Türkiye’s giant Roketsan aims for top 50 global defense spot by year-end

Murat Ikinci, the general manager of Roketsan, announced that 2024 will mark a pivotal year for the Turkish defense company in an interview with Anadolu Agency. Roketsan has already achieved its mid-2025 targets, prompting a revision of its strategic goals.

The company now aims to enter the top 50 global defense companies, reflecting its impressive growth and increasing competitiveness in the global market.

Why it matters

The company’s success highlights Türkiye’s growing influence in the global defense sector. The company’s high localization rates and its ability to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers are key components of Türkiye’s National Technology Initiative.

These advancements not only strengthen Türkiye’s national security but also position it as an emerging exporter of advanced military technology.

Roketsan’s remarkable growth

• Workforce, research and development:
  The company employs over 5,000 people, including 2,000 engineers dedicated to research and development. The company designs and manufactures its own technologies, relying on the expertise of its skilled workforce and collaborating with over 1,500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
• Localization achievements:
  The company has successfully localized more than 90% of its products, a crucial move to reduce the impact of international sanctions. Collaborating with local SMEs has enabled the company to indigenize key technologies, opening up new opportunities for exports and strengthening Türkiye’s industrial base.
• Technological innovations:
  The company has developed several cutting-edge systems, including:
  • Layered air defense systems: These include the Alka laser-based weapon, the portable Sungur missile, the Hisar family (low to medium altitude), and the high-altitude Siper.
  • SIHA munitions: The MAM-C and MAM-L smart munitions, which are among the world’s most advanced, are capable of destroying tanks, air defense systems, and critical infrastructure.
  • Naval defense systems: Indigenous torpedoes such as Akya and Orka place Türkiye among a select group of countries capable of producing advanced naval systems.
• Space exploration:
  The company is working to establish Türkiye’s independent access to space. The company has successfully tested liquid-fueled engines and aims to launch a 100-kilogram payload into orbit at an altitude of 450-550 kilometers.

Key projects and developments

• Air defense systems:
  The company is contributing to the Celik Kubbe (Steel Dome) project, a sophisticated air defense system that incorporates layered technology to counter evolving threats. This system provides comprehensive protection against a variety of attacks.
• Naval defense systems:
  The company has localized critical naval weapon systems, including the Akya heavy-class torpedo and the Orka intelligent lightweight torpedo. Other notable achievements include the Atmaca anti-ship missile and the Midas missile launch system, which enhance Türkiye’s naval strike capabilities.
• Expanding UAV capabilities:
  The company is developing advanced munitions for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), focusing on long-range and larger-caliber smart weapons to enhance the strike capabilities of Turkish drones.

Strategic growth: Overcoming sanctions and driving innovation

Roketsan’s rapid growth is a direct result of Türkiye’s ability to overcome international sanctions. Countries that once imposed embargoes on Türkiye are now seeking to collaborate with it, recognizing the value of its indigenous solutions. Through significant investments in local innovation, Roketsan and its ecosystem have transformed challenges into opportunities, helping establish Türkiye as a global leader in defense technology.

What’s next for Roketsan?

• International expansion:
  Roketsan is expanding its global reach, establishing production facilities in countries like Azerbaijan and pursuing similar collaborations with other nations. This strategic expansion helps broaden its international footprint.
• Research and development:
  The company is currently engaged in over 40 confidential projects. It is also integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations to improve manufacturing processes and develop autonomous weapon systems.
• Space exploration goals:
  By 2025, Roketsan aims to play a leading role in Türkiye’s space exploration initiatives, including launching satellites with domestically developed technology, marking a significant advancement in the country’s space ambitions.

Bigger picture

Roketsan currently ranks 71st among the world’s largest defense contractors. With annual revenues exceeding $1 billion—40% of which come from exports—the company is well-positioned for further growth. Roketsan’s trajectory is a reflection of Türkiye’s broader goals of achieving technological independence and global recognition in the defense industry.