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The Greek newspaper Kathimerini reported that Türkiye's rapidly growing defense industry has freed the country from its dependence on foreign arms and made it resilient against potential weapons embargoes from NATO allies in the event of conflict.
In an article titled "Türkiye's arms boom creates a headache for Greece," the newspaper highlighted how Ankara's strengthened defense sector poses both military and diplomatic challenges for Athens.
"Türkiye's vibrant and self-sufficient defense industry has freed Ankara from dependence on arms imports and made it resilient against a potential arms embargo that NATO allies might impose in case of conflict," Kathimerini reported.
"On the other hand, Greece remains far from self-sufficient even in ammunition and is in a vulnerable position," the media outlet added.
The Greek newspaper emphasized that Türkiye's ability to use its defense industry capabilities to strengthen ties with European powers presents a greater concern for Athens.
"Spain and Italy are already maintaining comprehensive defense partnerships with Ankara, and other European countries are expected to follow this path," the article stated.
"Turkish defense products, including unmanned aerial vehicles developed by Baykar, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's son-in-law Selcuk Bayraktar, offer attractive alternatives for European partners during global geopolitical turbulence," the report added.
According to the report, Greek diplomats have repeatedly faced these challenges in Brussels and other major European capitals.
Kathimerini noted that Greece's defense industry has suffered a significant decline during the austerity years, with few exceptions.
"Although recent investments in advanced fighter jets, frigates and Israeli weapons systems have increased deterrence, they have not been very effective in revitalizing domestic production," the newspaper reported.
Despite some promising steps, the article acknowledged that Greece continues to lag behind Türkiye in defense capabilities.
The Greek newspaper characterized Türkiye's defense industry as both a diplomatic tool and a competitive partner for European defense companies.
"The Turkish defense industry today is positioned as both a diplomatic tool and a competitive partner for European defense companies," Kathimerini stated, adding, "For Athens, rebuilding domestic capabilities remains an urgent priority in an environment where regional tensions persist."
The article concluded that while Greece struggles with self-sufficiency in defense production, Türkiye has successfully leveraged its defense industry growth to gain strategic autonomy and diplomatic influence across Europe.
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