Belgium's Defense Minister Theo Francken presented Turkey's advances in maritime defense on the international stage during his Istanbul visit. Accompanying Queen Mathilde's economic delegation aimed at strengthening trade ties between Brussels and Ankara, Francken visited Sedef Shipyard to examine Turkish maritime industry capabilities.

In remarks posted on social media, Francken emphasized that Turkey not only orders but also domestically manufactures submarines, corvettes, frigates, destroyers, and aircraft carriers. The minister highlighted that these production activities stand out for their speed, quality, and competitive pricing, with Turkish naval platforms gaining increasing market share globally.

The delegation also visited Baykar during the trip. Francken underscored the company's unique position within NATO and its pioneering role in AI-integrated armed unmanned aerial vehicles. The minister noted that Baykar's products continue to advance in performance and operational range.

Prior to the visit, Francken had characterized the Turkish defense sector as a "role model," emphasizing Belgium's cooperation potential in defense areas. The minister also noted Turkey's economic growth over the past two decades and its successful navigation through recent inflationary pressures, attributing this achievement to the principle that "difficult times require difficult decisions."