Global security uncertainties are driving European nations to radically redesign their defence strategies and supply chains. Belgium, host to NATO's political and administrative headquarters, has placed Turkish defence industry products on its radar for the modernisation of its military. During an Economic Mission visit to Türkiye, Belgian Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade Theo Francken provided critical self-criticism regarding his country's defence policies in an interview with CNN Türk. Francken announced that Belgium is conducting a new Armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) tender and is closely reviewing Turkish systems during this process. These statements clearly demonstrate that Turkish unmanned platforms, having proven their merit on the battlefield, have become one of the strongest alternatives in the European Union market.
"We Neglected Defence, You Invested"
The Minister's remarks during the interview explicitly summarise the complacency Europe experienced regarding defence spending following the Cold War. Francken analysed the situation with the following words:
"We neglected defence. You did not. You always invested in defence. And now, when the world is as unstable as it is today, of course, you are strong. We are weaker. We need to become strong again, and there are things we can learn from your country."
This diplomatic admission proves that the direction of technology transfer and military learning processes has shifted. Having reviewed Baykar facilities and unmanned platforms during his visit, Francken described the technology he witnessed as mind-blowing. Furthermore, the Minister emphasised that modern armies must rapidly adapt to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems, stating that Belgium wishes to benefit from Türkiye's experience in this adaptation process.
UCAV Tender and EU Procurement Rules
The most critical detail regarding the technology and procurement aspect of the report is Belgium's direct plan to purchase armed drones (UCAVs). To the question "Will you buy armed drones from Türkiye?", Francken provided a highly transparent response. Confirming that Belgium currently has a major ongoing UCAV tender process, the Minister drew attention to the European Union's strict procurement regulations.
Stating that as an EU member they must comply with specific regulations in tenders, Francken nevertheless used the following critical expression: "We will work together with Türkiye whenever possible." This situation indicates that tactical class UCAVs such as the Bayraktar TB2 or TB3 are among the strongest favourites in the tender against European and US competitors in terms of price-performance and operational capability. Indeed, Turkish systems have already proven their compatibility within EU airspace by entering the inventories of NATO members such as Poland and Romania.
Industrial Cooperation Beyond Platforms
The Belgian delegation's visit does not only cover the off-the-shelf purchase of aircraft. Minister Francken also announced that they have signed several sub-contracts between Turkish and Belgian defence companies. Consequently, these contacts point to the establishment of a much broader industrial cooperation network, including electro-optical systems, software integration, and ammunition procurement.
New Dynamics in the Global Defence Market
These rational statements by the Belgian Defence Minister objectively reveal how procurement habits in the international defence market are being transformed. Türkiye, which imported technology in the past, has today transformed into a reliable industrial partner that fills the strategic capability gaps of Western European armies through its domestic ecosystem.
Given the urgent needs of European countries regarding the integration of unmanned systems and AI, the flexible and combat-proven solutions offered by Turkish defence companies will continue to constitute a permanent alternative in the global supply chain.
