Gowling WLG advised UK MoD on landmark £8 billion typhoon aircraft export deal
Gowling WLG advised UK MoD on landmark £8 billion typhoon aircraft export deal
Gowling WLG is proud to have advised the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) on a landmark Government-to-Government export agreement for the sale of 20 Typhoon aircraft, representing a significant milestone in the UK’s defence and industrial strategy.
The deal, valued at approximately £8 billion, is the first major export agreement to be signed following the release of the UK Government’s modern industrial strategy defence plan.
Elizabeth Williams (Partner) at Gowling WLG, said, “This transaction exemplifies the very best of what Gowling WLG delivers—strategic, responsive and commercially astute legal advice on matters of national importance. Our team’s dedication reflects our commitment to supporting the UK Government in delivering its defence and industrial ambitions. We are honoured to have played a role in this landmark export deal.”
The firm collaborated closely with commercial teams in the National Armaments Director Group and MoD lawyers in Government Legal Department to deliver strategic legal advice, risk analysis and commercial insight across all facets of the deal.
James Griffiths, (Head of Commercial Exports and Sales) said, “Gowling WLG’s support has been exceptional. Their ability to mobilise quickly, navigate complex legal and commercial issues, and work seamlessly with our teams has been instrumental in bringing this deal to signature.”
The agreement was signed by the Prime Minister Kier Starmer following his visit to Ankara and is the largest fighter jet export deal in almost two decades. This export deal is a strategic win for the UK Government and a major boost for the UK defence sector. The Eurofighter Typhoon programme supports thousands of jobs across the country, particularly at BAE Systems’ Warton facility in Lancashire, and contributes significantly to the UK’s aerospace and industrial capabilities.
Gowling WLG has acted for the MoD for over 20 years, with a dedicated team who understand the politics of defence contracting, the approvals processes, as well as defence conditions. The team actively keeps up to date with the topics affecting the evolving global defence sector such as new technologies, geopolitical tensions, ESG matters, supply chain issues and talent shortages. Our global team offers pro-active, connected and consistent support across multiple international jurisdictions.
Gowling WLG’s Aviation, Aerospace and Defence team worked at pace and with precision to support the MoD throughout this complex and high-profile transaction.
The Gowling WLG team was led by Elizabeth Williams (Partner) and Head of the Aviation, Aerospace and Defence sector, included Taylor Love (Associate), Grace Kemp (Associate), and Stephen Kenny (Consultant), with specialist input from Tom Cox (Partner), Sean Adams (Partner), Andrew Smith (Partner), and David Lowe (Partner).
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