A Belgian minister said the strength of Turkey's defence industry has impressed them and urged European nations to take note.
This admission highlights a potential shift in how some European Union members view Turkey's strategic autonomy and military production. As the continent seeks to bolster its own security infrastructure, the Turkish model of rapid industrialization in defence is becoming a point of discussion among allies.
Speaking during a live broadcast on NTV in Turkey, the minister said the scale and efficiency of the Turkish sector were noteworthy [1]. The official said Europe should learn from the methods Turkey has used to build its domestic military capabilities [1].
Regarding the specific impact of these capabilities, the minister said, "Bizi çok etkiledi" [1]. This phrase, meaning "It impressed us very much," underscores a level of recognition for Turkey's recent advancements in unmanned aerial vehicles and naval technology.
While the minister remained unnamed during the broadcast, the remarks reflect a broader trend of diplomatic engagement centered on security cooperation. The call for Europe to study Turkey's approach suggests that the Belgian official views the Turkish industry as a benchmark for rapid growth in a sector often slowed by European bureaucracy.
Turkey has spent the last decade prioritizing the localization of its defence procurement to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. By developing indigenous platforms, Turkey has transitioned from a primary importer of military hardware to a significant exporter of defence technology to other nations [1].
“"Bizi çok etkiledi"”
The comments signal a growing recognition within certain EU leadership circles that Turkey's strategy of domestic military production provides a viable blueprint for strategic independence. By urging Europe to learn from this model, the Belgian minister suggests that the traditional European approach to defence procurement may be insufficient for current security needs.
