Turkey and France have signed a Defense Cooperation Roadmap following military talks held in France, in what marks the most concrete step in defense engagement between the two NATO allies after years of strained relations. The roadmap aims to develop defense cooperation and strengthen strategic dialogue between Ankara and Paris.
Why it matters
- The agreement stands out as the most tangible defense step taken after a long period of tension between the two countries.
- A joint development project with Eurosam for the SAMP/T air defense system, agreed in principle in 2018, had stalled due to political friction — the roadmap could revive similar cooperation.
- Both sides intend to maintain regular, results-oriented contacts and advance mutually beneficial collaboration.
The Turkish delegation met in France with Minister Delegate Alice Rufo, General Vincent Giraud — head of the President's Military Household — and Guillaume Ollagnier, Director General for International Relations and Strategy. Talks covered bilateral defense relations and strategic dialogue. A 2025 French Senate report on Turkey had also called for expanded strategic cooperation. Observers also point to thawing signals, including the deployment of the frigate Courbet to Istanbul last November and speculation that France may recalibrate its position on Meteor missile sales.
Why it matters for Turkey
The rapprochement between two NATO members that have taken opposing positions on Libya, Syria, the Eastern Mediterranean and Nagorno-Karabakh carries significance for intra-alliance cohesion. For Turkey, implementation of the roadmap opens a process worth watching for improved access to European defense supply chains and the possible revival of joint projects along the lines of SAMP/T.
Source: ssbulten tercüme