In a sign of warming Turkish relations, European leaders have started lifting their opposition to key military hardware sales, to the alarm of Turkey’s rival Greece. The move comes as Turkey, Nato’s second-largest army, is viewed as potentially playing a key role in Europe’s security goals as doubts grow over Washington’s commitment to the continent’s defence.
Greece is reacting furiously against France over the potential sale of the Meteor air-to-air missile to Turkey. The missile sale and the Turkish bid to procure Europe’s Eurofighter threatened to erase Greece’s military edge over its rival Turkey.
Despite France and Greece recently signing a defence pact, French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly rejected Greek calls to block the missile sale, which is made by a European consortium headquartered in France.
« I think that France’s decision is related to what is going on in Ukraine, » claims international relations Professor Federico Donelli of Trieste University in Italy
« Turkey and European countries have the same geo-strategic interest, » adds Donelli. « If you ask Turkey and Turkish policymakers, for them, the main threat to the security and stability of the country and integrity of the country remain Russia. So I think that on this point that France, Turkey, even other European countries converge ».
Turkey’s Erdogan sees new Trump presidency as opportunity
Force
With more than 800,000 personnel in its armed forces, including reservists, Turkey is Nato’s second-largest army.
The importance of the Turkish military to European security could be ascending with the looming threat of Russia and Washington demanding Europe take more responsibility for its defence.
« We think it’s an important part of being in a shared alliance together that the Europeans step up while America focuses on areas of the world that are in great danger, » warned United States Vice President JD Vance at this month’s Munich Security Conference.
Turkey’s poor human rights record has strained relations with the European Union, along with the authoritarian reputation of the Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan. But such concerns are being trumped by security fears.
« After the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Turkey is starting to be perceived by Nato members as an important ally, » explains Donelli.
« Maybe it’s not the best ally ever because we know that Turkey’s not an easy partner, but at the same time it is the most useful one ».
Turkish President Erdogan ready to rekindle friendship with Trump
Threat
European leaders met this month to discuss Ukraine and the security threat facing the continent. With the Turkish army dwarfing its European counterparts, Ankara says it can play a key role in Europe’s defence.
« European allies understood that without Turkey, we cannot continue the defence of the European continent and Euro-Atlantic security, » claims Turkish presidential advisor Mesut Casin. « And is Turkey ready to support this European security and defence capability? The answer is: ‘Yes.' »
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, too, is eyeing Turkey’s military. During his visit to Turkey on Tuesday, Zelenskyy underlined the importance of Ukraine’s allies deploying soldiers to guarantee any peace agreement reached with Russia.
« Two issues that are very, very important: a strong Ukrainian army, and the deployment in Ukraine from other armies like from Europe, and the United States, our partners, » declared Zelensky at a joint press conference with Erdogan.
Zelensky said he had discussed the issue with Erdogan but that it was too early to reveal the outcome of the talks. While Erdogan has close ties with his Ukrainian counterpart, the Turkish leader has also maintained good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Casin insists if all agree, Ankara is well placed to assist. « Turkey, maybe we send our troops to peacekeeping operations. Why do I say it like this? Turkey joined many UN peacekeeping operations, and the Turkish army is very powerful, » said Casin.
The Turkish military has participated in some of the world’s most difficult UN peacekeeping operations, from Kosovo to Somalia.
However, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov ruled out any Nato peacekeepers in Ukraine. Nevertheless, the importance of Turkey’s large and capable army could still play a key role in Europe as European concerns grow over the reliability of their American ally.