Turkey has emerged as a formidable force on the world stage, boasting a powerful military that has solidified its position as a regional and global leader. This article delves into the key factors that contribute to Turkey’s military prowess, exploring the strengths that make it a force to be reckoned with
A Legacy of Military Prowess: A Historical Perspective
Turkey’s military history stretches back centuries, with a rich tapestry of victories and strategic maneuvers that have shaped its identity. The Ottoman Empire, a predecessor to modern-day Turkey was renowned for its military might leaving an indelible mark on the region and beyond. This legacy of military prowess continues to resonate within the Turkish Armed Forces, instilling a sense of pride and determination.
Modernization and Technological Advancements: Embracing the Cutting Edge
Turkey has embraced modernization and technological advancements, equipping its military with state-of-the-art weaponry and equipment. This commitment to technological innovation has transformed the Turkish Armed Forces into a modern, formidable force capable of engaging in complex operations. From advanced fighter jets to sophisticated drones, Turkey’s military arsenal reflects its dedication to staying ahead of the curve.
Strategic Location: A Geopolitical Advantage
Turkey’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia grants it a significant geopolitical advantage. This unique positioning allows Turkey to project its influence across multiple regions, playing a pivotal role in regional security and stability. Its proximity to the Middle East, the Black Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea further enhances its strategic importance.
A Large and Well-Trained Force: Human Capital at its Finest
Turkey boasts a large and well-trained military force, with a significant number of active-duty personnel and reservists. This substantial manpower provides Turkey with the flexibility to deploy troops across multiple theaters and respond effectively to various security challenges. The emphasis on rigorous training and professional development ensures that Turkish soldiers are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in diverse operational environments.
A Robust Defense Industry: Self-Reliance and Innovation
Turkey has actively invested in developing a robust domestic defense industry, reducing its reliance on foreign arms imports. This self-sufficiency allows Turkey to tailor its military equipment to specific requirements and maintain greater control over its defense capabilities. The flourishing defense industry also contributes to technological advancements, fostering innovation and enhancing the overall military capabilities of the country.
A Strong Alliance Network: Collaboration and Strategic Partnerships
Turkey maintains strong alliances with several countries, including the United States and NATO. These alliances provide Turkey with strategic partnerships, access to advanced technology, and opportunities for joint military exercises and training. This collaborative approach strengthens Turkey’s military standing and enhances its ability to address regional and global security concerns.
A Commitment to Regional Security: A Stabilizing Force
Turkey has consistently demonstrated its commitment to regional security, playing a proactive role in conflict resolution and peacekeeping efforts. Its involvement in regional initiatives and its willingness to contribute troops to international missions showcase Turkey’s dedication to fostering stability and promoting peace in its immediate vicinity and beyond.
A Growing Global Influence: A Rising Star on the World Stage
Turkey’s growing military might has translated into increased global influence. Its strategic partnerships, active involvement in regional affairs, and commitment to international security have positioned Turkey as a respected and influential player on the world stage. This growing influence allows Turkey to shape global discourse, contribute to international decision-making, and advocate for its interests on a broader platform.
Turkey’s military strength is a result of a complex interplay of factors, including its historical legacy, technological advancements, strategic location, robust defense industry strong alliance network, commitment to regional security and growing global influence. These factors have collectively contributed to transforming Turkey into a formidable military power, capable of safeguarding its interests and playing a pivotal role in shaping the regional and global security landscape. As Turkey continues to modernize and expand its military capabilities, it is poised to solidify its position as a major power on the world stage.
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This article, which examines Türkiye’s approach to Ukraine and China, is part of an ongoing series on U. S. statecraft and the Global South developed by the Carnegie Endowment’s American Statecraft Program. For other articles in the series, click here.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey suggested in September 2022 that his country might join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a defense alliance headed by China. 1 A few days later, he took a plane to New York City to address the UN General Assembly, making the case that Turkey is an essential component of NATO and the security of the European Union. 2 These two aspects of Ankara’s foreign policy, its membership in groups that oppose the West and its standing as a NATO ally, do not conflict in the eyes of the country. They are a component of the nation’s “360-degree foreign policy,” which emphasizes adaptability and strategic independence in order to restore Turkey’s former standing as a significant global power. 3 This was undoubtedly one of the factors that caused Ankara to criticize Israel’s retaliatory actions in Gaza in 2023 harshly, setting itself apart from the West.
Türkiye’s Approach to the War in Ukraine
In contrast to many other emerging powers, Turkey is directly impacted by the conflict in Ukraine because it is both a NATO member and located close to the fighting.
Turkey suffered during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries as Russia gradually annexed regions of its empire in southeast Europe, the Black Sea region, and the Caucasus. Due to its geographic location, Turkey is currently highly motivated to prevent Moscow from acquiring more land, which puts it in competition with Russia for influence over nations like Georgia, Azerbaijan, and even those in Central Asia.
But geography also links Türkiye’s economic and energy dependencies on Russia, which make Ankara wary of Russian reprisals. Russia sends Türkiye millions of tourists a year and nearly half of Türkiye’s gas. 4 Should Turkey alienate Russia, Moscow may threaten to halt profitable Russian tourism, as it did in 2015 following Turkey’s downing of an aircraft operating in Syria and once more in 2022 in reaction to Turkey supplying Ukraine with armed Bayraktar TB-2 drones. 5 Another way Moscow might exact revenge in Syria is by undermining Turkey’s attempts to contain the conflict along its southern border.
Ankara has thus forged a policy that is nominally pro-Ukraine yet open to continued relations with Russia. Ankara has been a vocal opponent of Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, which is home to a Turkic Tatar community, and a steadfast supporter of Ukraine’s desire to join NATO. Prior to the 2022 invasion, Türkiye signed deals with Ukraine to deepen cooperation in the defense industry. It has aided the Ukrainian military since the start of the conflict by preventing Russian aircraft from reaching Syria via its airspace, limiting Russian access to the Black Sea, and supplying the Ukrainian military with armored vehicles and Bayraktar TB-2 drones. 6 In the initial weeks, the potent Bayraktar drones were instrumental in helping Ukraine repel Russia’s assault on Kyiv; in fact, Ukrainian soldiers composed a song about them. 7 Additionally, Turkey has backed every resolution at the UN General Assembly pertaining to Ukraine, including those that sought to impose war reparations on Russia and suspend its membership in the UN Human Rights Council, both of which had little or no support from other emerging powers. 8.
Ankara has not, however, signed on to the Western sanctions regime. Türkiye has been dealing with sanctioned neighbors—Iran, Iraq, Syria, and now Russia—since the end of the Cold War. Turkey’s economic, commercial, and energy needs have suffered greatly as a result, underscoring Ankara’s dislike of sanctions as a tactic in international relations—particularly extraterritorial sanctions that aren’t supported by a UN Security Council resolution. This experience also factors into its desire not to burn bridges with Moscow. Nevertheless, Türkiye itself faces sanctions over its purchase of Russian S-400 air defense system in 2020.
Due to the war, Turkey’s economic ties with Russia have grown; in the first half of 2022, cargo transported through Turkey to Russia tripled, and Turkish exports to Russia increased by more than 60% from the previous year. 9 The Russian military used some of the parts and semiconductors in this cargo, so Washington sent a delegation of Treasury Department representatives to urge Ankara to stop the goods’ flow. 10 The pressure apparently worked, and Ankara eventually clamped down on the shipments. 11.
Ankara has also cast itself as a mediator in the war. Black Sea Grain Initiative was effectively facilitated by Turkey and reduced world food shortages for a year until Russian President Vladimir Putin pulled out of the agreement in July 2023. Ankara has also become a preferred venue for diplomacy between the West and Russia. CIA chief William Burns and his Russian counterpart Sergei Naryshkin met there in November 2022, for example. 12.
According to Turkish Chief Intelligence İbrahim Kalın, Turkey does not view cooperation with the Kremlin as endorsing Russian actions. 13 But Kalın also said that Türkiye does not see Russia as a threat. “Our membership in NATO and the Western alliance does not impede us from enjoying positive relationships,” Kalın stated. 14 Erdoğan has also recently said he trusts the Russians as much as the West. 15.
Why is Turkey’s Military Everywhere?
FAQ
Why is Turkey military strong?
Is Turkey a strong country?
Who is stronger Turkey or Israel?
Is Turkey more powerful than India?
Why is Turkey so powerful?
Turkey is the only European country that has grown in power since the financial crisis and the start of the Arab uprisings. While European economic fortunes have contracted, Turkey has one of the fastest growing global economies. Turkey may even now be more powerful in the Middle East than Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.
Is Turkey more powerful in the Middle East?
Turkey may even now be more powerful in the Middle East than Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. This is all supremely ironic for a country long excluded from positions of power in NATO and which has had the door to the European Union slammed shut in recent years.
Is Turkey a superpower?
Turkey may even now be more powerful in the Middle East than Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. This is all supremely ironic for a country long excluded from positions of power in NATO and which has had the door to the European Union slammed shut in recent years. Burns, Nicholas. “The Rise of Turkey as a Superpower.”
Was Turkey a superpower after the Cold War?
Burns, Nicholas. “The Rise of Turkey as a Superpower.” Boston Globe, April 27, 2012. When the Cold War ended, more than a few European and American officials predicted that Turkey would decline rapidly in geopolitical significance.