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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Conflict & Security

Turkey Seeks Greater Role in EU Defense Amid Shifting Security Landscape

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan demanded greater involvement in the European Union's defense and security structures, including its 150 billion euro defense funding scheme.
  • Erdogan highlighted Turkey's position as NATO's second-largest military power and its strategic geopolitical location controlling the Black Sea access.
  • He stated that Turkey's significant contributions to European security have been overlooked and called for support in its inclusion in EU defense initiatives.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has put forth a strategic demand for Turkey's full involvement in the European Union's defense and security architecture, including its 150 billion euro SAFE defense funding scheme. This move comes as Europe strengthens its defenses amid perceived threats from Russia and uncertainty regarding U.S. security commitments to the continent.

Ankara's request is significant, considering Turkey possesses the second-largest military force within NATO, trailing only the United States. Its geopolitical position, controlling the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits, is crucial for maritime access between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, a route that has gained vital importance since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Turkey's very important contribution to European security is sometimes overlooked.

— Recep Tayyip ErdoganPresident of Turkey, speaking to NATO parliamentary delegates in Istanbul.

Speaking to delegates from 32 NATO member states in Istanbul, Erdogan stated that Turkey's substantial contributions to European security have not received adequate recognition. "Turkey's very important contribution to European security is sometimes overlooked," he said, emphasizing Turkey's desire to "participate in all defense and security initiatives" on the continent. He urged all NATO members to support Turkey's inclusion in EU defense and security initiatives.

This demand emerges as the EU is rebuilding its military capabilities through the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program. The program aims to accelerate arms production, bolster the defense industry, and reduce European reliance on external suppliers. For Ankara, this presents an opportunity to gain recognition for its transformation over the past two decades into a significant global defense industry player, beyond just being a troop contributor to NATO. Turkey is now a major exporter of combat drones, developing advanced aircraft like the KAAN fighter jet and Kizilelma unmanned combat aerial vehicle, as well as drone carriers, missiles, air defense systems, and armored vehicles.

We expect your support for the inclusion of Turkey in the defense and security initiatives announced by the European Union.

— Recep Tayyip ErdoganPresident of Turkey, urging support for Turkey's participation in EU defense programs.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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