Türkiye and Hungary strengthen defense industry cooperation
Hungarian Minister of Defense Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky and Secretary of Secretariat of Defense Industries, Haluk Gorgun walking in Nurol Makina facility. (Photo via X / @halukgorgun)
Türkiye and Hungary have taken significant steps to enhance collaboration in the defense industry, establishing a joint working group to foster innovation and technological development in key strategic areas.
Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacir announced the formation of the Türkiye-Hungary Defense Innovation Working Group at the inaugural ministerial meeting held at the Ministry of Industry and Technology.
“We have taken the first steps to establish new partnerships in strategic areas such as unmanned aerial and ground systems, simulation and training technologies, test and innovation centers,” Kacir said.
He emphasized the importance of long-term cooperation beyond short- and medium-term goals, encouraging joint projects that include not only Türkiye and Hungary but also other allied nations.
Bilateral trade and strategic partnership
Kacir underscored the growing economic and strategic ties between Türkiye and Hungary, highlighting that trade volume between the two countries surged from $524 million in 2002 to over $4.4 billion.
“The elevation of our bilateral relations to an ‘Enhanced Strategic Partnership’ has paved the way for further cooperation,” he stated, reaffirming the commitment to expanding joint efforts in defense technology and innovation.
Türkiye and Hungary have also declared 2025 as the “Türkiye-Hungary Year of Science and Innovation,” with Kacir set to visit Hungary soon to mark the official launch.
Türkiye’s defense industry growth
Highlighting Türkiye’s defense industry advancements, Kacir noted that the sector’s localization rate had increased from 20% to over 80% in the past two decades.
“In 2002, we were managing only 62 defense projects; today, that number has exceeded 1,000. The products of Türkiye’s defense industry are redefining global military paradigms and altering geopolitical balances,” he said.
Türkiye’s defense exports reached $7.1 billion last year, setting a new record. Kacir attributed this success to high-tech solutions and strategic international partnerships that benefit all stakeholders.
Hungary’s perspective on defense cooperation
Hungarian Defense Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky acknowledged the strengthening of defense ties between the two nations, particularly within the NATO framework.
“The Turkish military is the second-largest force in NATO. Hungary is proud to be an ally of Türkiye, both within NATO and through direct bilateral cooperation. Türkiye’s defense industry and innovation capabilities are among the most prominent in the world,” he stated.
Delivery of armored vehicles to Hungary
Türkiye’s expanding defense exports were further emphasized with the recent delivery of Ejder Yalcin 4×4 tactical wheeled armored vehicles to Hungary.
Produced by Nurol Makina, these vehicles are expected to bolster Hungary’s defense capabilities.
Haluk Gorgun, head of the Presidency of Defense Industries, highlighted the growing global presence of Türkiye’s defense sector.
“With over 4,500 land vehicles exported to more than 40 countries, Turkish defense companies continue to solidify their presence in the global market,” Gorgun said. He expressed hope that the Türkiye-Hungary partnership would lead to new technological collaborations and enhanced defense capabilities for both nations.
“We will continue to produce non-stop, grow with exports, and strengthen our cooperation with friendly and allied countries,” Gorgun concluded.
Future steps in defense innovation
Looking ahead, Türkiye and Hungary plan to expand their defense industry cooperation through NATO High Visibility Projects and the Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) program.
Kacir emphasized that future efforts will focus on defense technologies with dual-use applications, fostering economic and security benefits.
“We invite our Hungarian partners not just to aim for short- and medium-term objectives, but to build long-term projects that encompass allied and friendly nations,” Kacir said.
