NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte presented Turkey's defense industry organizational structure as an important reference point for NATO allies during a defense industry forum panel on the first day of the Ankara Summit. Rutte emphasized that the approach managed by the Defense Industry Agency (SSB) is based on approximately 3,000 defense companies—small, medium, and large-scale firms—working in close cooperation with each other.

The Defense Industry Agency, operating directly under the President, manages Turkey's defense sector under centralized coordination. This structure enables the country to meet its own needs while exporting to the entire NATO geography and countries outside NATO. Rutte stated that this integrated approach exemplifies a model encompassing all segments of society in the defense industry. He noted that several allies are investigating whether this model can be adapted to their own countries.

Turkey's defense sector has taken significant steps in localization and national technology development in recent years. Companies such as ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, TUSAŞ, Baykar, and FNSS have reached international standards in missiles, UAVs, radar, and electronic defense systems. The collaboration of these companies in developing complex defense platforms demonstrates the sector's dynamic structure. The model Rutte highlighted demonstrates the effectiveness of such coordinated ecosystem approaches.

Rutte further addressed NATO countries' and particularly Europe's efforts to strengthen defense industry infrastructure. Noting an unprecedented transformation since the end of the Cold War, Rutte said Europe is assuming greater responsibility for conventional defense. The expansion of defense production lines and opening of new factories in Europe, Canada, and the United States are concrete indicators of this transformation. Rutte emphasized that Russia's entire economy is now shaped according to a war economy, and therefore Western countries must act similarly.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the importance of cooperation between NATO and the EU, noting that the European Defense Action (SAFE) mechanism promotes joint procurement. Ten agreements totaling 100 billion euros have been signed under SAFE. Von der Leyen, referring to Turkey's important role within NATO, stated that there are broad opportunities for close cooperation with Turkey in the 800 billion euro defense investment planned through 2030.