Turkish defense industry sees record global demand for domestic products
Weapon systems are seen during the inauguration ceremony of new facility of Turkish defense giant Aselsan (Military Electronic Industries) in Golbasi district of Turkish capital Ankara, Türkiye on November 12, 2020. (AA Photo)
Türkiye‘s defense industry has become a global player, transforming military strategies and supplying advanced products to allied and partner nations worldwide.
In 2024, the sector’s exports hit a record $7.15 billion, positioning Türkiye as the world’s 11th-largest defense exporter.
Domestic products, ranging from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to advanced weapon systems, have increasingly gained favor for their innovative designs and capabilities.
Over the past year, the defense industry achieved a localization rate exceeding 80%, reflecting a shift toward self-reliance.
A global presence in land, air and sea
Turkish defense exports spanned 180 countries in 2024, with notable contributions across multiple domains:
- Land systems: More than 4,500 vehicles were delivered to 40 countries.
- Aerial platforms: Over 770 UAVs, including tactical and armed variants, were sold to 50 nations, alongside 1,500 kamikaze drones to 11 countries.
- Naval assets: Türkiye exported 140 naval platforms to over 10 nations, including corvettes to three countries.
Additional exports included 1,200 electro-optical systems and stabilized weapon systems, 10 radar systems, and assault helicopters to eight countries.
European markets lead in demand
The majority of Türkiye’s defense exports targeted European nations, with high demand for UAVs, smart munitions, naval platforms, and radar systems.
Industry leaders such as Aselsan and Roketsan contributed to these successes, with Aselsan’s ASELFLIR-500 system achieving export deals in 16 countries.
Türkiye also expanded its presence in NATO and EU markets, delivering military vessels to Portugal and securing contracts for unmanned systems.
Domestic innovations drive growth
Türkiye’s growing focus on domestic production has yielded significant advancements, including:
- Altay tank: The first three units are set for delivery in 2025, with locally produced engines in development.
- KAAN fighter jet: Six prototypes of the indigenous combat aircraft are under production, with testing accelerated for earlier completion.
- Gokbey helicopter: Development continues with plans for a fully local engine.
The defense sector also saw breakthroughs in satellite systems, with projects like GOKTURK-2 and agreements for electronic warfare platforms such as Mobile V/UHF Electronic Attack System Project (MILKAR) and Mobile V/UHF Electronic Support System (MILKED).
Aiming higher in 2025
Following a successful 2024, the industry aims to surpass $10 billion in exports within two years.
Türkiye’s ₺1.6 trillion ($44.82 billion) defense budget for 2025 includes significant allocations for research and development, which totaled $3 billion last year.
