The Canadian government is seeking to adopt the model of the Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) as a strategic regulatory framework to indigenize its defense industries, in a move aimed at reducing reliance on foreign supply and enhancing domestic technological capabilities.
During an official visit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to the Turkish capital, Ankara, extensive talks were held with Turkish officials focusing on the mechanisms by which Turkey's defense industry ecosystem is managed. The Canadian side expressed keen interest in the unique structure represented by the (SSB), which handles central coordination between the military and both the public and private sectors, alongside organizing production processes, research and development, financing, and regulatory oversight.
Why this news matters
This direction represents a strategic shift in Canadian defense policy seeking to lower dependence on Washington in supply and security fields, especially following the establishment of the Canadian Defense Investment Agency last year with the goal of raising the domestic industry's share in military spending to 70% over the next decade. The Canadian Prime Minister noted that Turkey produces about 80% of its defense needs domestically, a level Ottawa aspires to reach by benefiting from Turkish expertise in aerospace and uncrewed systems.
Bilateral cooperation and field visits
The talks culminated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding for partnership in the defense sector between the two countries on October 22, followed by intensive meetings conducted by the Canadian Prime Minister that included field visits to a number of prominent leading Turkish companies, such as ASELSAN, which specializes in electro-optics, radar, and avionics, and Baykar, known for its advanced technologies in the field of drones and autonomous software systems.
The President of the Turkish Defense Industries, Haluk Görgün, affirmed that these developments reflect the commitment of the two NATO member countries to expand the horizons of industrial and technological cooperation, and to open the door to strategic partnerships for the joint production and development of advanced systems.