The Head of the Presidency Defense Industry Agency, Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, highlighted the potential of transforming shared interests between Turkey and Germany in defense and aerospace into lasting partnerships at the 4th Turkish-German Economic Conference organized by the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB). Speaking at the conference themed "Strategic Partnership in Changing Defense and Security Architecture," Görgün emphasized that recent wars and conflicts have underscored the importance of a robust defense industrial base.

The SSB head stated that responding to global security challenges requires reliable production, resilient supply chains, qualified personnel, and the ability to rapidly adapt to evolving requirements. Görgün noted that these challenges create a strong incentive for closer cooperation among allies, and that working together enables more efficient use of industrial resources. The event was attended by German Ambassador to Ankara Sibylle Sorg, Chair of the German-Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Industry Bige Yücel, NATO Senior Commander Major General Thomas Lowin, and business representatives from both nations.

Recalling that the defense industry cooperation between Turkey and Germany was formalized through an agreement signed 17 years ago, Görgün noted that both countries have developed a deep collaborative culture in Leopard main battle tanks, mine countermeasure vessels, submarines, and the A400M program. This experience provides a strong foundation for renewed partnerships, requiring dialogue mechanisms to be revitalized to reflect current priorities and industrial capabilities. The Leopard tanks, as one of NATO's standard land platforms, represent a successful example of Turkish and German engineering expertise integration.

Stating that strengthening defense industry cooperation with NATO allies is a strategic priority for Turkey, Görgün emphasized that challenges stemming from export controls and licensing procedures must be overcome to realize the full potential of cooperation. Görgün declared, "I believe that resolving challenges arising from export controls and licensing procedures is vital to fully realizing our cooperation potential," and welcomed the continuation of dialogue on practices conducted by Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA). More transparent and faster licensing procedures will support defense industry cooperation and build confidence among companies.

Concluding his remarks with emphasis on the young and dynamic nature of Turkey's defense industry ecosystem, Görgün stated that over 4,000 promising defense industry companies, when combined with Germany's engineering expertise and discipline, can overcome any challenge. Speaking on behalf of young Turkish entrepreneurs and engineers with an average age of 34, Görgün declared, "Not only the SSB's doors, but the doors of over 4,000 of our companies are wide open to our German partners," emphasizing that the private sector has the capacity to deliver results even ahead of schedule when responsibilities are clearly defined and mutual trust is established.