Trkiye: Trkiye is no longer a country followed only for its defense products, but has become a defense industry ecosystem that international partners want to work with and co-produce in, Trkiye's defense industry chief said. Speaking to Anadolu about the Belgian Economic Mission's visit to Trkiye, Secretary of Turkish Defense Industries Haluk Gorgun said the latest engagement reflected years of trust-building, institutional dialogue and Trkiye's field-proven defense capabilities.
According to Anadolu Agency, Gorgun emphasized that the current status is not a result of mere days of activity but is due to ongoing contacts, mutual trust, and capabilities proven in the field. He stated that Trkiye is now recognized as a defense industry ecosystem that other nations are eager to collaborate with and engage in co-production.
Gorgun highlighted the robust delegation from Belgium, which included representatives from defense, aviation, technology, and industry sectors, indicating the growing international interest in Trkiye's defense sector. He stressed that lasting cooperation in defense requires trust, capability, and mutual benefit, rather than just goodwill.
Referring to Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken's remarks, Gorgun noted that Belgium considers Trkiye 'way ahead' in defense modernization and unmanned warfare capabilities, showcasing the international perception of Trkiye's advancements.
Gorgun expressed a desire for the defense industry relationship between Trkiye and Belgium to extend beyond simple transactions. He pointed out potential areas for joint development, co-production, cooperation in third markets, and joint solutions for NATO's needs. Trkiye's strengths lie in field-proven systems, rapid production capacity, and a wide industrial network, while Belgium excels in sensitive components, advanced materials, space technologies, and specialized defense electronics.
He underscored the rapid evolution of warfare, highlighting the significance of unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, anti-drone technologies, and rapid production capacity. Trkiye anticipated this shift early and developed a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing design, production, subsystems, software, ammunition, and maintenance.
Belgian officials visiting companies like Baykar, Turkish Aerospace Industries, Aselsan, Roketsan, and Havelsan observed not only individual products but also engineering expertise, production discipline, field experience, and rapid decision-making capabilities.
Gorgun remarked that the momentum between Trkiye and Belgium developed through a gradual process, citing earlier interactions with Francken during a NATO summit, meetings at IDEF, and the first Trkiye-Belgium Defense Industry Day in Brussels.
He noted that a recently signed Letter of Intent could serve as a framework to align institutions, companies, and decision-makers toward shared goals if properly followed up.
Gorgun described the global environment as a 'geopolitical pandemic,' where crises can escalate and impact the entire world. He emphasized that security cannot be imported and highlighted Trkiye's offer to allies for win-win cooperation, which strengthens each country's ecosystem while enhancing mutual benefits. He concluded by stating that Belgium is among the countries responding to this call.