Systems developed by ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, TUSAŞ, and BAYKAR are attracting the attention of European nations. Following Belgium's Economic Mission visit to Turkey, SSB President Haluk Görgün outlined how Turkish defense industry is positioned in the international arena. Görgün emphasized that this interest is not a recent development but rather the result of long-standing contacts and mutual trust built over time.

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken's statement that "Turkey is far ahead of us, we need to accelerate" reflects how the Turkish defense sector is perceived globally. Görgün noted that Turkey has transformed from being merely a country followed for its products into a defense industry ecosystem sought for collaboration and joint production. Turkey's early adoption of unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and anti-drone technologies forms the foundation of this success.

Görgün explained that Turkey has not only developed products but constructed a comprehensive framework spanning design, production, subsystems, software, ammunition, and maintenance. This integrated approach is supported by the engineering expertise, production discipline, and field experience evident in organizations like BAYKAR, TUSAŞ, ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, and HAVELSAN. Belgium's interest in these organizations extends beyond individual products to this comprehensive industrial structure.

Turkey-Belgium defense industry relations have evolved through contacts initiated at last year's NATO Summit and continued at IDEF. The first Turkey-Belgium Defense Industry Day held in Brussels enabled direct meetings between companies and their counterparts. The Letter of Intent signed in Ankara represents a concrete step in this process. Görgün noted that such documents, if properly followed, can transcend their diplomatic nature and become a framework directing institutions and companies toward shared objectives.

Görgün stressed that relations with Belgium should not be limited to commercial transactions alone. Deeper cooperation models including joint development, joint production, and coordinated action in third markets are proposed. Belgium's strong capabilities in precision components, advanced materials, space technologies, and specialized defense electronics, combined with Turkey's proven field systems and rapid production capacity, will create significant value for both nations.

Emphasizing strategic autonomy in security matters, Görgün stated that no country can source its security entirely from abroad. The reality that every nation must produce its own solutions during crises forms the foundation of Turkey's investment in defense industry. Policies pursued under President Erdoğan's vision have enabled Turkey to build its own engineering capacity and production capability. Görgün stressed that Turkey is open to cooperation based on mutual benefit rather than a closed model, seeking to strengthen collective security within the NATO alliance.