Türkiye-Belgium Defense Industry Day held in Brussels

BRUSSELS

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken has highlighted Türkiye as a country with "a rapidly growing defense potential and a dynamic industry renowned worldwide," as officials gathered for the Türkiye-Belgium Defense Industry Day in Brussels.

The event brought together Turkish and Belgian defense companies, with morning presentations on strategic visions and investment priorities followed by afternoon one-on-one business meetings, the Turkish Embassy in Brussels said in a statement.

The event was attended by Francken; Türkiye Ambassador to Belgium Görkem Barış Tantekin; Türkiye's Permanent Representative to NATO Ambassador Basat Öztürk; the head of the International Cooperation Department at the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), Ertaç Koca; and FIT CEO Piet Demunter.

"Türkiye is a country with a rapidly growing defense potential and a dynamic industry that is renowned worldwide. This event offers a unique opportunity to discover these possibilities in more detail," Francken said in a social media post.

Tantekin noted that the cooperation contributes to the strategic goals of both countries, adding that the meeting strengthens a bilateral, trust-based and constructive partnership rooted in historic friendship and strong alliance relations.

Koca presented Türkiye's defense industry supply system, the sector's current status, and international collaboration opportunities.

Eight major Turkish defense companies, including ASELSAN, HAVELSAN, ROKETSAN and TUSAŞ, attended under the leadership of the Presidency of Defense Industries. Over 100 Belgian participants, including sector representatives, research institutions and government officials, also took part.