It may also be possible to transfer 1 squadron of EF-T1s for a symbolic amount in exchange for joint and comprehensive modernization of these jets.
Because:
- UK MoD has a number of other projects for which it is considering provide a partnership. A strategic rapprochement between the two countries is possible.
- The UK MoD failed to sell these aircrafts. On the other hand, although the airframe life of these aircraft is relatively good, they are in need of serious (costly) modernization. The presence of UK companies in this modernization plan and the profit from the logistics of the aircraft that will remain active for another 20 years will reach the initial acquisition cost of the aircraft.
- The Turkish side, which is working on numerous aviation projects and high-speed naval platforms(derivative engines), could possibly become the largest market for the UK aviation engine industry after the US; If the UK engine/aerospace industry can enter this market strongly.
- In any case, there is significant cooperation in the MMU program and it is expected to last for decades. On the other hand, Turkish industrial participation is an attractive option to maximize the competitiveness of the Team Tempest project in world markets.
- The EF T1 acquisition will inevitably pave the way for a very large T4 order. The Turkish air force is one of the most advanced in the region, and even the minimum purchase of fighter jets could easily exceeds the total inventory of many air forces.
- For political reasons, the very large role of the US aerospace industry in the Turkish air force is becoming a big question mark. If the US starts to lose this huge market, there is a potential of tens of billions of dollars for other aerospace countries.
TL;DR: you must lose a fly to catch a trout.
Tempset is supposed to enter service by 2035/40. At that time, tfx will be ( inshallah ) in full production with advanced blocks. However, the milion dollar question to me is, will uk, italy and sweeden transfer the IP rights of tempset and all of its associated technologies to turkey? If it is the case than it would be a very strategic gain.
But I think, it is very likely to end up more or less similar to another f35 program. ( I don't mean the expulsion, rather the actual share in core technologies )
My point is, of course all the cooperation and businesses on various levels between uk and turkey ( as you described it ) is very good.
but turkey should not enter any strategic ( in the most fundemental sense ) program with the europeans, in which it doesn't have the full control and the leading role.
Note, this is just my personal opinion. Don't take it too seriously.