First in NATO history: Turkish general takes helm as Alliance's security director

For the first time in NATO’s history, Türkiye will be represented at the director level within the Alliance’s International Military Staff in Brussels—a significant milestone underscoring the country’s growing influence within the organisation.

The announcement was made by Zeki Aktürk, the spokesperson for the Turkish Ministry of National Defence, as per Caliber.Az.

Brigadier General Eray Üngüder has been appointed to the key position of “Director of Cooperative Security,” a role considered critical in shaping NATO’s external engagements and capacity-building efforts.

“During his term, our general will carry out essential duties in areas such as strengthening cooperation with NATO partner countries and international organisations, developing military policy to enhance NATO’s capabilities, and promoting stability beyond NATO’s borders,” said Rear Admiral Aktürk.Aktürk emphasized

Aktürk added: “The selection of our personnel for this important role should be regarded as a testament to Türkiye’s effective and active contribution to NATO’s mission." 

“As a strong and reliable NATO ally, our country will continue to support the peace and security objectives of the Alliance,” the spokesperson said.

Notably, the Director of Cooperative Security plays a vital role in engaging with non-member partners, advising on military cooperation policy, and supporting NATO’s broader strategic goals—particularly in zones of geopolitical instability beyond the Alliance’s immediate borders.

Türkiye joined NATO in 1952, becoming one of the earliest members of the Alliance during the Cold War era. Strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Türkiye has long served as a critical security pillar on NATO’s southeastern flank. The country possesses the second-largest military in NATO after the United States and plays a central role in regional crisis management, intelligence-sharing, and hosting key NATO assets such as the İncirlik Air Base.

In recent years, Türkiye has actively sought to expand its influence within NATO’s decision-making and operational structures, despite occasional political friction with other member states over regional policies, particularly in Syria, Libya, and the Eastern Mediterranean. Nevertheless, its contributions to NATO-led missions—from the Balkans to Afghanistan—and its investment in defence modernisation have reinforced its value as an indispensable member of the Alliance.

By Khagan Isayev