Bloomberg: NATO’s balance shifts as Türkiye takes on bigger security role

Türkiye’s role within NATO is strengthening as European countries seek to reduce their dependence on US military support and expand their own defence capabilities, according to a report by Bloomberg.

The agency noted that Ankara is becoming an increasingly important member of the alliance thanks to the development of its domestic defence industry and the rapid growth of arms exports. Turkish companies supply NATO allies with a wide range of products, including drones, armoured vehicles, naval vessels, trainer aircraft and electronic warfare systems.

According to Bloomberg, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan intends to use the upcoming NATO summit to further strengthen the country’s position within the alliance. Ankara is seeking a more equitable distribution of defence spending among allies and the removal of restrictions on trade in military equipment.

Bloomberg noted that around 56% of Türkiye’s defence exports in 2024 were destined for the United States, European countries and other NATO allies. Since 2020, overseas sales by the Turkish defence industry have increased fourfold, reaching approximately $10 billion annually.

The report added that Türkiye’s growing influence comes as European nations reassess their security strategies amid a reduced US military presence in the region and the continuing conflict in Ukraine.

Several major defence industry agreements are expected to be unveiled in Ankara, according to sources familiar with the matter, as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has urged member states to delay pending announcements and reveal them during the gathering in the Turkish capital.

“Allies will demonstrate progress on building a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO,” Rutte said last month. “We need more forces, more resources and a much stronger industrial base.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada