Erdogan's Missile Ambitions Amid Escalating Regional Tensions

Turkish President Erdogan plans to boost Turkiye's missile production as tensions rise between Israel and Iran. He discussed the conflict with German Chancellor Merz, stressing negotiation for Iran's nuclear issue. Analysts perceive Erdogan's move as part of an arms race amid growing regional concerns.

As the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared his intention to bolster Turkiye's deterrence capabilities, specifically by enhancing missile production.

Erdogan communicated with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, emphasizing the necessity for negotiation concerning the Iranian nuclear dilemma. Despite tense Israeli-Turkish relations, experts do not foresee immediate threats to NATO-member Turkiye. Nevertheless, Erdogan's strategy could foreshadow a regional arms race.

Highlighting Turkiye's substantial yet underpowered air defense forces, analysts connect Erdogan's military emphasis on achieving parity with the air power standards set by Israel and the US. Concurrently, Turkiye has expressed significant disapproval of Israeli actions while maintaining an effort to mediate diplomatic negotiations.

(With inputs from agencies.)