Turkey and US Deliberate Enhanced Defense Industrial Partnership, Including Naval Shipbuilding

Following a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan unveiled discussions held with then-U.S. President Donald Trump, signaling a potential deepening of defense industrial cooperation between the two nations. A primary focus of these talks, according to Erdoğan, centered on naval shipbuilding.

President Erdoğan highlighted Turkey’s substantial shipbuilding capabilities, stating, “We discussed shipbuilding particularly, including frigates, corvettes, and submarines. Turkey possesses the capacity to produce these platforms within its shipyards.” This suggests a possible framework where Turkey could leverage its robust defense industrial base for joint production or supply of naval vessels, potentially for the U.S. or allied navies.

Addressing broader strategic implications, Erdoğan also touched upon Turkey’s defense posture, metaphorically referring to its capabilities as a “Steel Dome” – a symbol of its strategic resilience and military strength within the region. He emphasized that this “Steel Dome” represents a powerful strategic asset for NATO in its operational zones, asserting Turkey’s ongoing progress and exhibition of these capabilities.

The President further elaborated on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, indicating a positive disposition from the U.S. side regarding Turkey’s acquisition. Erdoğan expressed optimism, noting, “Mr. Trump has adopted a constructive approach towards Turkey concerning the F-35 issue. We hope that once the F-35s are delivered to Turkey, the world will acknowledge that the United States has honored its commitment.” This statement suggests an expectation of progress on the F-35 delivery, despite past tensions.

Regarding U.S. sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), President Erdoğan stated that “the sanctions imposed by the U.S. against us have largely been lifted.” He affirmed that current Turkish officials, including the Minister of National Defense, Chief of General Staff, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, have not faced any application of these sanctions. Erdoğan also alluded to a direct line of communication with Trump, ensuring swift responses to any potential issues.

Finally, the supply of F110 aircraft engines, crucial for Turkey’s existing F-16 fleet and future indigenous aircraft programs, was also addressed. Erdoğan confirmed prior positive discussions with President Trump on this matter, expressing confidence that there would be no difficulties.

These statements collectively underscore Turkey’s ambition to bolster its defense industrial autonomy and its strategic importance as a NATO ally, while also signaling a desire for renewed and expanded defense cooperation with the United States across various critical platforms and technologies.

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