Mithras Yekanoglu

by Mithras Yekanoglu

As the European Union (EU) debates strengthening its defense capabilities, one potential model that has not been widely discussed is Türkiye. Despite being a NATO member rather than an EU member, Türkiye has successfully developed a strong, self reliant defense industry, increased its military capabilities and demonstrated strategic autonomy in regional conflicts.

This article explores whether the EU could take Türkiye as a model in its militarization efforts, focusing on Türkiye’s defense industry development, military modernization, strategic independence and operational effectiveness in conflict zones.

1. Türkiye’s Rise as a Military Power

Türkiye has undergone a remarkable transformation in its defense and military sectors over the past two decades. Key factors contributing to this success include:

a) A Strong and Independent Defense Industry

Türkiye has significantly reduced its dependence on foreign arms imports. In the early 2000s, Türkiye imported nearly 80% of its military equipment, whereas today, it produces over 70% of its defense needs domestically. Companies like Baykar, ASELSAN, ROKETSAN and TUSAŞ have become global players, particularly in drone warfare, missile systems and electronic warfare.

The EU in contrast struggles with a fragmented defense industry. Multiple national companies operate independently, leading to inefficiencies and delays in joint projects. If the EU were to follow Türkiye’s model, it would need to consolidate its defense industries and invest heavily in indigenous technology development.

b) Military Modernization and Technological Innovation

Türkiye has prioritized the development of high tech military assets, including:

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Türkiye’s Bayraktar TB2 and AKINCI drones have proven their effectiveness in Syria, Libya, Azerbaijan and Ukraine.

• Missile and Air Defense Systems: The country has developed HISAR air defense systems, precision guided munitions and advanced cruise missiles.

• Naval Strength: Türkiye is developing its first light aircraft carrier (TCG Anadolu), increasing its naval power projection.

The EU despite its economic and technological strength has been slow to adopt advanced military technologies at the same pace. A more aggressive approach to defense innovation, inspired by Türkiye could enhance European security capabilities.

c) Strategic Autonomy and Active Defense Policy

Türkiye has demonstrated a remarkable ability to act independently in military operations balancing alliances while pursuing its national interests. Examples include:

• Operation Euphrates Shield, Olive Branch and Peace Spring in Syria, where Türkiye conducted unilateral military campaigns.

• The Second Nagorno and Karabakh War (2020) where Turkish drones played a decisive role in Azerbaijan’s victory against Armenia.

• Defense Cooperation with Ukraine, where Turkish UAVs provided critical support against Russian aggression.

The EU has struggled to develop a coherent and unified military doctrine. While France advocates for “strategic autonomy” many EU nations still rely on NATO and US security guarantees. Türkiye’s model suggests that developing an independent and rapid response military strategy can be beneficial.

2. What Can the EU Learn from Türkiye?

a) Enhancing Defense Industry Cooperation

The EU could take inspiration from Türkiye’s defense industry strategy by:

• Increasing funding for joint defense projects.

• Encouraging cooperation between European defense companies rather than competition.

• Establishing a European version of Türkiye’s Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) to oversee defense development.

b) Developing Drone and Asymmetric Warfare Capabilities

The success of Turkish drones in modern warfare shows the importance of investing in UAV technology. While some European countries (e.g., Germany and France) are developing drone programs, progress has been slow. The EU could:

• Fund a pan European drone program inspired by Türkiye’s success.

• Develop AI driven warfare capabilities to compete with global powers.

c) Creating a Rapid Deployment Force

Türkiye has shown how a military force can be both defensive and expeditionary. The EU’s defense strategy often focuses on peacekeeping but Türkiye’s model demonstrates the benefits of having a rapid, mobile military force that can act decisively. The EU could:

• Establish a European Rapid Response Force capable of operating outside NATO structures.

• Improve military mobility within Europe to allow faster troop movements.

d) Balancing NATO Commitments with Strategic Autonomy

Türkiye has skillfully maintained its NATO membership while pursuing independent military initiatives. The EU could adopt a similar stance by:

• Strengthening its defense capabilities within NATO while developing autonomous operations.

• Reducing dependency on the US for military interventions.

3. Challenges to Implementing Türkiye’s Model in the EU

While Türkiye’s defense policies offer valuable lessons, there are significant challenges for the EU in adopting a similar model:

a) Political and Bureaucratic Differences

Türkiye has a centralized defense strategy while the EU consists of 27 member states with differing military priorities. Countries like Germany and the Netherlands are reluctant to increase military spending, unlike France or Poland. A unified EU military strategy remains a political challenge.

b) Dependence on US Security Guarantees

Many EU states still see NATO and the US as their primary security guarantors. Moving toward a more independent military policy would require a shift in strategic thinking, which some EU nations might resist.

c) Limited Military Culture in Some EU Nations

Unlike Türkiye, which has a strong national defense culture and mandatory military service, many EU countries have reduced their military investments since the Cold War. Increasing military spending and public support for defense initiatives could be politically sensitive.

d) Ethical and Legal Constraints

Türkiye has used military interventions proactively while the EU follows a more diplomatic and legalistic approach to security. For the EU to adopt a more assertive military stance, it would need to balance ethical concerns with strategic necessity.

4. Could the EU Realistically Follow Türkiye’s Model?

The EU does not need to replicate Türkiye’s defense model exactly but it can draw valuable lessons from Türkiye’s success in:

1. Developing a unified and innovative defense industry.

2. Investing in drone and asymmetric warfare capabilities.

3. Establishing a rapid military response force.

4. Balancing NATO commitments with independent security policies.

While political and institutional differences make full adoption difficult, Türkiye’s model proves that strategic autonomy, innovation and a strong defense industry are achievable even for non superpower states. If the EU truly seeks military self sufficiency, it must take bold steps similar to Türkiye’s defense strategy.

Conclusion

As the EU debates its defense future, Türkiye presents a compelling example of how a nation can achieve military independence, develop a robust defense industry and implement effective defense strategies while remaining within NATO.

Türkiye’s success in drone warfare, military modernization and strategic autonomy offers critical lessons for the EU. If Europe wants to become a serious military power, it must invest in its defense industry, strengthen rapid response capabilities and establish a clear strategic vision much like Türkiye has done over the past two decades.

While the EU and Türkiye face different geopolitical realities, Türkiye’s military model proves that with the right policies, Europe can enhance its security capabilities without depending entirely on NATO or the US. The question is whether EU leaders have the political will to follow such a path.