Turkish defense leaders including ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, and Baykar will present their capabilities at the Defense Industry Forum, formally integrated into NATO's summit program this year. The forum, previously a side event, now reflects Ankara's strategic commitment to the sector. Approximately 3,500 companies will participate, showcasing domestically developed platforms including the Bayraktar Kızılelma unmanned combat aircraft, the KAAN fifth-generation stealth fighter, and various naval platforms.

Turkey maintains NATO's second-largest military force after the United States, with 355,000 active personnel and 378,000 reserves, positioning the nation as a critical player in European security architecture. The defense sector, which has demonstrated rapid expansion over the past decade, ranks 11th globally according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), representing 1.8% of the worldwide arms market. Export growth reached 48% in 2025 compared to the previous year, reflecting accelerated development cycles where achievements now occur in weeks rather than months.

Turkey's aspiration to transition from supplier status to strategic partner faces obstacles stemming from exclusion in Europe-wide defense programs. Özgür Ünlühisarcıklı, head of the German Marshall Fund in Ankara, noted that the summit provides an opportunity to demonstrate capabilities and secure participation in continental initiatives. Haluk Görgün, head of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), emphasized Turkey's desire to be recognized as a strategic partner for joint production and technology cooperation rather than merely a supplier. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that European security cannot be conceived without Turkey's participation.

Under the European Union's 150-billion-euro Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, non-EU countries including Turkey can supply only up to 35% of component costs for funded weaponry. Accessing larger portions requires Turkey to sign a security partnership with the EU and negotiate special access approved by all 27 member states. However, disputes between Turkey, Greece, and the Greek Cypriot Administration, along with French opposition, continue to obstruct this process. Sinan Ülgen, senior fellow at Carnegie Europe, argued that excluding Turkey amid the Ukraine conflict and U.S. diplomatic tensions would be irrational.

Turkey's 2017 acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system and maintenance of diplomatic channels with both Russia and Ukraine remain sources of concern among NATO allies. Nevertheless, EU members including Italy, Spain, Romania, and Poland have established deep defense partnerships with Turkey. Baykar acquired Italy's Piaggio Aerospace and signed a partnership with defense giant Leonardo. Outside the EU, the United Kingdom cooperates with Turkey on the KAAN project. Ankara hopes that U.S. President Donald Trump's attendance at the NATO summit will facilitate the release of F-110 jet engines required for the KAAN program.