‘NATO is Türkiye’: UK hails Ankara’s pivotal role in alliance

2026-03-24 - 18:40

A senior British official has delivered a powerful affirmation of Türkiye’s standing within the North Atlantic Alliance, stating unequivocally that “NATO is Türkiye.” Speaking at the launch of the UK Ministry of Defense’s 2026 Defense Diplomacy Strategy, Lord Coaker, the UK Minister of State for Defense, emphasized Ankara’s critical contributions to NATO operations and signaled a deepening strategic partnership between London and Ankara. Strengthening defense-industrial cooperation Coaker’s remarks coincided with Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler’s visit to London, where the third implementation document for the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet agreement is scheduled to be signed on Wednesday. The £8 billion ($10.7 billion) deal, finalized last year after Türkiye successfully overcame a German veto in 2024, will see Ankara acquire 20 Typhoon jets. Britain, a leading partner in the Eurofighter program, has been Türkiye’s most vocal advocate throughout the negotiation process. Respect for Türkiye’s role “We work very closely with Türkiye,” Coaker told Anadolu, adding that the relationship has rapidly ascended to the top of Whitehall’s priority list. “We understand its importance, and we respect it enormously for the work that it does within NATO.” He described the fighter jet agreement as a milestone in defense-industrial collaboration and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to delivering shared objectives with Ankara. A ‘NATO First’ doctrine with industrial edge The newly unveiled Defense Diplomacy Strategy is built on a “NATO First” principle, which identifies the alliance as the “unshakeable foundation” of British security. However, the 2026 strategy introduces a pragmatic focus on bolstering “industrial resilience” by deepening ties with NATO’s most capable members. The strategy document explicitly cites the record-breaking fighter jet agreement with Türkiye as a benchmark for future engagements, positioning the UK Ministry of Defense as a key engine for economic growth. Steady transatlantic ties Asked about recent Israeli claims regarding Iranian missiles, Coaker downplayed the threat, stating there is “no intent on the part of Iran to target the UK.” He also dismissed concerns about political shifts in Washington, describing the US-UK relationship as “fundamental” and adding that any perception of division would only benefit adversaries. As Türkiye continues to strengthen its defense ties with key allies, the UK’s latest strategy underscores Ankara’s growing importance within NATO’s industrial and strategic landscape. The deepening cooperation reflects a broader recognition of Türkiye’s indispensable role in ensuring alliance security and regional stability.