Turkey is hoping that its hosting of the upcoming NATO summit will cement its rise as a key European security partner, building on the rapid growth of its defence industry despite resistance from some allies. The two-day summit, which opens on Tuesday, will feature the Defence Industry Forum, where around 3,500 companies will showcase Turkey's burgeoning defence technologies.
Turkey's Growing Defence Industry
Turkey boasts NATO's second-largest army, with 355,000 troops and another 378,000 reservists. Its defence industry has seen significant growth over the past decade, ranking 11th in the world and accounting for 1.8 percent of the global arms market, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Exports grew by 48 percent in 2025, up from 29 percent the previous year.
Push for Strategic Partnership
Despite its growing capabilities, Turkey's desire to switch from being a supplier to a strategic partner has been held in check. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been pushing for Turkey's inclusion in all of Europe's defence and security structures, particularly the EU's 150-billion-euro SAFE programme. However, Turkey has been largely excluded from Europe-wide programmes and projects.
Challenges and Geopolitical Context
Ankara's long-term reliability with European technology is questioned by some allies, particularly due to Turkey's acquisition of a Russian S-400 air-defence system in 2017, which alarmed NATO partners. Additionally, Turkey's military operations in Syria and Libya, along with tensions with Greece and Cyprus, have strained relations. Despite efforts to improve ties, particularly with support for Kyiv, the S-400 issue remains a significant stumbling block.
Current Defence Ties and Future Prospects
Turkey has forged deep defence ties with several EU countries, including Spain, Romania, Poland, and Italy. Notably, Turkish drone maker Baykar has acquired Italy's Piaggio Aerospace and partnered with defence giant Leonardo. Outside the EU, Britain is cooperating with Turkey's KAAN project to build a fifth-generation stealth fighter. Ankara hopes that the NATO summit will help unblock delivery of US-made jet engines for this project.
Why This Matters
For Bangladesh, Turkey's growing defence industry and its strategic ambitions within NATO and the EU offer valuable insights into the dynamics of international defence cooperation. As a nation with its own security concerns and defence industry aspirations, Bangladesh can learn from Turkey's efforts to balance regional tensions while pursuing technological and strategic partnerships.
