An example of Turkey’s drive towards industrial self-sufficiency and beyond, the Kaplan MT (medium Tank) is the fruit of huge financial, resource and intellectual investment. (Photo: FNSS) the south-eastern border of NATO, and to its determined fight against all forms of terrorism – one of two main threats to NATO. Former NATO Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Tacan Ildem, highlighted NATO’s 2030 vision, underining its three pillars: maintaining NATO’s military power; strengthening NATO’s political role; and adopting a more global approach. Stating that climate change, for example, is not addressed in the strategic concept, he stressed it is nonetheless an important factor in terms of NATO’s technological transformation power, as well as its capacity to execute operations in difficult conditions. President of Defence Industries (SSB), Prof Ismail Demir, underlined Turkey’s position as an emerging strategic enabler for the Alliance, in which the fast-growing capabilities of the indigenous defence industry will be important assets in preparing to make a strong alliance even stronger. He pointed out it was internal alliance embargoes that instigated the impetus for national defence industrial capability – leading today to increasing Turkish contributions to the alliance. “NATO’s collective defence concept is well known through its Article 5 […] of the Washington Treaty, the founding document of NATO […] However, I also would like to refer to Article 2 of the Treaty, which […] states that member countries ‘[…] will seek to eliminate conflict in their international economic policies and will encourage economic collaboration between any or all of them.’ With this understanding, Turkey is, and has always been, open to collaboration in defence industrial undertakings with its NATO allies, either through bilateral or multilateral channels. Therefore, the development of Turkish defence industrial capabilities is further making Turkey a critical and strategic asset for the Alliance,” he stated, concluding “That is why we proudly assert that, as a strong contributor to NATO burden sharing, Turkey and its defence industry is ready to adapt itself and collaborate with its allies in order to encounter emerging and disruptive technologies and be ready for the 2030 Objectives of NATO”. As the world adapts to evolving challenges, the Alliance will be as strong as its weakest link. And as it prepares to better define its ability to confront the inevitable challenges, those weak links seem to be the political decision-making mechanism, the lack of adequate strategic communications at all levels, and increased technological and innovative cooperation and capability-sharing. In NATO – the First Five Years 1949-1954, Lord Ismay remarked: “The signature of the North Atlantic Treaty marked the beginning of a revolutionary and constructive experiment in international relations. In signing the Treaty, independent sovereign states undertook pledges which called for immediate and continuous collective action, not only in the military, but also in political, economic and social fields […] Our fate is in our own hands. If we remain united, true to ourselves and to each other, we will avoid the unspeakable horrors of a third world war and be able to devote to the tasks of peace an ever-increasing measure of our energies and resources.” It seems the experiment continues, and Lord Ismay’s sentiments remain valid, as we prepare for the future. Ankara celebrated the anniversary of Turkey’s NATO membership on 18 February: the event began with a panel entitled Changing Dynamics and Longstanding Alliance: Stronger with Turkey for 70 Years, under the auspices of the Directorate of Communications of the Turkish Presidency. For 70 years, Turkey has shown strong commitment to NATO, taking an active role in Alliance missions aimed at enhancing regional peace. Amid growing uncertainty and evolving threats, Turkey has attached great importance to strong ties with NATO: it has the alliance’s second largest army, and stands out as a unique ally in facing common challenges. “Just looking at the map shows you the importance of Turkey as a NATO member,” explains Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Turkey has been an active participant in almost all NATO missions to date, and ranks among the top five members in terms of contributions. The Ankara-based Partnership for Peace Training Centre has provided training since 1998, and the Centre of Excellence for Defence Against Terrorism has been operational since 2005. Counter-terror operations and the accelerating refugee crisis are areas in which Turkey plays a pivotal role in sharing lessons learned. In a keynote address, Director of Communications Professor Fahrettin Altun stated “Turkey expects a much greater support from NATO and its NATO allies for its regional and global stabilising efforts,” adding that NATO is the largest, most institutionally advanced alliance in history, making indelible contributions to global stability since inception. “Turkey is at the epicentre of NATO’s geopolitical future. Turkey is a part of NATO, not because it is required in a bipolar or multipolar world, but because it is a symbol of international security and stability,” he stated, then stressed that Turkey regards NATO as a vital entity, and has prioritised NATO in its security and foreign policy agenda for 70 years, continuing to make significant contributions today. Lt Gen Levent Ergün, Commander of 3rd Corps (which houses the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps (NRDC-T), stated 3rd Corps gained international military HQ status in May 2003, and NRDC-T assumed responsibility for the NATO Response Force Land Component Command and the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) in 2021. “Turkey, which hosts critical NATO-related capabilities and headquarters, is among the top five countries that have contributed the most to NATO, particularly in recent years,” he said, emphasising essential contributions to securing MT 2/2022 Special Feature Ankara Re-Affirms Pledge to Strong NATO Alliance . . f
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