NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described Turkey's defense industry model, which encompasses around 3,000 companies under the coordination of the Defense Industry Agency, as 'a structure that can be taken as an example' and announced that some allied countries have begun studying this system.
Speaking at the Defense Industry Forum held as part of the NATO Ankara Summit, Rutte emphasized that Europe is undergoing an unprecedented defense transformation since the Cold War. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Turkey is a critical partner for NATO and European security, adding that there are broad opportunities for close cooperation with Ankara within the scope of EU defense investments.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte pointed to the way Turkey's defense industry is organized, saying, 'I think this is an extremely interesting model. As far as I know, some allies are also examining it to see if they can implement it in their own countries. This is a fine example of an approach that encompasses all segments of society in the defense industry field.'
Rutte spoke at a panel organized as part of the Defense Industry Forum on the first day of the NATO Ankara Summit, alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
AROUND 3,000 DEFENSE INDUSTRY COMPANIES WORK IN CLOSE COOPERATION WITH EACH OTHER
Rutte noted that Turkey's defense industry is subordinate to the Defense Industry Agency, which reports directly to the president, and that around 3,000 defense industry companies—small, medium, and large-scale firms—operate in close cooperation with each other.
Rutte recalled that these companies primarily meet Turkey's needs and also export to the entire NATO geography and to non-NATO countries, adding: 'I think this is an extremely interesting model. As far as I know, some allies are also examining it to see if they can implement it in their own countries. This is a fine example of an approach that encompasses all segments of society in the defense industry field.'
'WE ARE UNDERGOING AN UNPRECEDENTED TRANSFORMATION SINCE THE COLD WAR'
Stressing that the current top priority is for the defense industrial base in Europe, Canada, and the United States to produce more, Rutte said, 'We are making progress on this. We are really getting to a much better point. We are seeing more production lines and more factories opening in Europe.'
Rutte also noted that production capacity should not be limited to ammunition, pointing out that Russia's entire economy is now shaped according to a war economy. He noted that even the automotive sector in Russia is producing for the war effort, and therefore Europe, Canada, and the United States must act in the same direction.
Rutte continued: 'The transformation we are seeing now is unprecedented since the end of the Cold War. Europe is taking on much more responsibility for the conventional defense of NATO and this part of NATO territory. Of course, the United States will continue to have a certain military presence, both nuclear and conventional. But we are now talking about a transformed NATO where the United States has a much stronger partner in Europe, a much stronger Europe than 4 or 5 years ago.'
Rutte stated that cooperation between NATO and the European Union has also led to a significant transformation, making the Alliance stronger. He said there is a clear division of labor agreed upon by the EU and NATO, adding, 'That is why we can reinforce each other's roles.'
'TURKEY HAS ALWAYS PLAYED A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE WITHIN THE ALLIANCE'
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen drew attention to the importance of cooperation between the EU and NATO, saying: 'EU member states and NATO allies have a single force structure. The same forces are allocated to NATO operations, EU missions, United Nations tasks, or coalitions of the willing. For this to be possible, interoperability is essential. Of course, in the current geostrategic and geopolitical environment, we need a massive increase in defense investments, and the EU is taking significant steps in this regard.'
Von der Leyen referred to the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) mechanism, noting: 'The SAFE mechanism is particularly important for us because it encourages joint procurement. Within this framework, 10 agreements with a total value of 100 billion euros have been signed. By design, SAFE is also open to partner countries. Up to 35 percent of the cost components can be sourced from non-EU countries. However, 65 percent must be within the EU. The reason is that we want to strengthen the European defense industrial base. We want these investments made with taxpayers' money to provide returns to Europe, create jobs in Europe, and support research and development activities.'
Von der Leyen reminded that non-EU countries can benefit from broader cooperation opportunities if they sign a security and defense agreement, saying, 'Canada was the first country to do this. So there is a very wide spectrum of investment and cooperation here.'
'IT HAS ALWAYS PLAYED A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE WITHIN THE ALLIANCE'
Referring to Turkey's role within NATO, von der Leyen said, 'It has always played a very important role within the Alliance. It is also of great importance for our relations with the EU.'
Von der Leyen noted that there is an opportunity to work with Turkey within the 35 percent portion of SAFE, adding: 'In addition, the 800 billion euros in investment foreseen by 2030 depends on member states' decisions on which areas to direct their own defense budgets. This offers broad opportunities for very close cooperation with Turkey.'
Von der Leyen underlined that the most important issue for the EU is to act in full alignment with NATO's defined targets, stating: 'We have a single force structure. We know where the shortfalls are, and we need to work together to address them in a cost-efficient manner. That is why the NATO Defence Planning Process (NDPP) is of great importance to us. This way, we can fill the gaps at the most appropriate cost.'
Pointing to the need to work closely with Ukraine as well, von der Leyen said, 'Because we need to develop our defense capabilities quickly, smartly, and at reasonable costs. Ukraine has successfully proven this under the pressure of war in recent years.'
