Roketsan expands global reach as Turkish defense industry sees record growth

Türkiye’s defense industry continues to grow at a rapid pace, with Roketsan expanding its global presence through new partnerships and international production facilities.

At the Strategic Business Partnership Summit in Ankara, Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) Chairman Haluk Gorgun and Roketsan General Manager Murat Ikinci shared updates on the sector’s remarkable growth and future goals.

Roketsan aims for 25% annual growth

Speaking at the summit, Ikinci announced that the company aims to reach $1.8 billion in revenue by the end of 2025, a significant increase from $1.28 billion in 2024.

Ikinci stated that Roketsan’s business portfolio is expected to grow by 1.5 times, with a long-term strategy of maintaining at least 25% annual growth.

“Roketsan is now the second-fastest-growing defense firm in Türkiye after Baykar and currently ranks 11th globally. We aim to climb even higher in the coming years,” he said.

Turkish defense industry sees $1.5B in new contracts in early 2025

Gorgun revealed that defense companies signed over $1.5 billion in new contracts with international partners in the first two months of 2025 alone.

“During this period, deliveries exceeded $650 million, marking a 34% increase compared to the same period last year. In 2024, this figure was $484 million,” Gorgun said.

Türkiye’s defense industry exported to 180 countries last year, bringing in $7.1 billion in revenue, a 29% increase from the previous year. Over the past two years, Turkish defense companies have signed $20 billion in international contracts, solidifying the industry’s global competitiveness.

New production facilities in Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia

Roketsan is expanding its manufacturing capabilities beyond Türkiye, with new production sites under development in key markets:

• A facility in Azerbaijan is already in progress.
• Manufacturing plants in Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are set to follow.
• Roketsan’s Hong Kong office continues operations to support global partnerships.

“Roketsan is forming strategic alliances worldwide, ensuring localized production to meet market demands,” Ikinci said, emphasizing the company’s export-driven growth strategy.

Investment in supply chains and financing programs

Gorgun highlighted the crucial role of suppliers, noting that over 3,500 companies operate in the defense sector, with more than 1,100 active projects worth approximately $100 billion.

“Roketsan collaborates with 650 suppliers on the ATMACA project and over 330 subcontractors for the TAYFUN missile program. Universities and research institutions also play a vital role,” he said.

To further support the sector, Gorgun announced an upcoming “leasing program” to provide credit flexibility for machinery and equipment purchases.

Additionally, the Defense Industry Investment and Development Program budget has been increased fivefold to $25 million, allowing for greater financial support for defense companies.

Türkiye’s space ambitions and future of Roketsan

Roketsan Chairman Faruk Yigit underscored Türkiye’s commitment to independent space access, calling it a major strategic goal.

“We are making rapid progress toward achieving independent space access, a critical part of Türkiye’s future vision,” Yigit stated.

He emphasized that Roketsan remains dedicated to strengthening Türkiye’s national defense and expanding its global partnerships, ensuring the company remains a leader in missile, rocket, and ammunition production.

“With our international export initiatives, we continue to provide cutting-edge defense solutions to allied and partner nations. This year, a significant portion of our sales will come from exports,” Yigit added.