Istanbul: Trkiye will be one of the key actors in the peace process between Russia and Ukraine, said NATO Military Committee Chairman Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone on Wednesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Dragone emphasized Trkiye's significant contributions to NATO, highlighting its status as the second-largest army in the alliance. He spoke at a news briefing following the 18th Conference of the Chiefs of Staff of the Balkan Countries, held at the Multinational Joint Warfare Center Command in Istanbul. Dragone praised the combat readiness, preparedness, and efficiency of the Turkish armed forces, describing Ankara as a strong and reliable ally.

Dragone underscored Trkiye's role as a fundamental element of NATO's strategy, actively contributing to missions like the Kosovo Force, which it is set to command starting in October. He stressed the importance of Trkiye to the alliance, noting that NATO's posture is stronger than ever, facing threats from Russia and terrorist groups. The alliance is enhancing its defense strategy based on lessons learned from Ukraine, preparing for changing threats in the future.

Trkiye's advancements in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were also highlighted by Dragone. He noted that Trkiye was among the first to recognize the importance of UAVs, which have proven to save lives in various military domains. Dragone commended the success of Turkish UAVs, describing them as combat-proven and strategically significant in air, sea, and land operations. He also mentioned the strategic importance of unmanned underwater vehicles for cost-effective operations.

Dragone expressed expectations for the defense industry to align with NATO's operational capabilities efficiently. He emphasized the need for the industry to become an integral part of the defense system rather than solely focusing on financial gains. The conference provided an opportunity for military leaders to exchange views and reach a consensus on ensuring the region's security and stability.