Belgium admits: Türkiye is way ahead in drones, we must catch up

Belgium’s Defense Minister, Francken, has praised Türkiye’s defense industry, calling it a model for his own country to follow. After visiting top Turkish defense firms, including drone manufacturer Baykar, Francken said Türkiye is “way ahead” in unmanned systems and defense innovation. “We need to learn from their speed and efficiency,” Francken stated. He noted that Türkiye has become a world leader in drone technology, a sector Belgium now aims to invest in heavily. The minister did not announce specific contracts but made clear that Belgium must adapt its own defense strategy to match Ankara’s rapid advances. The visit is part of a broader push to strengthen defense ties between the two NATO allies.