NATO’s shield: Türkiye

Mapping Türkiye’s geopolitical and military strength in the alliance

Jul 03, 2026

Producer: Ibrahim Dogan, Graphic Artist: Busra Ozturk

Since joining NATO in 1952, Türkiye has anchored the alliance’s southeastern wing.

Today, fielding the second-largest military force in NATO, Türkiye remains a central component of Euro-Atlantic security, hosting critical defence infrastructure and leading international stabilisation operation.