Hungary Opposes Exclusion of Turkish Defense Firms from European Procurement Frameworks
Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó, has publicly criticized recent initiatives by certain European nations aimed at excluding Turkish defense industry companies from new continental procurement plans. In a recent statement regarding the integration of defense supply chains, the Foreign Minister made it clear that Budapest does not support any strategy that marginalizes Ankara within the European security architecture.
Szijjártó highlighted the contradictions inherent in trying to sideline a major military power that is fully integrated into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). According to the Minister, there is a discernible effort by specific European actors to leave Turkish manufacturers out of the conversation regarding future defense contracts and development projects. He described these attempts as lacking in strategic logic, particularly given the security challenges currently facing the Euro-Atlantic region.
“For some reason, a part of the European countries is trying to exclude Turkish defense industry companies from new procurement plans,” Szijjártó stated. “We do not agree with this. Turkey is a NATO country. There is no open or logical reason for Turkish companies to be left out of the subject in Europe.”
The comments from the Hungarian diplomat underscore a broader debate within the continent regarding “strategic autonomy” versus NATO interoperability. While some European Union member states push for a defense industry that relies strictly on EU-based manufacturers, Hungary has taken a more pragmatic approach, often favoring open cooperation with non-EU NATO allies. Turkey’s defense sector has seen exponential growth in recent years, becoming a significant exporter of unmanned aerial vehicles, armored platforms, and naval systems.
Hungary itself has deepened its defense ties with Turkey in recent years, integrating Turkish-made armored vehicles into its armed forces. By advocating for the inclusion of Turkish firms, Szijjártó is reinforcing the Hungarian position that defense procurement should be based on capability, alliance solidarity, and strategic necessity rather than protectionist exclusion. The Minister’s remarks serve as a reminder that excluding key NATO allies from industrial cooperation could potentially undermine the collective defense posture of the alliance at a critical time for global security.
