NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday called on alliance members to learn from Turkey’s defense industry, describing the country as having undergone a defense industry revolution. Speaking at the headquarters of Turkish defense company Aselsan, he said Turkey’s rapid progress in recent years could serve as an example for others. Rutte emphasized that increasing production alongside innovation is one of NATO’s top priorities and noted that these issues will be highlighted at the NATO summit scheduled for July in Ankara.

He stated that raising defense spending alone will not ensure security, stressing the need to expand production of air defense systems, drones, ammunition, radar, and space technologies. Rutte praised Turkey’s achievements, saying Aselsan is at the forefront of this progress, and urged the company to accelerate innovation and production. He added that ensuring the security of nearly one billion people across Europe and North America requires not only strong armed forces but also a robust defense industry.

Rutte also noted growing cooperation within NATO and highlighted that Turkish defense firms are expanding their operations and exports across Europe, calling for stronger collaboration from Alaska to Ankara.