- UK-Türkiye industrial relationship strengthened following the
landmark £8 billion Typhoon export agreement.
- Visit underscores importance of alliances and partnerships in
this new era for defence.
Defence Minister has completed a four-country
tour reaffirming Britain's commitment to Euro-Atlantic security,
defence partnerships, and regional stability.
Earlier this week in Podgorica, met with Prime Minister Spajić
and Defence Minister Krapović. Discussions in Montenegro
covered NATO, defence modernisation, and Ukraine support.
2026 is the 20th anniversary of Montenegro's independence
and the visit provided an opportunity to both expand our
partnership and mark this important milestone for our NATO Ally.
Visiting Serbia, laid a wreath at the
Commonwealth War Cemetery, honouring the shared sacrifice that
underpins the UK's enduring commitment to the region. He met
Assistant Minister for Defence, Nenad Miloradović, Assistant
Minister for Defence Policy, Predrag Bandić, and Chief of General
Staff General Mojsilović.
In Kosovo, visited UK personnel serving
with NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR) at Camp Novo Selo. KFOR is an
international peacekeeping force focused on maintaing security
and stability for all peoples of Kosovo.
The Minister also met Kosovo's Minister for Defence to discuss
support for the Kosovo Security Force's and their alignmemt with
NATO standards, underlining the UK's long-term commitment to
peace and security in the region.
The tour concluded in Istanbul at SAHA 2026, Türkiye's premier
defence and aerospace exhibition. held senior meetings with
Turkish political, military, and industry leaders.
Building on the recent landmark £8 billion Typhoon agreement,
Lord Coaker's visit is part of an enduring and strengthening
UK-Türkiye defence partnership.
Defence Minister said:
Our partnerships are our strategic strength and my meetings
with friends and allies this week show the importance of
deepening defence cooperation, and standing together as
increasing threats challenge our security and stability.
That spirit of stronger cooperation extends to our defence
industries, including our Typhoon exports to Turkey. Working with
trusted allies boosts British businesses, drives innovation and
supports highly skilled jobs at home.
By investing in these partnerships abroad, we strengthen our own
capabilities and security at home.
engaged with some of the UK's
defence businesses including BAE Systems, Airbus, and
Rolls-Royce.
The visit supports the build up to the NATO Summit in Ankara in
July.
