Germany’s top military commander, General Carsten Breuer, paid an official visit to Ankara as the guest of Turkish Chief of General Staff General Metin Gürak, highlighting the growing defense and technological ties between the two NATO allies. During the visit, General Breuer was also received by Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, with discussions centered on bilateral military cooperation and defense industry collaboration.

According to a statement from the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two nations’ armed forces, as well as potential avenues for future joint projects within the NATO framework.

One of the most notable aspects of the visit was General Breuer’s tour of Turkey’s leading defense institutions. His first stop was the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), where he met with SSB President Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün. The SSB reported that the meeting included a comprehensive briefing on Turkey’s indigenous and high-technology defense ecosystem, emphasizing mutual experience sharing and opportunities for strategic industrial collaboration.

The German delegation then visited ASELSAN, Turkey’s flagship defense electronics company. ASELSAN CEO Ahmet Akyol stated that they provided information on international cooperation projects, emphasizing that ASELSAN continues to develop game-changing technologies that contribute to global security. The visit showcased Turkey’s advances in electronic warfare, communications, and command-control systems, demonstrating the country’s increasing technological self-sufficiency within NATO.

General Breuer’s final stop was Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), where he was hosted by CEO Mehmet Demiroğlu. Discussions focused on Turkey’s progress in aerospace and defense manufacturing, including indigenous aircraft and unmanned systems. Demiroğlu highlighted the engineering excellence and strategic importance of local production, underlining the significant technological maturity Turkey has achieved in recent years.

This high-level visit reflects Turkey’s growing role as a key defense technology hub within NATO. With its expanding portfolio—from UAVs and air defense systems to electronic warfare and aerospace platforms—Turkey is emerging as not only a regional power but also a strategic partner in defense innovation for Europe and beyond.