Turkey and Spain are partnering to build Europe’s largest aircraft carrier, a 984-foot vessel, at shipyards in Istanbul, leveraging Turkey’s robust defense industry. The project, involving Spanish shipbuilder Navantia, was announced by Turkey’s Defense Industry Agency (SSB) on July 3.
This joint effort aims to create a supercarrier comparable to those of the United States and China, signaling Turkey’s ambition to assert greater influence in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions.The carrier’s construction highlights Turkey’s growing defense capabilities and its strategic partnership with Spain, a NATO member reluctant to increase its defense budget.
At the recent NATO summit in The Hague, all European NATO members except Spain agreed to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP, despite concerns over Russia’s resurgence. Spain, less threatened by Eastern European conflicts, seeks to bolster its naval power through this collaboration without significantly increasing its defense budget.This project not only strengthens Turkey’s defense industry but also enhances its influence within NATO, particularly over Spain, which appears less committed to NATO’s collective defense goals.
By aligning with Turkey, Spain gains a strategic advantage while supporting the rise of a key NATO member in southern Europe.Turkey’s ambitions extend beyond this project. Facing territorial disputes with Greece, Russia, Israel, and Egypt over maritime resources, Turkey is rapidly modernizing its military.
By diverting Spanish support to its own defense priorities, Turkey positions itself as a critical yet potentially disruptive NATO member. In the coming decade, Turkey could emerge as a dominant power in southern Europe and the Middle East, potentially reshaping regional dynamics reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire’s influence.
Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/turkey-and-spain-are-building-europe-s-largest-aircraft-carrier/ar-AA1IbPHu
