Turkish defense exports achieve $20B as Türkiye ‘well-positioned’ to meet NATO’s needs

Türkiye’s defense and aviation industry is well-positioned to meet NATO’s requirements, with a domestic production rate exceeding 80% and export agreements totaling $20 billion over the past two years, according to the head of the Turkish Secretariat of Defense Industries, Professor Dr. Haluk Gorgun.

Speaking at the fourth annual Global Strategies in Defense and Aviation Industry Conference held at a hotel in Antalya’s Belek Tourism Center on Friday, Gorgun emphasized that Türkiye’s collaboration with NATO continues to expand.

Gorgun noted that the country’s defense and aviation exports surpassed expectations in 2024. “We closed 2023 with $5.5 billion in exports. In 2024, we achieved $7.1 billion, marking a 29% increase. Our initial target for 2024 was $6.5 billion, meaning we exceeded it by 11%. Over the past two years, we have signed contracts worth approximately $20 billion. In 2025, we aim to maintain this momentum, and in the first month alone, our companies secured contracts exceeding $1 billion,” he said.

‘Turkish defense exports may meet NATO’s needs’

Gorgun highlighted Türkiye has significantly reduced its reliance on foreign suppliers in critical defense technologies, increasing the domestic production rate from 20% to over 80%.

Recalling discussions focused on Türkiye’s capabilities, competencies, and advanced technological infrastructure being utilized more effectively within NATO, Gorgun remarked: “We emphasized the need for a more proactive approach. Following the conference, we established a directorate to oversee cooperation with NATO and international organizations.”

The newly established directorate has quickly begun operations, organizing all related activities, Gorgun stated.

“We know that we can go even further, contribute more, and better address the needs of our NATO allies with our broad range of products. With our young, dynamic, and productive workforce, as well as our relatively new and advanced technological infrastructure, we are well-positioned to enhance our contributions,” he added.