FT: How Türkiye became vital to European security PHOTO

The armed forces of Türkiye, a NATO member, are on the rise — and Europe, it seems, needs a well-armed ally to protect its southeastern flank from Russia, according to an analysis by the Financial Times on Türkiye’s growing importance for European security.

The article emphasises that with the decline in U.S. support and rising defence expenditures by European nations, Türkiye has become an indispensable partner for the EU.

It notes that Türkiye, which has pursued a balanced and consistent diplomatic policy in the Russia-Ukraine war, has also become a key player in international crises.

Türkiye’s military strength — something President Erdoğan sees as a tool to reopen talks on EU membership — is undeniable. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, a former intelligence chief, is now regularly invited to EU defence meetings.

The Turkish Navy controls shipping routes in and around the Black Sea, and its armed forces — comprising 355,000 active-duty personnel — represent the largest military on NATO’s European side.

While Europe struggles to assemble a 30,000-strong force to support Ukraine, the Turkish military — structured primarily for national defence but experienced in expeditionary operations after recent deployments in Libya and Somalia — could swiftly organise an effective peacekeeping mission if it chose to participate in such a framework.

“The Turks know how to use force, and are not afraid to take casualties,” one Western security official said. “Their counter-insurgency operations are good, and they have used drones in a way directly applicable to any surveillance operation in Ukraine.”

Türkiye’s defence industry is also thriving. While European countries scramble to supply Ukraine and replenish their own depleted arsenals, Turkish armoured vehicles, warships, drones, and munitions are rolling off assembly lines built mostly with domestically manufactured components.

State-owned defence contractors STM and ASFAT are building corvettes for Ukraine. Private firm Repkon has set up production lines for 155mm artillery shells in the U.S. and Germany. The first deliveries of the fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet to the Turkish Air Force are scheduled for 2028, developed by the state aerospace company TUSAŞ.

Moreover, drone manufacturer Baykar has recently entered into a joint venture agreement with Italy’s defence company Leonardo — a move that could help it expand sales in Europe’s fast-growing drone market, as well as to its current clients in the Middle East.

Drone warfare and advanced electronic intelligence have also played a critical role in Turkish military operations against PKK terrorists — who, earlier this week, agreed to lay down their arms and begin a potentially historic peace process.