The European Defence Agency (EDA) is a key institution established to strengthen Europe’s defense capabilities, develop joint military capacities, and enhance integration among national defense industries. Although Turkey is not a member of the European Union, it stands out as an indispensable actor within the European security architecture due to its geostrategic location, strong military capacity, and advanced defense industry. Rising security challenges across the Middle East, the Black Sea, and the Eastern Mediterranean have further increased Turkey’s relevance in Europe’s defense calculations. The relationship between the European Defence Agency and Turkey is therefore shaped not by full membership, but by strategic cooperation and mutual security interests.

From a more technical perspective, Turkey’s progress in domestic and national defense projects offers significant potential for European partners. Advances in unmanned aerial systems, radar technologies, electronic warfare capabilities, and armored land platforms position Turkey as a complementary partner within the broader European defense ecosystem. While political dynamics and fluctuations in EU–Turkey relations limit formal institutional integration with the EDA, Turkey continues to contribute actively to European security through its NATO membership, joint exercises, and interoperability efforts. Historically, every major turning point in Europe’s defense policies has brought Turkey’s strategic value back into focus, resulting in a pragmatic, multi-dimensional defense relationship between the two sides.