European governments and NATO member states are increasing their partnerships with the Republic of Türkiye for defence and security cooperation [1].
This shift occurs as European nations seek to bolster their own military capabilities amid perceptions that long-term U.S. commitment to the region is uncertain [1]. By diversifying their security partners, these countries aim to reduce reliance on a single superpower while addressing immediate regional threats.
Ankara is positioning itself as a central pillar of the continent’s defence strategy through the export of military hardware [1]. European states are increasingly procuring Turkish-made drones and warships to modernize their fleets [1]. These acquisitions are part of a broader trend of deepening ties that include joint counter-terrorism initiatives, and energy-security projects [1].
Cooperation is particularly focused on the Black Sea region, where Türkiye's geographic position and naval capabilities provide a strategic advantage for NATO members [2, 3]. Poland and Türkiye, for example, have sought closer cooperation on security and defence to strengthen their respective EU ties [3].
This trend gained momentum during a surge in defence spending among NATO members in 2026 [1]. The increased budgets have allowed European nations to explore new procurement options and strategic alliances [1].
Türkiye offers a combination of a large standing army and a fast-growing domestic defence industry [1]. This industrial growth allows Ankara to provide rapid solutions for military needs that might otherwise take years to procure from traditional Western suppliers [1]. The partnership reflects a pragmatic approach to security in an era of shifting global alliances, one where geographic proximity and industrial speed are prioritized.
“European nations are increasingly turning to Türkiye for defence and security cooperation.”
The pivot toward Turkish defence procurement suggests a strategic decoupling from total reliance on U.S. military hardware. By integrating Turkish drones and naval assets, European NATO members are creating a more distributed security architecture that leverages Ankara's industrial speed and strategic location in the Black Sea to hedge against geopolitical instability.
