Türkiye and UK Hold High-Level Roundtable to Strengthen Defense Partnership

London, The Gulf Observer: A high-level roundtable on the UK–Türkiye defense partnership was held in London, co-organized by Türkiye’s Communications Directorate and the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), the Turkish Communications Directorate announced on Friday.

The discussions focused on the strategic dimensions of defense cooperation between the two NATO allies, bringing together officials from public institutions, Turkish defense industry executives, and UK experts. The event aimed to strengthen the institutional and strategic framework of bilateral relations amid an evolving global security environment.

According to the statement, the roundtable highlighted the progress made under the 2023 Statement of Intent and the establishment of the Defense Industry Cooperation Council. Key topics included joint military exercises, technology transfer, co-production projects, and Türkiye’s two-decade transformation in its domestic defense sector.

“The cooperation has a complementary character that can enhance both bilateral relations and meet Europe’s growing demand for defense capabilities,” the statement noted, emphasizing that both countries are “indispensable players in the European defense ecosystem.”

Participants also evaluated projects such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and uncrewed aerial systems, considering their role in innovation and NATO’s southern flank deterrence. Discussions further covered EU-led initiatives, including ReArm and the Security Action for Europe (SAFE), and highlighted the importance of public diplomacy in garnering international support for bilateral defense ties.

The roundtable was described as “a significant step toward reinforcing the Türkiye–UK strategic partnership and shaping a shared vision for regional and global security.”