At the latest NATO Summit, Turkey demonstrated that its role in the Alliance is evolving beyond its geostrategic importance. By securing a place in key NATO capability programs and showcasing its expanding defense-industrial base, Ankara signaled its ambition to become more deeply integrated into Alliance-wide procurement and production.
The real test, however, is whether Turkey can translate this political momentum into tangible contributions to NATO’s defense strategy. That means taking a more active part in shaping the Alliance’s future capabilities, especially in areas such as air defense and unmanned systems, and establishing Turkish defense companies as a core pillar of “NATO 3.0.”
Achieving this will require sustained investment, closer industrial cooperation with allies, and the successful implementation of a series of political commitments. If Turkey can deliver, the Ankara summit may be remembered not simply as a diplomatic milestone, but as the starting point of a broader transformation in Turkey’s role within NATO.
From strategic ally to capability provider
More than just a nod to Turkey’s important role in NATO, the Ankara summit provided Turkey with an opportunity to showcase the strategic assets it brings to the Alliance—from its regional diplomatic influence to its expanding defense-industrial base—and to shape the summit’s discussions on issues where it seeks greater influence.
