Turkey is significantly strengthening its defense cooperation with European nations, moving to finalize a military transport aircraft deal with the United Kingdom and preparing for high-level security discussions with Germany. These developments underscore a growing alignment in defense strategies as regional and global geopolitical landscapes continue to evolve.
According to the Al Monitor, Ankara has acquired 12 military transport aircraft from the United Kingdom, a move confirmed by a Turkish Defense Ministry source on Thursday. These planes are currently undergoing maintenance and modernization before their delivery to the Turkish Air Force. The UK, having retired its fleet of US-made Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft in 2023 and replaced them with European-made Airbus A400M Atlas, has been actively seeking buyers for its surplus. This acquisition is particularly notable given the backdrop of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and US President Donald Trump’s continued emphasis on NATO members increasing their defense spending to 5% of GDP annually by 2035.
Further solidifying these ties, German Foreign Minister David Wadephul is set to engage with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, in Ankara on Friday to discuss joint defense projects. A Turkish diplomatic source highlighted that close cooperation between Turkey and Germany on issues such as European security has gained even greater importance. Turkey has been actively pursuing greater involvement in joint European defense projects under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, launched in May. This initiative aims to provide over $173 billion in low-interest loans to boost defense cooperation through joint procurements, though access to the fund requires unanimous approval by EU member states.
Fidan and Wadephul are expected to delve into potential collaboration opportunities within the EU’s SAFE mechanism. However, Turkey's access to this fund is currently hindered by Greece, an EU member, which has conditioned approval on the removal of Ankara’s 1995 threat of military action concerning Greece's potential extension of its territorial waters in the Aegean Sea. Turkey maintains that European defense initiatives should encompass non-EU NATO members, advocating for a broader, more inclusive approach to regional security.
Germany, a key proponent of strengthening European defense amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, is reportedly seeking common ground between Ankara and Athens to facilitate Turkey's access to the SAFE mechanism. A Western official familiar with the matter, speaking to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, indicated Germany's efforts to mediate. Wadephul's planned visit to Athens prior to Ankara was postponed, but his recent statements to the Greek newspaper Ta Nea underscore the importance of NATO cohesion, stating, “Our security in Europe stands and falls with NATO’s cohesion.” He emphasized that both Greece and Turkey are crucial players in the Mediterranean, urging unity against those who seek to challenge their security, particularly Russia.
Following Wadephul’s diplomatic engagements, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is anticipated to visit Turkey in the coming days, further signaling a deepening of strategic dialogue between the two nations. These diplomatic efforts highlight a concerted push to enhance European defense capabilities and foster greater regional stability through strengthened alliances and cooperation.
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