Turkish Defense Industry was Considered as a Strategic Partner in the Israeli Press

MİLLİYET.COM.TR / Türkiye's rapidly growing defense industry was widely covered in Israeli press Makor Rishon. In the analysis published in Makor Rishon, it was emphasized that Türkiye now wants to position itself not only as an arms supplier but also as a strategic partner in European security.

Türkiye's military power in NATO, its rise in defense exports and its defense cooperation with European countries drew attention in the analysis.

'IT IS PROGRESSING STEP BY STEP'

Makor Rishon focused on Türkiye's rise in the defense industry and its increasing importance in European security. In the analysis titled "From arms supplier to strategic actor: Türkiye is moving step by step towards the peak of European security", the NATO Summit held in Ankara was reminded and it was said that "It was a great opportunity for Türkiye".

'IT CANNOT BE ESTABLISHED WITHOUT Türkiye'

While drawing attention to Türkiye's rapidly growing defense industry in the analysis, it was stated that "Although it is not a positive situation for Tel Aviv, considering Ankara's influence beyond the borders, we can now say 'European security cannot be established without Turkey'."

'AMONG THE WORLD GIANTS'

Türkiye's military capacity was also highlighted in Makor Rishon's analysis. While it was stated that Türkiye has the second largest army in NATO after the USA, it was stated that the Turkish Armed Forces have 355 thousand soldiers as well as 378 thousand reserve personnel.

In the analysis, which draws attention to Türkiye's military power as well as its rise in the defense industry, it is emphasized that Ankara no longer wants to be seen only as an arms supplier but as a strategic partner.

In the analysis based on data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), it was stated that Türkiye's defense industry ranks 11th among the world giants and accounts for 1.8 percent of the global arms market.

'NOT IN 1 YEAR, BUT IN 1 WEEK'

The increase in Türkiye's defense exports was also included as an important topic in the analysis. According to officials, Türkiye's defense exports increased by 48 percent in 2025, following the 29 percent increase recorded in the previous year.

Regarding Türkiye's exports of UAVs, tanks, armored vehicles and warships, an evaluation was made: "What we used to achieve in a year, they now achieve in a week."

The delivery of a Turkish warship to Romania was cited as an example of the point that Türkiye's production capacity in the defense industry has reached. It was stated that this delivery was the first Turkish military ship export to an EU and NATO member country.

'DEFENSE TIES ARE GETTING STRONGER'

In the Makor Rishon analysis, Türkiye's defense relations with European countries were also given extensive attention. It was reported that within the EU, Spain, Romania, Poland and especially Italy have established deep security ties with Türkiye. It was stated that Turkish defense company Baykar purchased Italian Piaggio Aerospace and also established a partnership with Italian defense giant Leonardo in the last 18 months.

Outside the EU, it was stated that the UK cooperated with Türkiye's KAAN project. It was noted that KAAN, which stands out as the 5th generation fighter jet project developed by Türkiye, is also important for defense cooperation in Europe.

'IT IS NOT RATIONAL TO EXCLUDE Türkiye'

Finally, one of the striking parts of the analysis was Türkiye's access to the European Union's SAFE program. It was stated that within the scope of SAFE, companies from non-EU countries can cover a maximum of 35 percent of the component costs in weapon systems financed under the program.

It was stated that in order to access a larger portion of the funds, Türkiye should establish a security partnership with the EU and then negotiate special access with Brussels. This requires the approval of all 27 EU members.

However, in the current geopolitical environment where Europe is between the war in Ukraine and the diplomatic tension with Washington, it was stated that not allowing Türkiye to participate in the SAFE program was "not rational".