Turkey eyes bigger role in EU defence strategy as Europe rearms
In recent months, interest in Turkish arms has been growing in Western Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean.
In Italy, one of Europe's most advanced defence economies, Baykar has signed two landmark deals over the past year: one with Leonardo to manufacture drones and another to buy troubled aircraft manufacturer Piaggio, its first overseas acquisition.
TAI is working with Airbus to supply Spain with trainer jet aircraft and Turkish shipyards are building logistics ships for the Portuguese navy.
Meanwhile, Germany recently turned to Repkon to help it establish new factories to produce 155mm artillery shells.
Whether Turkish companies will go on to establish themselves as key players in Europe will depend in large part on gaining access to the EU's 150 billion euro (US$174.5 bn) rearmament programme.
https://www.newarab.com/news/turkey-eyes-bigger-role-eu-defence-strategy-europe-rearms
