Germany – Türkiye: Security interests overcome tensions? NATO defense cooperation takes the lead
Türkiye is playing an increasingly important role in European security. Berlin is banking on defense cooperation with Ankara to bolster its defense capabilities in a complex geopolitical context.
Opportunity to "shake hands" between two allies
A recent article published by DW stated that the conflict in Ukraine has created a profound reassessment of Germany's security policy. Since then, Berlin has not only tried to support Kiev but also focused on strengthening its own defense capabilities. According to Turkish defense analyst Caglar Kurc, the war in Ukraine shows that NATO is lacking in defense production.
Since the conflict broke out, European countries in particular have been looking to increase their production capacity to meet this demand. To address the challenge and meet the above requirements, Germany is actively looking for new partners and NATO ally Türkiye is an important option.
In fact, the defense issue was the central topic during the meeting between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the end of October. President Erdogan affirmed that Türkiye will continue to cooperate closely with Germany.
A few weeks earlier, during a visit to Ankara, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul had expressed his welcome: “We would be delighted if our two defense industries could cooperate. One could almost ask: Who else could we cooperate with on this issue?”
In a difficult geopolitical context, Germany's network of partners is shrinking, according to a senior official working at the German Armed Forces Procurement Office in Koblenz, who asked not to be named.
“It’s clear to all of us that NATO has to take on a completely different role on the geopolitical stage,” the official said. “When you look at how North Atlantic relations, the situation in Ukraine… are developing, the world suddenly seems quite small.”
The official described Türkiye as “a strong and well-positioned NATO partner” from which the two sides could learn. Türkiye currently has the second-largest military in NATO, after the United States.
Turkey's defense industry "booms"
The Turkish defense industry is on a strong development path. In 2022, for the first time, four Turkish companies (Baykar, Aselsan, TAI and Roketsan) entered the SIPRI list of the world's 100 largest arms companies. The industry's reputation is improving significantly even in Germany.
According to Benedikt Meng, a German defense expert with many years of experience, Türkiye can become both a cooperation partner and a market for the German and European arms industry. He believes that, as one of NATO's largest partners and a key player in the Middle East and the Caucasus, "deeper industrial and defense ties will certainly bring advantages in terms of common security interests."
Cooperation agreements have been established. Notably, from 2027, the Turkish company Repkon will produce 155mm artillery shells - the standard ammunition for NATO rocket artillery, also used in Ukraine - in Germany. Turkish media called this a "technology transfer", and expert Kurc said it had symbolic value.
"The production capacity, willingness to cooperate and quality of Turkish companies are an important resource for the development of European defense. It would be a mistake for Europe to exclude Türkiye from this picture," Kurc stressed.
Despite years of political tension, such as Germany’s withdrawal of Tornado jets from Incirlik in 2017, the relationship is now changing, with Türkiye seen as a partner again, while criticism of human rights issues has been softened somewhat.
“... Let's be honest: What other choice do we have at the end of the day? We're not going to say to the United States, 'We're not going to buy your weapons systems anymore because you're deporting migrants,'” the Bundeswehr official admitted. Germany is working to maintain NATO ties with Türkiye, a country that maintains good relations with China and Russia.
Türkiye has recently asserted its international standing, particularly with its powerful and affordable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These UAVs played a decisive role in the Nagorno-Karabakh war and are being used in Ukraine. Two EU countries, Poland and Romania, have purchased them. The Bundeswehr official said Germany “should definitely consider Turkish drones.” Mr. Meng also said Turkey has built up interesting expertise in UAVs and other aerial systems that could be incorporated into joint projects.
Meanwhile, analyst Kurc emphasized: "Türkiye's growing production capacity also strengthens NATO. While Europe is still implementing the Eurodrone project, Türkiye already has two equivalent systems. If Europe takes advantage of these capabilities, it will strengthen its defense capabilities."
Türkiye is also seeking deeper involvement in Europe's arms strategy. The European Commission has confirmed receipt of Turkey's application to join the "Security Action for Europe" (SAFE) programme, a move that signals its determination to integrate more deeply into the bloc's defence architecture.
Germany’s strategic shift from reducing criticism to promoting defense cooperation is a clear demonstration of how common security interests dominate complex geopolitical relations. Turkey, with its booming defense production capacity and key strategic position, has become an indispensable partner in efforts to strengthen European and NATO defenses. In a shrinking and volatile world, strengthening defense industry cooperation with Ankara is not only a pragmatic solution but also a strategic step to help the North Atlantic bloc increase its self-reliance and protect its collective interests.
