06.07.2026 17:41
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made statements ahead of the Ankara summit to be held tomorrow. Responding to journalists' questions at the Presidential Complex, Rutte highlighted Türkiye's achievements in the defense industry, saying, "There are 3,000 companies in Türkiye. Therefore, the Turkish defense industry meets the needs of soldiers and what we need to defend ourselves."
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte answered journalists' questions at the Presidential Complex in Ankara ahead of a critical summit. Emphasizing Turkey's importance within the alliance, Rutte stated that they appreciate Turkey's rise in the defense industry and its contributions to the defense of allies.
RUTTE PRAISES TURKEY'S DEFENSE INDUSTRY
Drawing attention to the approximately 3,000 companies operating in Turkey's defense sector, the Secretary General said, "The Turkish defense industry provides what soldiers need to defend ourselves." Rutte emphasized that the success of Turkish companies is a very important resource for NATO's common defense capability.
"NATO BENEFITS FROM EVERY PRODUCT OF TURKEY"
Rutte stated: "NATO already benefits from every product produced in Turkey's defense industry. There are over 3,000 companies in the sector; perhaps the largest is ASELSAN, but Turkey, with its defense industry, supports many countries within our alliance."
"TURKEY IS ONE OF NATO'S GREATEST POWERS"
There is also interest from the USA. Since Turkey joined NATO in 1952, it has been one of the greatest military powers, and in the last 5-10 years, your defense industry has made great progress.
There are 3,000 companies working in the defense industry in Turkey. Therefore, the Turkish defense industry provides what soldiers need, what we need to defend ourselves. Your leadership in NATO is important, your location on the map is very important."