Erdoğan Pledges Stronger Defense Ties with Europe and Rapid Expansion of Türkiye’s Defense Industry

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced Monday that Türkiye will accelerate its national defense projects while deepening cooperation with European allies on a “win-win” basis. Speaking after a Cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdoğan said the country remains determined to strengthen its defense industry as part of the Türkiye Century vision, despite ongoing external challenges.
He highlighted the recent inauguration of the BMC Ankara facility, one of Europe’s leading production centers for tanks and armored vehicles, and confirmed that the first domestically produced Altay main battle tanks have been delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces, with plans to supply 250 units within six years. Erdoğan also pointed to advancements in air defense capabilities and recent agreements with the United Kingdom and Germany, including collaboration on the Eurofighter jet.
The president reaffirmed commitment to the KAAN National Combat Aircraft project and celebrated Spain’s approval to purchase 45 HÜRJET aircraft, viewing it as a sign of Türkiye’s growing global influence in defense manufacturing. “We are advancing not only for ourselves but for the strength and security of our region,” Erdoğan said.