As Europe debates how to strengthen its defense autonomy amid the war in Ukraine and growing security concerns, French media has turned its attention to Türkiye’s defense transformation. French broadcaster BFMTV, in a report titled “Does Europe’s Defense Run Through Ankara?”, praised Türkiye’s remarkable progress in reducing its military dependence on foreign suppliers. The report emphasized that under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s leadership, the Turkish Armed Forces’ external dependency dropped from 70% to 30%, a figure that “would make Europe, still heavily reliant on U.S. defense systems, envious.”

BFMTV noted that Türkiye’s defense industry has evolved from an import-dependent structure into a global exporter, now delivering advanced systems to over 180 countries, including EU and NATO members such as Poland and Romania. Among the products that have drawn international acclaim are the world-renowned Bayraktar TB2 armed drones, which have proven their effectiveness in multiple conflicts and reshaped modern aerial warfare doctrine.

The report also referenced a Financial Times article claiming that NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte had urged European nations to pursue closer cooperation with Türkiye in their defense planning. This aligns with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s recent statement:

“If a new European security architecture is to be built, it cannot be done without Türkiye.”

French analysts argue that Türkiye’s independent, export-driven defense model offers a practical blueprint for Europe — one that combines cost efficiency, technological innovation, and operational experience. Türkiye’s ability to produce and field indigenous drones, armored vehicles, naval systems, and precision-guided weapons has transformed it into a key defense partner rather than a peripheral actor.

BFMTV’s acknowledgment reflects a broader European realization: as the continent seeks strategic autonomy, Türkiye’s proven capability to design, manufacture, and export advanced military technologies positions it as a crucial partner in shaping the continent’s future defense landscape.