In first, Turkey to export jets, military vessels to NATO allies: What to know
After Turkish drones, manned Turkish jets and military vessels will appear on the European arena following deals signed with Spain and Portugal.
As 2024 comes to an end, two of Turkey's leading defense firms have made big strides by securing major exports to NATO allies and EU members Spain and Portugal. These sales could lead to more global arms sales down the road.
On Dec. 17, Turkey’s state-owned Defense Technologies Engineering Corporation (STM) signed a contract with the Portuguese Navy to build two replenishment ships. Two days later, Turkey’s ambassador to Spain, Nuket Kucukel Ezberci, and Spain’s minister of defense, Margarita Robles, signed a memorandum of understanding for the sale of 24 Hurjet jet trainers, produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS).
Experts who spoke to Al-Monitor underlined that this is the first time Turkey is selling military vessels and jet aircraft to NATO and EU members.
In the case of Hurjet, when TUSAS rolls out the plane’s combat variant later in the decade, there is a small possibility that issues in Turkey-United States ties could affect the provision of critical US-made components, especially the engines.
