Belgian Minister Lauds Türkiye's Growing Defense Power

Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken commended Türkiye's growing defense capabilities and globally recognized industry on Monday during the Türkiye-Belgium Defence Industry Day in Brussels, which brought together key firms and government officials from both nations.

The event, organized by the Turkish Embassy, featured strategic presentations in the morning and targeted business-to-business meetings in the afternoon. Officials highlighted the growing alignment between the two NATO allies and the expanding room for industrial cooperation, The Caspian Post reports, citing Turkish media.

“Türkiye is a country with a rapidly growing defence potential and a dynamic industry renowned worldwide,” Francken said in a post on social media, calling the gathering a “unique opportunity” to deepen collaboration.

“Trust-based and constructive partnership”

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Belgium Gorkem Baris Tantekin said the event strengthens a “trust-based and constructive partnership rooted in historic friendship and strong alliance relations.”

Ertac Koca, head of the International Cooperation Department at Türkiye’s Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), outlined Türkiye’s defence supply ecosystem, industry outlook, and international cooperation pathways.

Eight major Turkish firms - including ASELSAN, HAVELSAN, ROKETSAN and TUSAS - joined the event under SSB leadership.

More than 100 Belgian participants from industry, academia and government attended.

The gathering also serves as preparation for Belgium’s Royal Economic Mission to Türkiye in May 2026, expected to be led by Princess Astrid and aimed at expanding bilateral economic and industrial ties.