Türkiye’s Growing Influence in Global Defense Cooperation, Says Erdogan’s Adviser

Global and regional dynamics are increasingly aligning in Türkiye’s favor, especially in the field of defense cooperation, according to Akif Çağatay Kılıç, the chief foreign policy and security adviser to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

In a live interview on CNN Turk, Kılıç emphasized that many international companies and decision-makers who previously shied away from collaborating with Türkiye’s defense industry are now eager to form partnerships. “Many institutions, decision-makers, and companies that once said, ‘Let’s work with others instead of Türkiye,’ are now asking, ‘How can we partner with Türkiye? How can we collaborate with Turkish industry?’” he said.

Kılıç also discussed the evolving dynamics between the U.S. and EU, highlighting how the new administration in Washington is exploring different approaches, while acknowledging the internal challenges within the EU, citing Brexit as an example of disunity.

On Türkiye's EU membership process, Kılıç asserted that the European Union cannot ensure its security without Türkiye’s involvement, declaring, “We are one of the fundamental pillars of European security. It is hardly possible to imagine European security without Türkiye. This is not a negotiation. This is reality.” His statement reinforced President Erdoğan’s stance on this matter.

Kılıç also pointed to a shift in the EU’s position, noting that although the bloc has had a de facto freeze on negotiations since 2019, it has recently lifted some restrictions. Following the formation of Türkiye’s new government in 2023, diplomatic activity with the EU has intensified, with new trade and cooperation talks on the horizon.

Addressing the EU's focus on democratic values, Kılıç criticized what he called “double standards” in global politics, using the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel's attacks on Gaza as examples of inconsistent Western reactions.

Regarding defense cooperation, Kılıç confirmed that Türkiye has been included in EU missile shield and defense system negotiations, marking a significant step in Türkiye's growing role in global defense initiatives. Despite past hesitation from some Western nations, Türkiye’s defense industry has emerged as a key player, even indirectly supporting U.S.-made military products being sent to Ukraine.