By Özgür Ekşi
The Secretary of Defence Industries, Haluk Görgün, recently visited Brussels to engage in high-level discussions with NATO and European Union officials. His visit aimed to strengthen industrial cooperation, enhance strategic partnerships, and integrate Türkiye’s advanced defence capabilities into NATO and EU frameworks.
Görgün commenced his Brussels engagements at the Turkish Embassy, meeting with Türkiye’s NATO Ambassador, Levent Gümrükçü, and Permanent Representative to the EU, Ambassador Faruk Kaymakçı. During these meetings, Görgün emphasised Türkiye’s advanced defence capabilities and commitment to supporting NATO’s operational needs and strengthening the alliance.
In a statement shared on social media, Görgün detailed his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. He stated: “Our discussions focused on the contributions of our defence industry to NATO’s operational needs, the strategic partnerships we have developed with our allies, and potential collaborative projects for the future.
Our defence industry significantly contributes to the alliance's security architecture with its NATO-compliant, advanced technology products and proven solutions in the field. We are determined to strengthen further our cooperation, which is built on solid foundations.”
Görgün also discussed key figures, including NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) General Manager Stacy Cummings, European Defence Agency (EDA) Director Jiří Šedivý, and NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defence Investment, Ms Tarja Jaakkola. These meetings focused on enhancing defence-industrial collaboration and exploring potential joint investments.
Following his meetings, Görgün addressed the press at NATO Headquarters. He noted that over 50 per cent of Türkiye’s defence exports are directed to NATO member states, and the country is committed to deepening its strategic partnerships within the alliance. Görgün stated:
“Today in Brussels, I am pleased to represent Türkiye’s defence industry vision and to further our strategic collaboration with NATO allies. Türkiye’s defence industry infrastructure is capable not only of meeting our national requirements but also those of our allies.”
Türkiye’s defence exports exceeded $7 billion last year, with 27 per cent directed to Europe and 25 per cent to the United States. Products such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ammunition systems, land vehicles, electronic warfare equipment, radars, and unmanned naval systems feature prominently in these exports.
Expanding Defence Diplomacy
Türkiye has also undertaken significant initiatives to strengthen its defence diplomacy. In response to the growing defence budgets across Europe following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Türkiye has balanced its international outreach by focusing on the greater Middle East region, where strategic opportunities align with its defence priorities.
In June 2022, a presidential decree identified nine countries to host defence attachés, reflecting this strategic focus. These countries include Qatar, Pakistan, Brazil, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Oman, Bangladesh, and the United Kingdom. Thus far, attachés have been appointed to Azerbaijan (October 2023) and Pakistan (July 2024), while appointments to the remaining seven countries are pending.
This approach illustrates Türkiye’s effort to align with global defence markets and adapt to shifting geopolitical dynamics while maintaining a strong presence in both NATO and the Middle East.
Most European countries have financial resources, but they lack human resources and need time to reverse existing investments. By prioritising NATO and EU member states in its export strategy and expanding its defence diplomacy, Türkiye aims to position itself as a reliable partner offering cost-effective, NATO-compliant solutions. This strategy will enhance Türkiye’s international influence and support its ambitious defence export targets.
