Turkish Defense Sector “A Unique Opportunity for NATO”

WASHINGTON

The infrastructure of the Turkish defense industry is now ready to meet the needs of not only Turkey but also its allies, the head of the Presidium of the Defense Industry said.

Haluk Görgün announced in a post on his social media account that the Turkish arms industry took part in the NATO Defense Industry Forum, which was held as part of the NATO Heads of State and Government Summit in Washington.

He noted that the Turkish delegation continued important meetings and negotiations at the forum aimed at further strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence.

“As Turkey, we consider these meetings and forums, which will create important opportunities to further strengthen the capabilities of our country and our allies, to be very important,” Görgün said.

“Our defense industrial infrastructure, which we have built at great sacrifice as a result of the influence of our geography and the historical lessons learned over the years, is ready to meet the needs of not only our country but also our allies. Our defense industrial workforce offers NATO a unique opportunity in terms of both quality and cost,” he added.

Görgün stressed that Türkiye is a “great and respected” NATO member.

“Our arms industry, the rising star of our strengthening Turkey, will continue to maintain its presence at the most strategic points in the most powerful way. I hope that the summit will be a blessing for all humanity, especially for our country.”

The Turkish arms industry has exported 230 products to 185 countries in the last 10 years. The export value of this industry in 2002 was only $248 million, gradually increasing to $4.36 billion in 2022.

Four Turkish companies – Aselsan, Baykar, TUSAŞ and Roketsan – were included in the SIPRI list of 100 largest defense companies.