Turkey is not participating in the war in Iran, but it gains significant geopolitical benefits from it. It is strengthening its role in the Caucasus, Iraq, Syria, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf. According to The Telegraph, the global security vacuum, which was strengthened by the conflict, allowed President Erdogan to significantly improve his country’s position on the world stage, primarily through the expansion of the defense industry and arms exports.
And even though there are demonstrations in the country and the president is using the state apparatus to crush the opposition, according to the letter, analysts point out that the attention of the international community is now mainly focused on Turkey’s military and industrial strength.
Under Erdogan’s leadership, Turkey, which already boasts the second largest army in NATO (after the US), has become the 11th largest arms exporter in the world. Special attention is focused on drones, which the Turks export to a number of countries around the world. In addition, Turkish military equipment is “tested in combat” – for example, Bayraktar drones helped the Ukrainians at the very beginning of the Russian invasion. This allows Erdogan to enter into numerous defense partnerships.
Missiles, drones and ships
That is why, for example, this May, Iraq signed an agreement to purchase 20 Turkish air defense systems. For a country that has long relied exclusively on the US, this is a fundamental change.
Indonesia then became the first foreign buyer of Turkish Bayraktar Kızılelma unmanned combat aircraft amid concerns about the diversion of American military resources to the Middle East. It bought 60 drones, deliveries are expected from 2028.
Ankara also secured a contract for the supply of two military support ships to Portugal, which is the first Turkish export to a NATO or European Union member country.
“This development brings significant financial resources that the Turkish economy needs so much at a time of high inflation,” explained Gonul Tol, an expert at the Near East Institute in Washington.
Open channels to the East and West
In addition to the defense industry, according to the letter, Turkey has ambitions to become an important trading center for energy, critical mineral extraction and maritime routes. The Turkish president himself recently stated that the goal of his country “is not to remain an observer, but to change the rules of the game in this competition.”
Turkey is also strengthening its diplomatic value. Ankara maintains open channels with both Tehran and the West and presents itself as one of the few countries that can negotiate with all parties to the conflict, which also applies to the war in Ukraine.
Although Turkey was the most exposed NATO country at the beginning of this year due to its proximity to Iran and the escalation of the conflict, the position of this country has changed significantly. “And so when Erdogan hosts the alliance summit in July, he will be speaking from a significantly stronger position and with leverage over many countries in the world that many other leaders can only dream of,” The Telegraph concludes.
