential future military deals.

He held a high-level meeting with Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman in which they discussed stability in the Middle East and reaffirmed Britain’s support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

While defence sources told The National that “no significant announcements” were expected from the trip, the Labour government is keen to continue its defence relationship with Saudi Arabia which has purchased 72 Typhoon fighters from the UK.

With the production of Typhoons for European countries coming to a generational end, Britain is keen to expand orders, particularly to Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar and Egypt.

Turkey is understood to be considering an order of 40 jets with government officials indicating that previous German objections had been lifted.

The Ministry of Defence said Mr Healey used the visit to reaffirm the UK’s “commitment to a future-facing defence relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”, where he also met with Minister for the National Guard, Abdullah bin Bandar in Riyadh.

“Deepening our defence relationships with key partners across the region will help the UK to support regional stability and economic growth at home,” Mr Healey said.

“This government is determined to work with our partners and across the Middle East to boost military co-operation and help lead a renewed push for peace.”

The UK government said Britain and Saudi Arabia share “decades-long” defence ties and Mr Healey’s visit will offer the chance to look at further co-operation including on Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 programme.

It was unclear whether the ministers discussed the kingdom's potential participation in building the sixth-generation Tempest fighter, that Britain is already partnering with Japan and Italy in the project, known as the Global Combat Air Programme.

Mr Healey first stopped in Ankara to meet Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Guler where officials disclosed that they “explored procurement opportunities, and joint export ventures.”

They also reaffirmed plans to work together towards greater military co-operation and pursue a joint strategy for industry, providing significant opportunities for mutual growth and security.

Ibrahim Dogus, founder of the Centre for Turkey Studies, said: “It’s common sense that Türkiye should be supplied with Eurofighter jets, provided certain conditions are met.

“Turkey is a crucial NATO ally, and its air defence must be maintained at the highest levels to ensure regional security and reinforce the alliance’s borders. With so much instability in the region, it is vital for NATO partners to collaborate closely.

"This potential deal could significantly boost military cooperation and industrial ties between Turkey and European defence manufacturers.

“However, as part of this strategic partnership, Türkiye should be encouraged to restart peace negotiations with the Kurds, a crucial step toward long-term stability.”