The Defense Industry Agency chief Haluk Görgün stated at the 4th Turkish-German Economic Conference, organized by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey, that defense and aerospace cooperation between the two countries must be transformed into lasting partnerships. The conference brought together the German Ambassador to Ankara Sibylle Sorg, NATO Senior Commander Brigadier General Thomas Lowin, and business representatives from both nations. Görgün emphasized that a robust defense industrial base is critical in the current security environment, stressing the necessity of reliable production, resilient supply chains, and rapid adaptation capabilities.

Turkey and Germany's defense sector cooperation, formalized through an agreement signed 17 years ago, has established a deep collaborative culture in major programs including Leopard main battle tanks, mine-hunting vessels, submarine programs, and the A400M military transport aircraft. This experience demonstrates the compatibility of both nations' industrial infrastructure and technical expertise. Görgün called for revitalizing dialogue mechanisms to reflect current security priorities and industrial capabilities. This step is considered essential to adapt the two countries' strategic partnership to the requirements of the new era.

Görgün stressed that overcoming challenges arising from export controls and licensing procedures is necessary to unlock the full potential of cooperation. Noting that export licensing practices administered by Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) affect Turkey, Görgün emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue on this matter. He stated that more transparent and faster licensing procedures would support defense sector cooperation, build trust among companies, and facilitate the conversion of shared objectives into concrete projects.

The Turkish defense industry ecosystem comprises a dynamic structure of young entrepreneurs and engineers with an average age of 34. The country operates over 4,000 defense sector companies that develop game-changing systems. The combination of Germany's engineering expertise and industrial discipline with Turkish companies' innovative approaches will strengthen the mutual capabilities of both nations and deliver more effective solutions to global security challenges. Görgün emphasized that the Turkish private sector, when responsibilities are clearly defined and mutual trust is established, possesses the capacity to deliver results even ahead of agreed timelines.

The views expressed at the conference underscore that defense industry cooperation with NATO allies is a strategic priority for Turkey. Improving licensing and export control procedures will not only deepen cooperation between the two countries but also contribute to strengthening collaboration throughout the NATO alliance. Görgün's statements convey the message that the Turkish defense sector is open to international partnerships and prepared to fully utilize its potential in this field.