Turkey ranks 7th among the 32 Allies in terms of its share of NATO’s budget, with the country’s total contribution this year totaling 300 million euros. It is expected to reach 620 million euros by 2030. In terms of defense exports, Turkey was ranked 11th in the world between 2020 and 2024, state-run Anadolu Agency wrote.
The military success of Turkish-made attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has attracted worldwide attention. Today, Turkey controls about 65% of the global UAV market.
The publication estimates that Turkey’s recent successes in the defense industry place it prominently among NATO countries. And its strategic role in the Alliance’s missions and operations and achievements in the defense industry make the country an important player in NATO,” the agency said.
Second among NATO members
The Turkish Armed Forces, which is NATO’s second largest army, is also among the armed forces with the most experience in field operations due to its active role in the fight against terrorism.
Turkey is one of the highest contributors to NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) peacekeeping force and continues to fulfill the KFOR command from 2023-2024.
In addition, Turkey, a non-member of the European Union, is the largest contributor to the EU peacekeeping force mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR Althea) and, thanks to its growing defense industry capabilities, is the second largest contributing ally to NATO operations and missions.
In addition to its critical role on NATO’s southeastern flank, Turkey contributes to the Alliance’s access to the Black Sea, the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean, which adds strategic value.
The author of the article notes that support for Turkey and NATO is mutual.
Turkey officially joined NATO on February 18, 1952, after World War II. With the expansion of NATO in 1952, when Greece and Turkey joined the Alliance, the number of members increased to 14.
Today, NATO has 32 member countries, and Turkey, with its high capabilities in aviation, land and maritime forces, plays a critical role in the Alliance’s missions and exercises.
