Ankara: Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken has commended Trkiye's advancements in defense technologies, emphasizing the need for Belgium to enhance its military capabilities and focus on unmanned systems. Francken's remarks were made during the Trkiye-Belgium Defense Industry Day, hosted by the Secretariat of Turkish Defence Industries in Ankara.
According to Anadolu Agency, Francken highlighted the expanding collaboration between Turkish and Belgian defense firms, which has been strengthened through interactions among officials and industry representatives. He described the event as a strategic platform for networking, bringing together entrepreneurs and defense companies with promising business prospects. Francken revealed that Belgian and Turkish companies were expected to finalize seven or eight agreements, with discussions on additional collaborations underway.
Francken recounted his visit to Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar three years ago with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, noting the impressive technological capabilities and innovations witnessed there. He shared that the experience had significantly influenced Belgium's defense strategy, particularly in the realm of unmanned warfare. The minister stressed Belgium's need to modernize its armed forces and embrace innovative, unmanned capabilities, similar to Trkiye's approach.
Further, Francken announced a substantial increase in Belgium's defense budget by 60%, marking the largest rise among NATO allies. He mentioned the appointment of a 'drone general' to spearhead Belgium's military transformation, hinting at potential further budget increases to seize emerging opportunities in the defense sector.
Meanwhile, Secretary of Turkish Defence Industries Haluk Gorgun expressed optimism about the growing cooperation between Turkish and Belgian defense sectors, viewing the Belgian delegation's visit as a milestone for Trkiye's defense industry. Gorgun emphasized that the collaboration could benefit both nations and support joint projects targeting allied countries and broader markets. He highlighted the extensive scope for cooperation in Trkiye's defense industry, which comprises over 4,000 companies, and signaled potential announcements ahead of NATO meetings and defense industry forums.