Since joining NATO on February 18, 1952, Türkiye has been a key member of the military alliance, providing critical support through its powerful and strategically positioned military.
The country ranks among the top five contributors to NATO, playing a significant role in various operations and missions.
Türkiye’s contributions to NATO span across air, land, and sea operations.
The country actively fights against terrorism, particularly groups like ISIS, al-Qaeda, PKK/YPG, and FETO, which NATO has identified as major threats.
Türkiye has also made notable contributions to NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR), including a year-long leadership role as KFOR commander in 2023-2024.
The country is deeply involved in NATO’s efforts in Iraq, where it provides personnel to advise and train Iraqi security forces. Türkiye also commands key NATO operations, including Standing NATO Maritime Group Two and Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group Two.
Additionally, Turkish personnel actively participate in NATO exercises, contributing to the alliance’s defense and deterrence capabilities.
With a defense expenditure of 2.09% of its GDP in 2024, Türkiye is one of the NATO countries meeting the alliance’s defense spending target.
It contributes 4.59% to NATO’s military budget, ranking 8th in overall contributions, and is 7th in personnel contributions to NATO’s command structure.
Türkiye hosts critical NATO institutions such as NATO Allied Land Command (LANDCOM) in Izmir, the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps-Türkiye in Istanbul, and several centers of excellence in various cities, providing training and support to members and partner countries.
