The United Kingdom has named Turkey a key partner in its 2025 national security strategy, describing the country as vital to British security interests.
The updated document reflects a deepening strategic relationship between the two NATO members and a broader shift in the UK’s defense policy toward flexible cooperation with countries in critical regions.
The strategy, titled “National Security Strategy 2025: Security for the British People in a Dangerous World,” refers to Turkey’s geographic importance at the intersection of the Black Sea, the Caucasus, the Middle East and Africa.
It says that Turkey is imperative to the UK’s security interests across Europe and NATO’s flanks and emphasizes strong military cooperation and defense industry ties.
This growing partnership has been evident in recent years, particularly through cooperation in defense projects. British defense contractor BAE Systems is a key partner in Turkey’s stealth fighter jet program, KAAN. The company has been involved in the project since a 2017 agreement with Turkish Aerospace Industries, providing engineering and design support. The KAAN jet completed its maiden flight on February 21, 2024, marking a major step in Turkey’s efforts to reduce its reliance on foreign defense systems.
In addition to the KAAN project, the UK has been a vocal supporter of Turkey’s attempt to acquire 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. The Eurofighter is developed by a consortium including the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain. Although the UK and Italy back the sale, Germany has expressed concern over Turkey’s human rights record, particularly after the arrest of İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu in March.
Germany’s caretaker government reversed its earlier approval in April. The final decision on the sale is expected from the new German government led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who took office in May and has shown support for closer ties with Turkey.
The foundation for stronger cooperation between the UK and Turkey was laid in November 2023, when the two countries’ defense ministers signed a statement of intent to work more closely on defense matters.
The agreement included commitments to boost collaboration in the defense industry, expand joint training and discuss regional security challenges in areas such as North Africa and the Middle East.
At the time, then-UK defense secretary Grant Shapps described Turkey as a vital NATO ally. Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler called the agreement strategically important and expressed interest in deeper technological exchange, particularly in aviation and naval development.
The strategy document presents a world facing greater risk and uncertainty. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking to Sky News, said the UK faces new threats every day, stressing the need to build strong partnerships.
The document outlines an approach based on sovereign resilience, which means reinforcing national defense capabilities while also working with reliable international partners. It emphasizes investments in cyber defense and dual-use technologies, areas where Turkey is also developing expertise.
Despite past tensions between Turkey and some NATO allies over its purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems and its operations in Syria and the eastern Mediterranean, the UK’s consistent engagement with Ankara is seen as a stabilizing influence within the alliance. The partnership’s future, analysts say, will depend on trust and the ability to adjust to changing political and security conditions.