Turkish media reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan believes the potential change in the U.S. administration following the November elections could positively impact Turkey’s burgeoning defense sector.
According to Turkey’s national broadcaster TRT, Erdogan expressed these views to journalists during his return from Northern Cyprus, stating, “We believe the U.S. elections will play a crucial role in this matter.”
“We will see the kinds of steps that can be taken with the election results separately, but I believe the indication is turning in favour of Turkey,” Erdogan added.
Due to previous sanctions related to weapons imposed by the United States and other NATO allies, Turkey has been striving to develop its defense industry, including the construction of drones, ships, and warplanes.
Erdogan also mentioned that several Western countries have shown interest in purchasing Turkish armed drones, although he did not name them specifically.
Former Republican President Donald Trump, who is reported to have had a good personal relationship with Erdogan during his tenure, leads current Democratic President Joe Biden in some polls ahead of the scheduled U.S. presidential elections in November.
Despite their reported good relations, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on the Turkish Defense Industries Authority in 2020 over Ankara’s earlier purchase of Russian air defense systems.
US President Joe Biden dropped on Sunday from the race and endorsed Vice-President Kamala Harris to succeed him as the Democratic candidate.
In a written statement, Biden affirmed that it was the “greatest honour” to serve but his withdrawal was “in the best interest of my party and the country”.
Meanwhile, Harris, 59, said she would “earn and win this nomination” and unite the country against Trump.
“We have 107 days until election day,” she added. “Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.”
