In the ever-evolving landscape of global defense, Turkey is carving out a significant role within Europe’s industrial framework. This development is particularly evident in Italy, where Turkish defense technologies are being integrated into European supply chains and procurement systems. The relationship between Turkey and Italy serves as a microcosm of the broader dynamics at play within Europe’s defense sector.
The integration of Turkish defense platforms into Europe’s industrial ecosystem is not without its complexities. While Turkey remains outside the European Union’s emerging defense architecture, its defense-industrial capacity is becoming increasingly embedded in parts of Europe. This raises important questions about the future of Euro-Atlantic defense cooperation and the political implications of such engagements.
Italy as a Test Case for Defense Cooperation
Italy stands out as the foremost example of Europe’s pragmatic engagement with Turkey’s defense industry. The Italian navy’s decision to deploy the Bayraktar TB3 unmanned aerial vehicle from the aircraft carrier Cavour is a case in point. This move is not merely a procurement decision but a strategic step towards integrating Turkish-designed unmanned aircraft into one of Europe’s most important naval platforms.
The TB3 acquisition is facilitated through LBA Systems, a joint venture between Leonardo and Baykar established in 2026. This partnership goes beyond a simple buyer-seller relationship, as it involves production, integration, certification, mission systems, and support. Through this collaboration, Baykar is transitioning from being an external supplier to a partner of one of Europe’s largest defense companies.
The Broader Implications for Europe
The Italian-Turkish defense collaboration extends beyond maritime applications. Leonardo and Baykar are planning a mid-2026 demonstration where an M-346 light combat aircraft will control two Baykar-built Kızılelma unmanned combat aircraft. If successful, this could offer an early example of manned-unmanned teaming in European defense operations.
The war in Ukraine has underscored the strategic importance of unmanned systems for surveillance, strike, maritime awareness, and saturation tactics. For Italy, the Cavour-TB3 combination could provide additional reach and persistence without relying solely on high-cost crewed platforms. This development aligns with the broader trend of European militaries seeking more distributed and scalable models of airpower.
The Political and Industrial Dilemma
As NATO prepares to meet in Ankara in July 2026, Turkey’s role within the alliance is a topic of significant discussion. The issues range from democratic backsliding and sanctions compliance to relations with Russia and disputes with Greece and Cyprus. However, the urgency of European rearmament and the centrality of unmanned systems are driving a more pragmatic engagement with Turkey’s defense industry.
This engagement is characterized by strategic pragmatism, shaped by capability gaps and industrial needs. While it does not signify strategic convergence, it reflects a growing recognition of Turkey’s defense-industrial capacity. The challenge for Europe lies in managing this engagement within a coherent political and institutional framework.
The European Union currently lacks a coherent strategy for addressing Turkey’s growing role in its defense-industrial base. As Turkish platforms enter European supply chains, procurement systems, certification processes, and export regimes, the issue becomes increasingly relevant for Brussels. The absence of a structured Euro-Atlantic framework for this cooperation highlights the need for a more predictable and integrated approach.
As Turkey becomes more functionally embedded in Europe’s defense landscape, the need for a coherent political and institutional framework becomes ever more pressing. The future of Euro-Atlantic defense cooperation will likely hinge on the ability to navigate these complexities and forge a more predictable path forward.
