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A senior German defense official has urged Berlin to consider purchasing Turkish-made drones, signaling a potential shift in Germany’s defense policy as it strengthens military capabilities after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, DW Turkish reported Thursday.
The official from Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) said Türkiye is a “strong and capable NATO partner” and that cooperation would benefit both sides.
“Despite our differences, when we talk about Türkiye, we are talking about a militarily strong NATO ally,” the official said.
The war in Ukraine has pushed Germany to boost its defense spending and production. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government has launched a major rearmament program, while companies like Rheinmetall have seen profits soar since 2022.
Analyst Caglar Kurc told DW Turkish that NATO’s production capacity remains insufficient and that Türkiye’s defense industry could help fill the gap.
“While Europe is still trying to realize the Eurodrone project, Türkiye already has at least two equivalent systems for almost every mission,” he said.
Relations between the two countries have recently improved. During his visit to Ankara, Merz discussed defense cooperation with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who said both sides should “focus on joint projects.”
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also praised Türkiye as a “reliable and central NATO partner.”
Türkiye’s Bayraktar TB2 drones, produced by Baykar, have gained international recognition after being used in Ukraine and other conflict zones.
Germany’s Hensoldt sensors are already integrated into Bayraktar systems, according to German defense expert Benedikt Meng, who said Türkiye has “developed an impressive knowledge base” in drone technology.
Under an agreement signed earlier this year, Turkish company Repkon will produce 155-millimeter artillery shells in Germany starting in 2027.
In June, Baykar and Italy’s Leonardo also launched a joint venture, LBA Systems, to develop new unmanned technologies.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Türkiye aims to join the EU’s new Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defense initiative, noting its role as a critical security provider.
“It is of great importance that Türkiye is included in the EU’s defense and security initiatives,” he said during a visit to Helsinki.
Analysts say Germany’s interest in Turkish drones highlights a more pragmatic approach to defense cooperation within NATO as Europe seeks cost-effective, battle-tested technologies.
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