An Israeli newspaper has warned about the growing military capabilities of Turkey, which possesses the largest armed forces in NATO after the United States, arguing that Ankara now represents a strategic threat to Israel that could surpass the danger posed by Iran.
In an article by Israeli economist and finance expert Shlomo Maoz, the Hebrew newspaper Maariv stated that political and security circles in Israel remain unsettled by what it described as a sharp and unexpected shift in US President Donald Trump’s position regarding Israel’s security needs in the north. As frustration grows over prolonged negotiations with Iran, a new challenge has emerged that some view as potentially more dangerous than Iran itself: Turkey.
A Powerful Conventional Military Force
According to Maariv, Turkey maintains the second largest military force within NATO, an alliance of 32 member states with a combined military strength of approximately 3.7 million personnel. Turkey’s standing armed forces are estimated at around 480,000 troops, supported by substantial reserve forces.
The report noted that the Turkish Army operates roughly 2,200 tanks, including around 300 advanced German-made Leopard 2A4 tanks and approximately 900 Patton tanks of various models. Turkey has also developed its own domestically produced Altay main battle tank.
The newspaper questioned whether Washington would be capable of restraining any future Turkish moves directed against Israel, particularly in light of recent shifts in American policy towards the region.
On the military front, Turkey has successfully developed a modern armed force alongside a highly advanced and increasingly independent defence industry. This sector has become a major economic driver and a key instrument of Turkish foreign policy.
Among the most notable achievements of Turkey’s defence industry are its unmanned aerial vehicles, particularly the Bayraktar TB2 drone. The platform has demonstrated effectiveness in multiple conflicts and has become one of Turkey’s most successful military exports. The drone has been sold to 34 countries, including states in the Gulf, Africa, and the Caucasus region.
Expanding Military Presence Abroad
The report highlighted Turkey’s military footprint beyond its borders, noting the presence of Turkish military bases in Qatar, Somalia, Northern Cyprus, Libya, and Syria. Ankara also maintains military forces in Kurdish regions of northern Iraq.
Turkey continues to deploy forces in northern Syria and Iraq as part of operations targeting armed groups linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and allied organisations.
Advanced Defence Industry and Combat Experience
Maariv emphasised that Turkey has established an integrated defence manufacturing ecosystem and now produces approximately 80 per cent of its military systems and equipment domestically.
This includes the development of layered air defence systems designed and manufactured within Turkey. The country’s armed forces also possess significant manpower and military assets. The Turkish Air Force operates around 200 fighter aircraft, most of them F-16s, alongside a diverse fleet of attack helicopters.
The newspaper argued that the most significant threat in any potential confrontation with Israel could come from the Turkish Navy. Turkey’s naval forces include 14 submarines, a helicopter carrier, and several modern frigates.
It also noted that the Turkish military has accumulated extensive operational experience through decades of combat in various theatres. Military operations have involved intensive use of artillery, armoured formations, and air power across diverse combat environments, including urban warfare and mountainous terrain.
The “Blue Homeland” Doctrine
The report pointed to Turkey’s “Blue Homeland” doctrine as a reflection of Ankara’s ambition to expand its maritime influence across the Eastern Mediterranean, the Aegean Sea, and the Black Sea.
This strategic vision is centred on broadening Turkey’s maritime interests and redefining the boundaries of its naval influence throughout the region.
According to Maariv, the policy has contributed to rising tensions with Greece and Cyprus over maritime boundaries and rights to exploit energy resources in the Eastern Mediterranean. In response, Athens and Nicosia have strengthened their military and security cooperation with Israel to counter Turkey’s growing regional influence.
The newspaper concluded that through the Blue Homeland doctrine, Turkey is seeking to establish a new geopolitical reality that would grant it greater influence over natural resources and energy corridors in the Eastern Mediterranean.
