The President of the Defense Industry (SSB), Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. After the meeting, Görgün made statements detailing Turkey’s progress in the defense industry and potential collaboration opportunities with NATO.
Reference to Rutte’s Visit to TUSAŞ
Görgün mentioned that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, following his visit to TUSAŞ in November, has been closely following the dynamism in Turkey’s defense industry. He added, “The infrastructure we’ve developed in the defense industry creates a strong foundation for cooperation and interoperability within NATO standards.”
Localization Rate and Contributions in the Defense Industry
Highlighting the significant progress Turkey has made in the defense industry over the last 20 years, Görgün stated that products with an 80% localization rate are being shared with allies. He made the following statements:
“We emphasized that within the spirit of alliance, Turkey can make significant contributions to NATO in terms of industrialization and supply chain security. With our modular production capabilities and young workforce, we are ready to provide a sustainable process.”
Defense Industry Exports to 180 Countries
Görgün pointed out the progress Turkey has made in the defense industry, mentioning that last year, defense products were exported to 180 countries. He shared the following information:
- $7.1 billion in exports were achieved.
- More than 3,500 companies operate in Turkey’s defense industry, with 1,600 of them involved in exports.
- Technologies such as communication, unmanned aerial systems, and naval systems attract the interest of NATO allies.
NATO Events to Be Held in Turkey in 2025 and 2026
Görgün provided information about events Turkey will host in collaboration with NATO in the upcoming years:
- February and October 2025: Two major events in innovative fields.
- May 2025: Multidomain Operations Event.
- 2026 NATO Summit: The NATO Summit will be held in Turkey.
Increasing Cooperation and Bids with NATO
Görgün noted that recent NATO proposals and Turkey’s share of NATO contracts have increased, stating that this relationship will continue to strengthen.
“Turkey will further develop long-term and sustainable collaborations by sharing its defense industry capabilities more effectively with NATO allies,” he said.
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