Zeebrugge, Belgium / Ankara, 03 July 2026

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken has described Türkiye as a vital NATO ally, saying Europe stands to benefit significantly from the country's growing expertise in defense technology and industrial production. Speaking ahead of the NATO meeting scheduled for July 7-8, 2026, in Ankara, Francken underscored the need for stronger cooperation among allies amid evolving global security challenges.

Francken said NATO has faced a difficult year, with disagreements over developments in the Middle East, military operations involving Iran, the use of U.S. military bases, and rising expectations for defense spending. Despite these challenges, he stressed that unity remains the alliance's greatest strength.

The upcoming summit, he said, will focus on increasing defense investment, expanding industrial production, strengthening air defense, advancing new technologies, and implementing the NATO Force Model. Continued support for Ukraine also remains a key priority alongside efforts to enhance the alliance's collective military capabilities.

Discussing the emerging "NATO 3.0" vision, Francken said it reflects the need for European allies to assume greater responsibility for the continent's security. He argued that Belgium and other European countries must increase defense spending and take a larger role in protecting Europe's security architecture.

He also acknowledged the possibility of the United States gradually reducing its military presence in Europe as Washington shifts its strategic focus toward the Indo-Pacific. In response, he said European allies must improve long-term planning, meet NATO capability targets, and close existing defense gaps.

Belgium, he noted, will contribute air-to-air refueling aircraft, F-16 fighter jets, MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets under the NATO Force Model, adding that the country is ready to expand its operational contributions.

Highlighting Türkiye's strategic role, Francken described it as a long-standing and indispensable NATO ally. He said the Ankara summit offers an opportunity to further strengthen cooperation and praised the country's hospitality.

The Belgian minister also argued that Türkiye should be included in future European defense financing initiatives, saying its exclusion from the first SAFE defense funding mechanism was a missed opportunity. He noted that Europe could learn from Türkiye's advances in defense technology and industrial capabilities.

Recalling his visit to the Turkish Navy's TCG Burgazada corvette during Belgium's Navy Days 2026 in Zeebrugge, Francken praised the vessel's advanced technology and high standards as evidence of Türkiye's achievements in defense manufacturing.

He also highlighted growing economic ties between Belgium and Türkiye, noting that Belgium's recent economic mission to Türkiye continues to generate new commercial agreements. According to Francken, expanding industrial cooperation, including joint defense procurement and production, would further strengthen relations between the two NATO allies.

The 2026 NATO Summit at Ankara's Beştepe Presidential Complex will be the second hosted by Türkiye after the 2004 Istanbul summit. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has described Türkiye as a key ally whose longstanding contributions continue to strengthen the alliance as it prepares to address evolving security challenges.