Ankara: NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte highlighted the potential lessons NATO allies can draw from Trkiye's advancements in the defense sector, terming the country's progress as a 'defense industrial revolution.'
According to Anadolu Agency, Rutte's remarks came during his visit to Aselsan, a leading defense industry firm in Trkiye. He emphasized the rapid advancements Trkiye has achieved and noted the importance of accelerating defense industrial production alongside innovation. This focus, he said, will be central to the discussions at the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara.
Rutte stressed the need for NATO allies to enhance their defense capabilities, pointing out that increased spending alone is insufficient without boosting the output of critical technologies such as air defense systems, drones, ammunition, radars, and space technologies. He acknowledged the importance of celebrating increased defense spending but reiterated the necessity for NATO to learn from Trkiye's achievements to ensure enhanced security.
He also described the global security environment as volatile, with threats ranging from missile and drone attacks to sophisticated cyber threats. Rutte cited geopolitical tensions, including Russia's actions against Ukraine and China's military advancements, as sources of instability impacting Trkiye directly.
Highlighting NATO's readiness, Rutte mentioned recent interceptions of ballistic missiles targeting Trkiye from Iran, underscoring the alliance's commitment to defending its members.
Rutte praised Trkiye's defense industry revolution, with Aselsan at its forefront, urging the firm to continue its innovative efforts. He highlighted the role of a robust defense industry in securing Europe and North America, emphasizing the need for strong industrial capacity alongside military readiness.
He acknowledged the growing defense cooperation within NATO, noting Turkish firms' expanding international presence, including recent sales and operations across Europe. Rutte encouraged continued collaboration across the alliance, from Alaska to Ankara.
Rutte also commended the contribution of young engineers at Aselsan, noting their pivotal role in the industry's success, with an average age of around 33. He expressed gratitude to the engineers for their efforts in driving the industry's progress.
Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Ankara, Aselsan has become one of Trkiye's largest defense firms and ranks among the top 50 in the world. The company reached a significant milestone in January 2026 by becoming the first Turkish company to achieve a $30 billion market value.