Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called on NATO allies on Wednesday to remove restrictions on defense industry cooperation, arguing that closer collaboration is needed to strengthen the alliance.
Speaking at the opening of the NATO summit in Ankara, Erdogan said limitations between allies, particularly in the defense sector, should be lifted to allow broader participation in European security initiatives.
“Restrictions among allies on defense cooperation, especially in the defense industry, must be lifted,” Erdogan said.
“At a time when a model of cooperation based on common sense and reason is possible, excluding allies that are not members of the (European) Union would lead to artificial divisions in Europe,” he added.
Turkey pushes for greater role in European defense projects
Erdogan has repeatedly argued that Turkey should have greater access to European security initiatives, including the SAFE funding scheme, but Ankara has so far remained excluded due to political and policy differences.
Turkey, which has NATO’s second-largest army, has also expanded its role as a developer and exporter of defense equipment.
The Turkish president said that allies should take on more responsibility for the alliance’s defense while avoiding steps that could weaken NATO unity.
Ankara highlights defense spending plans
Erdogan said Turkey was on track to meet NATO’s target of spending 5% of gross domestic product on defense by 2030.
He also announced that Turkey had allocated an additional $24 billion budget for its “Steel Dome” air defense project, which aims to strengthen NATO’s air and missile defense capabilities.
The comments came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside Erdogan, said he would lift sanctions on Turkey and make a decision on a potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Ankara. Both moves are expected to face resistance from Congress.
