ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey and Britain on Wednesday signed a preliminary agreement for the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey, a significant step in Ankara’s efforts to modernize its air fleet.

While they may not match the stealth and sensor fusion of Israel’s F-35s, their deployment would still significantly improve Turkey’s operational flexibility and regional deterrence. While Turkey’s agreement with Germany and the United Kingdom for the purchase of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets does not constitute a direct or immediate threat to Israel’s air superiority,

The U.K. and Turkey signed a memorandum of understanding to allow Ankara to become a customer of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, paving the way for a multibillion-dollar order of up to 40 aircraft. Senior defense officials from both governments signed the deal in Istanbul on Wednesday, confirming a Dow Jones Newswires report published Monday.