Defense Cooperation Between Turkey and France Thawing
**Defense cooperation between Turkey and France is experiencing a resurgence after years of political and military discord. A recent report issued following a visit from five senators of the French Senate’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee underscores the importance of strengthening strategic ties between the two nations. In 2018, an agreement was reached to collaboratively develop the SAMP/T air defense system as part of the LORAMIDS (Long Range Air and Missile Defense System) initiative with Eurosam, a joint venture of Thales and MBDA. However, escalating tensions between Paris and Ankara prevented this project from progressing. Divergent approaches to conflicts in Libya, Syria, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict have placed the two countries at odds militarily.
Recently, there have been indications of a thaw in relations, particularly following the Courbet frigate crisis in 2020. Notably, France sent the Courbet frigate to Istanbul last November, signaling a potential shift in military dynamics. Additionally, reactions from Athens regarding Turkey’s possible acquisition of Meteor air-to-air missiles, which Greece purchased from France, suggest that Paris may be considering a more balanced approach in its defense relationship with Ankara.
Renewed Military Collaboration
A report from Zone Militaire reveals Turkey’s eagerness to revitalize military cooperation with France. Major General İlkay Altındağ, the General Director of Security at Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense, highlighted ongoing collaborations with Spain and Germany, particularly in aircraft carriers and submarine projects. He expressed Turkey’s interest in launching new initiatives with France, such as the development of unmanned maritime vehicles. Furthermore, Altındağ stressed the need for France’s General Directorate of Armaments (DGA) to resume discussions, indicating that Turkish defense companies are prepared to partner with their French counterparts.
The delegation’s visit to the Presidency of Defense Industries in Turkey, aimed at gathering information about existing companies and projects, further emphasizes this intent. Alongside these discussions, Turkey has also expressed interest in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, with officials indicating a desire to participate in this initiative as part of Turkey’s strategy to develop advanced fighter jets. Currently, Turkey is collaborating with BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce on the KAAN fighter jet project, and its interest in FCAS may be viewed as an attempt to secure an alternative following its exclusion from the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP).
Challenges Ahead
Despite the renewed focus on defense cooperation, significant challenges remain. The report highlights Turkey’s interest in joining the FCAS program, especially in light of ongoing military collaborations between Spain and Germany, both integral to the FCAS initiative. Nevertheless, it has been noted that France is hesitant to welcome new participants into the program, which may complicate Turkey’s ambitions.
Moreover, prior to this resurgence, defense cooperation between the two countries had largely stalled, particularly following the suspension of the Eurosam air defense system project. The French senators’ report advocates for enhanced defense industry collaboration, training, and economic partnerships. However, existing challenges—including France’s defense agreements with Greece, Turkey’s NATO positioning, and various regional disputes—are perceived as significant hurdles to advancing this cooperation.
