Belgium’s Defense Minister Theo Francken has said that Türkiye and Ukraine are setting new standards in modern warfare, particularly through advances in drones, artificial intelligence, and defense innovation.
Speaking to Anadolu during Belgium’s economic mission to Ankara and Istanbul, Francken said NATO’s military thinking is being reshaped by lessons from the Ukraine conflict and rapid developments in Türkiye’s defense industry.
He stated that both countries are leading the transformation of battlefield strategies, adding that other NATO members must adapt quickly to keep pace with evolving threats.
Francken described the Belgian delegation’s visit to Türkiye as the largest economic and trade mission ever conducted between the two countries, with more than 100 meetings held with government officials and business leaders.
He confirmed that dozens of agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed, including several related to defense cooperation.
Highlighting Türkiye’s defense sector, Francken praised companies such as Baykar Technologies and noted visits to shipyards producing both civilian and military vessels. He described Turkish defense technologies as highly advanced and influential in shaping NATO’s future strategies.
He said the growing importance of drone warfare, demonstrated in Ukraine and supported by Turkish innovation, is forcing NATO allies to rethink their military doctrines.
Francken added that Belgium has already begun integrating drone technologies into its armed forces, including the appointment of a senior officer responsible for drone development.
He acknowledged that Belgium previously lagged behind in drone capabilities due to ethical concerns, but said modern warfare now requires rapid adaptation, warning that stagnation could create security risks.
The minister said Belgium is working on major defense initiatives, including a counter-drone program valued at over $1 billion. He added that Turkish companies could play a role in future tenders, noting their technological advantage.
Francken also pointed to ongoing cooperation between Türkiye and Belgium in areas such as naval engineering and armored vehicle programs.
During the visit, 37 agreements and letters of intent were signed in Istanbul alone, with further deals expected in Ankara. These include cooperation on training and demining operations in regions such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea.
On broader relations, Francken expressed Belgium’s support for closer Türkiye-European Union cooperation, including modernization of the Customs Union and potential access to EU defense funding mechanisms.
He emphasized that both sides benefit from stronger ties, although political disagreements within the EU remain an obstacle.
Looking ahead to the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, Francken urged greater focus on defense production capacity and industrial cooperation, alongside rising military spending among member states.
He also called for unity within NATO, stressing that collective strength remains essential for the alliance’s future.
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