Western defense bans on Turkey ease as global security focus shifts

WISE NEWS PRESS / ANKARA, TURKEY — Nov. 22, 2025

Western nations are gradually lifting defense restrictions on Turkey as shifting international security dynamics highlight Ankara's strategic importance within the NATO alliance.

While the ground is more favorable for progress in the defense sector than in previous years, obstacles have not been entirely removed. As Turkey seeks to assume a greater role in the European defense and security architecture, the rigid restrictions imposed by allies are slowly being dismantled, though political hurdles within the European Union and the United States remain.

Shift in German and British policy

Germany, which previously imposed some of the strictest restrictions on Turkey following the 2019 Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria, has significantly altered its stance. Restrictions targeting Turkey's naval forces are no longer in effect.

A major breakthrough was also achieved regarding air force capabilities, specifically the agreement on the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft. This shift coincides with the "strategic dialogue" initiative championed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, signaling a new era in Berlin-Ankara relations. However, challenges regarding the supply of engines and transmission systems for the Altay main battle tank remain unresolved.

Caption: The United Kingdom and Germany have moved toward approving the sale of Eurofighter jets to Turkey. (Photo: UK MOD / Crown Copyright)

The United Kingdom, a key NATO ally outside the EU, has maintained high-level defense cooperation with Turkey since lifting its own restrictions in early 2022. The British government places high importance on the sale of 20 Eurofighter jets to Turkey, a deal that was solidified in October 2025.

Nordic and Canadian restrictions lifted

Several nations have reversed embargoes largely due to diplomatic leverage exerted during NATO expansion processes.

• Sweden and Finland: Both nations lifted all defense export restrictions between 2022 and 2023 as a prerequisite for Turkey ratifying their NATO membership bids.

• The Netherlands: The Dutch government ended its long-standing restrictions in 2023.

• Norway: Following diplomatic engagement, Norway lifted its restrictions in September 2024, addressing Ankara's discomfort over being sanctioned by a NATO ally.

• Canada: After canceling export permits for electro-optic systems used in Turkish drones in 2021, Canada fully lifted its export ban in January 2024.

Persistent US and EU hurdles

Despite these positive developments, the most significant restrictions—those imposed by the United States—remain partially in effect.

The US imposed sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) in April 2021 following Turkey's acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system. While Turkey was removed from the F-35 program, recent negotiations regarding F-16 modernization have shown progress, though the core issues remain unresolved.

Within the European Union, institutional blockages persist. Despite Turkey having the second-largest army in NATO, its participation in the "Military Schengen" initiative—formally known as the PESCO Military Mobility project—has been stalled for four years.

Basat Öztürk, Turkey’s Permanent Representative to NATO, argued that the country faces "clear discrimination." Speaking at the EU-Turkey Business Summit in Brussels on Nov. 17, Öztürk stated:

"We possess the second-largest army in NATO. In a worst-case scenario, reinforcements would come from Turkey, yet if EU regulations are taken as the basis, we cannot even move across EU territory."

Furthermore, attempts to include Turkey in the "Security Action for Europe" (SAFE) program have faced opposition from Greece and Cyprus. Faruk Kaymakcı, Turkey's Permanent Representative to the EU, emphasized that excluding Turkey while including non-members like Norway and Ukraine sends the wrong message regarding collective security.

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