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Turkish Defense Industry head Haluk Gorgun signaled Türkiye's readiness to enhance cooperation with NATO and the European Union following the adoption of the European Security Action Plan (SAFE), emphasizing the country's strategic position and defense industry capabilities.
The Turkish Defense Industry Presidency chief outlined Ankara's contributions to NATO through both strategic alignment and indigenous capability development, highlighting the nation's technological innovations and defense sector achievements.
Gorgun emphasized Türkiye's longstanding role in European security architecture, stating, "Türkiye has been part of European defense since the 1815 Vienna Congress, even before its NATO membership."
The defense industry chief noted that Türkiye contributes to NATO not only through strategic alignment but also through indigenous capability development and technological innovations.
Currently, the Defense Industries Presidency manages over 1,100 active procurement and research and development programs, making it "the largest defense industry program management authority in the world in terms of program portfolio size and diversity," according to Gorgun.
Turkish defense exports reached a significant milestone in 2024, with Gorgun announcing, "In 2024, Türkiye reached the level of $7 billion in defense and aviation exports, crossing an important threshold. 55.4% of this total was realized to NATO allies and Ukraine."
The defense industry leader highlighted that 10 out of Türkiye's top 20 export destinations are NATO countries and Ukraine, demonstrating the country's position as "a reliable and strategic partner."
Gorgun proudly stated that Türkiye ranks as the world's 11th largest defense exporter, with approximately 75% of Turkish-produced defense systems being used by NATO forces when including deliveries to the Turkish Armed Forces.
The Defense Industries Presidency chief emphasized Türkiye's readiness to serve NATO allies, declaring, "With our production capacity, thousands of different NATO-standard systems, and the dynamism of the Turkish defense industry family with an average age of 34, we are ready to serve NATO."
This young and dynamic workforce represents a significant asset for sustained cooperation and technological advancement within the alliance framework.
Gorgun highlighted Türkiye's bilateral defense industry cooperation with European countries beyond the NATO framework, citing the A400M transport aircraft project as a prime example.
"Türkiye participated in the production of the A400M transport aircraft, one of the symbolic projects of Europe's goal to achieve independent operational capability, together with six European countries," he noted.
The defense industry chief expressed optimism about future EU cooperation, stating, "Considering our European Union candidate country status, we hope that the SAFE instrument will further deepen defense industry cooperation between the European Union and our country."
Looking ahead, Gorgun confirmed preparations are meticulously underway for the NATO Summit that Türkiye will host in 2026.
"We believe this summit has strategic importance both to show our strong ties with NATO to the world and to demonstrate the level of sophistication in our defense industry," he stated.
The upcoming summit represents an opportunity for Türkiye to showcase its defense capabilities and reinforce its commitment to the alliance.
Gorgun emphasized that Türkiye's production capabilities serve not only national defense but also provide sustainable solutions compliant with NATO standards to allied countries.
The country's defense industry infrastructure supports thousands of different NATO-standard systems, positioning Türkiye as a capable contributor to alliance security requirements.
The emphasis on NATO-standard production demonstrates Türkiye's commitment to interoperability and standardization within the alliance framework.
The adoption of the SAFE (European Security Action Plan) represents a new chapter in European defense cooperation, with Türkiye positioned to play an enhanced role given its candidate status and existing defense capabilities.
Gorgun's statements reflect Ankara's strategic approach to deepening both bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation with European partners while maintaining its strong commitment to NATO alliance principles.
The combination of established production capabilities, a young workforce, and growing export success positions the Turkish defense industry for expanded international cooperation in the coming years.
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