Belgian defense chief visits Turkish Aerospace

Defense cooperation talks

Belgian Defense and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken visited Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in Istanbul, meeting with Chief Executive Officer Mehmet Demiroglu to explore opportunities for bilateral defense collaboration. Demiroglu said on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal that the company was "delighted" to host the Belgian delegation, adding that the parties held productive discussions on ongoing efforts in the defense industry and aviation technologies. "By sharing our national engineering capabilities and advanced technology solutions, we assessed joint opportunities for the future," he said.

Economic mission to Türkiye

Francken’s visit formed part of a Belgian economic mission to Türkiye taking place from May 10 to 14, led by Queen Mathilde of Belgium. The delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot alongside Francken, representing the Belgian government’s push to strengthen trade ties with Turkish counterparts. The mission aims to expand economic cooperation between the two countries across multiple sectors including defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.

TAI engineering capabilities

Turkish Aerospace Industries, the state-run aerospace giant, has developed advanced unmanned aerial vehicles, satellites, and commercial aircraft components as part of Türkiye’s indigenous defense initiatives spanning both military and civilian sectors. Demiroglu noted that the company showcased these national engineering capabilities and advanced technology solutions to the Belgian minister during the visit, emphasizing TAI’s growing international partnerships. The discussions focused on potential joint ventures and technology transfers that could serve both nations' defense requirements while bolstering Belgium's aerospace sector.

The Belgian economic mission will conclude on Wednesday after a series of high-level meetings with Turkish government officials and business leaders in Ankara and Istanbul. Queen Mathilde is scheduled to attend several cultural and economic events before the delegation returns to Brussels, according to the Belgian royal household.