Germany seeks missile cooperation with Turkey at NATO summit

German Defence Deputy Minister Nils Schmid said Turkey plays a "vital role for NATO and Europe’s security" during the NATO 36th Summit in Ankara. He highlighted the host country's increasing importance for the alliance, especially in the Black Sea and NATO’s southern flank, and noted that the Defence Industry Forum at the summit provides an opportunity to discuss new projects.

Schmid announced that Germany is exploring closer defence cooperation with Turkey, including interest in Turkish long‑range missile systems such as the YILDIRIMHAN and TAYFUN. He said Germany is evaluating different options to close capability gaps in long‑range precision strike weapons, and that the German defence ministry, together with Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, is reviewing Turkey’s proposals. The remarks underline Germany’s intent to deepen industrial ties with Turkey amid broader NATO discussions on collective defence and European security.