Türkiye claims key role in shaping NATO security architecture

Turkish Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler stated that Türkiye is “one of the leading countries shaping the security architecture of NATO.”

Güler made the remarks at the conference titled “NATO’s Ankara Time: Strategic Positioning for a Resilient Alliance,” organized in cooperation with the Presidential Communications Directorate and SETA, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

He noted that NATO, founded in 1949, remains the most enduring and institutionalized alliance based on the principle of collective defense. Since joining in 1952, Türkiye has evolved from being merely a member into a decisive actor influencing decisions, taking risks, and contributing directly to allied security.

Güler emphasized that during the Cold War, NATO focused on building strong and deterrent military capabilities. After the Cold War, although its relevance was questioned, conflicts in the Balkans and terrorist threats reaffirmed its importance, leading to a transformation toward peacekeeping and capacity-building missions.

In recent years, with the return of conventional threats and evolving risks, NATO has once again prioritized collective defense, approving new defense and deterrence concepts and modernizing command structures and alert systems.

He highlighted that NATO’s future depends not only on military strength but also on strategic resilience, coordination, and political unity, especially in the face of hybrid and multi-layered threats.

Güler underlined that global risks are increasing, including regional conflicts, terrorism, cyberattacks, nuclear threats, energy insecurity, and proxy wars. He also referenced ongoing conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine War and tensions in the Middle East.

He welcomed the recent temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran, expressing hope that it would contribute to lasting peace.

The minister stressed that Türkiye plays a central role within NATO operations, from Afghanistan to Kosovo, as well as across the Mediterranean and Baltic regions.

He added that Türkiye possesses one of NATO’s largest armies and contributes significantly through military training, joint operations, exercises, and command structures. He cited participation in major NATO exercises such as Steadfast Dart-26 as evidence of Türkiye’s operational capabilities.

Güler also announced plans to increase Türkiye’s commando brigades from 25 to around 40 within three years, enhancing its capacity to respond to hybrid warfare threats.

He noted that Türkiye will assume command of NATO’s Allied Reaction Force starting in 2028 for a two-year period, further highlighting its strategic importance within the alliance.

“Türkiye is not just a contributor of forces, but a key ally that enhances NATO’s operational effectiveness,” Güler said, adding that the country plays a crucial role both in the field and in decision-making mechanisms.

He concluded by emphasizing that Türkiye remains committed to supporting NATO’s long-term security vision while maintaining a balanced and principled approach that combines national interests with collective defense responsibilities.