Team
May 13, 2026•Updated: May 13, 2026
The Belgian Minister of Defense, Theo Francken, praised the Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar during a visit to the Ozdemir Bayraktar National Technology Center in Istanbul, stating that the company holds a unique position in the NATO defense ecosystem thanks to its commitment to continuous innovation.
Francken, in Turkey as part of the Belgian Economic Mission, shared his impressions on social media following the visit with Queen Mathilde of Belgium and business representatives.
« Istanbul is teeming with entrepreneurial spirit and dynamism », Francken declared, adding that « the future of defense is also being built here ».
« Yesterday, I visited Baykar with the Queen and our entrepreneurs. This defense company holds a unique place within NATO as it has made continuous innovation a fundamental principle », he wrote.
Francken recalled that Baykar started as a small business in the 1980s before becoming a defense giant worth billions of euros, founded « from nothing » by two brothers.
« How? By always staying ahead. Almost by reading the future », he asserted.
Francken described Baykar as a pioneer in AI-integrated armed drones, emphasizing that these systems continue to improve by flying « higher and farther ».
« Now, Baykar is moving on to the next inevitable step: the unmanned combat aircraft », he stated, referring to Baykar’s Kizilelma.
« Kizilelma is already in production and being exported », he added.
The minister also indicated that he would promote investment opportunities for Belgian and Turkish companies during his meetings in Istanbul, specifying that 32 Belgium-Turkey commercial agreements were expected to be signed later in the day.
Francken also expressed his support for an update to the Customs Union framework between Turkey and the European Union.
« If this structure is modernized comprehensively, our trade exchanges could grow much faster. Belgium also supports this call », he declared.
« Our companies must not miss this opportunity », he added.
Finally, Francken encouraged visitors to go to Istanbul, praising the city’s economic energy and international openness.
*Translated from English by Wafae El Baghouani
