
Defense cooperation between Turkey and France is gaining momentum again despite years of political and military disagreements. The report prepared after the visit of five senators from the French Senate Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee to Turkey emphasized the need to increase strategic cooperation between the two countries. This development is considered an important step for the implementation of new projects in the defense industry.
Eurosam and Air Defense Project
In 2018, Turkey and France, with the participation of Italy, reached an agreement to jointly develop the SAMP/T air defense system in partnership with Eurosam within the scope of the LORAMIDS (Long Range Air and Missile Defense System). However, the project was stalled due to political tensions between the two countries. Opposing policies in Libya, Syria, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Azerbaijan-Armenia war have made Paris and Ankara rivals in the military field. Recently, there have been signs of a softening between the parties.
Reconciliation of Military Cooperation
One of the crises between France and Turkey in recent years was the tension experienced by the Courbet frigate in the Eastern Mediterranean in 2020. However, France’s sending this ship to Istanbul last November showed that relations between the parties were reshaping. In addition, the possibility of selling the Meteor air-to-air missiles that France sold to Greece to Turkey, although it drew a reaction from Athens, indicates that France may pursue a new balancing policy with Turkey in the field of defense.
According to the news by Zone Militaire, the report prepared by French senators reveals Turkey's desire to revive military cooperation with France. According to the report, Turkish National Defense Ministry Security Director General Lieutenant General İlkay Altındağ stated that cooperation was made with Spain on aircraft carrier projects and with Germany on submarine projects, and that Turkey also wanted to start new projects with France, such as unmanned sea vehicles.
Turkey's Participation in the 6th Generation Fighter Program
Another noteworthy issue in the report was Turkey’s interest in the FCAS (Future Air Combat System) program. Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries officials stated that Turkey wants to participate in the FCAS program in line with its 5th and 6th generation fighter jet development goals. Turkey is receiving support from BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce within the scope of the KAAN fighter jet project, and its desire to join the FCAS program reflects its search for alternatives independent of projects such as the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP).
On the other hand, considering the existing military cooperation between Spain and Germany, which are in the FCAS program, and Turkey, it seems possible that Ankara aims to join FCAS through these two countries. However, it is stated that France is not keen on including new countries in the FCAS program for now.
Possible Future Collaborations
Defense cooperation between France and Turkey has largely come to a standstill, especially after the suspension of the Eurosam air defense system project. However, the French senators’ report argues that the two countries should increase their defense industry, education and economic cooperation. Potential cooperation between Turkish and French defense companies could determine the course of military relations between the two countries in the coming period.
Although factors such as the defense agreement signed between France and Greece, Turkey's position in NATO and regional disputes are seen as the biggest obstacles to the process, the possibility of developing new cooperation in the field of defense industry in line with the common interests of the two countries should not be ignored.