Defense Minister Yaşar Güler stated that Turkey is examining various options to modernize its air defense infrastructure, including the Patriot air defense systems and the Franco-Italian SAMP-T platforms. In remarks to Reuters, Güler emphasized that the country remains open to all forms of cooperation that address national security requirements, offer technology transfer and joint production opportunities, and align with alliance principles.

Turkey has undertaken significant investments in recent years to enhance its air defense capabilities. The country is producing components for its domestically developed, layered "Steel Dome" air defense system. This system envisions the integration of indigenously developed missile batteries, radars, electro-optical sensors, communications modules, and command-and-control centers. The system aims to provide integrated protection against low, medium, and high-altitude threats through land-based and sea-based air defense platforms developed domestically.

Ministry of National Defence officials indicated that technical and political discussions with relevant countries are conducted on a regular basis. Güler outlined that Ankara has identified drones, anti-drone systems, air defense and missile systems, naval projects, unmanned systems, and cyber capabilities as priority areas for defense spending. The completion of the "Steel Dome" system in the shortest possible timeframe was emphasized. The system was first announced in July 2024 and is expected to play a significant role in Turkey's air defense strategy.

Turkey has substantially reduced external dependence in the defense sector and now possesses one of the world's leading defense industries. The country seeks to participate in numerous European initiatives aimed at strengthening continental defense structures. The Defense Minister noted that while Ankara views European defense and security measures favorably in principle, these efforts lack inclusivity and therefore cannot achieve full effectiveness. Güler expressed that excluding a major capacity such as Turkey from Europe's defense initiatives represents a strategically flawed approach.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stressed that Turkey must be included in all European defense structures and that defense trade restrictions among NATO members must be eliminated. Speaking to parliamentary representatives from all 32 NATO member states in Istanbul, Erdoğan noted that Turkey's contributions to European security are sometimes overlooked. Ankara has stated its desire to participate in all defense and security initiatives on the continent.

The issue at hand concerns Turkey's access to the European Union's 150-billion-euro European Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative. Under SAFE, companies from non-EU countries such as Turkey, Britain, and the United States can supply only up to 35 percent of component costs for weaponry funded by the scheme. For Turkish companies to access a larger share of these funds, Ankara would need to sign a security partnership with the EU and negotiate special access arrangements with Brussels, a process requiring approval from all 27 EU member states.