The European Union may also purchase weapons from Turkey as part of its new defense plan.

Since the beginning of the Ukraine-Russia War, the weapons sent to Ukraine have caused ammunition depots in Europe to empty. However, with the increasing global crises and the growing threat of nuclear weapons, the European Union administration is looking for ways to refill these depots. Due to insufficient production, the time-consuming nature of the process, and excessively high costs, the Brussels administration has turned to arms imports. For this purpose, EU countries have launched the European Defense Investment Plan aimed at encouraging joint arms production and procurement.

According to the plan, 65% of the financial resources allocated by the EU for defense will be spent on defense products produced in member countries, while the remaining 35% can be spent on defense products produced in third countries, including Turkey.

THE OBSTACLE IN FRONT OF TURKEY'S EXPORTS HAS BEEN REMOVED

France, which wanted to keep the plan closed to third countries, had objected, but Paris has withdrawn its objection. France's objection was of a nature that would hinder the activities of countries such as Turkey, the USA, the UK, South Korea, and Israel.

According to the British Financial Times, which first reported the news, Donald Trump's upcoming inauguration as President of the United States played a role in the withdrawal of the objection.

35% WILL BE PURCHASED FROM TURKEY AND OTHER COUNTRIES

Studies indicate that in 2022, 78% of the defense procurements of EU countries were sourced from outside the union. Nearly 80% of this was from the USA, 13% from South Korea, and 3% from the UK and Israel.

In recent years, the momentum gained by the Turkish Defense Industry has reached a remarkable level. The current context, especially the war in Ukraine, has strengthened Turkey's position in the defense products sector. Turkey's high production capacity and the adoption of an innovative approach are also seen as significant advantages. Turkey's approval process regarding the plan is expected to be completed by 2025.