Türkiye to deploy ‘defense industry attaches’ internationally

Türkiye is set to station defense industry attaches internationally as part of a broader effort to enhance global partnerships and promote its defense sector abroad.

In first phase it was reported that defense industry attaches will be stationed in 23 countries.

Haluk Gorgun, President of the Secretary of Defense Industries (SSB), emphasized that these attaches will serve as a bridge between Turkish defense companies and foreign military users.

Defense attaches to support international cooperation

Speaking to reporters, Gorgun stated that 22 of the 23 planned attache positions have already received approval, with initial assignments made to Azerbaijan and Pakistan.

“These attaches will operate across all continents, ensuring continuous engagement with potential buyers and partners,” he said.

“They will play a vital role in monitoring the needs of foreign markets and guiding our defense sector towards the right opportunities,” he added. Attaches will be stationed within Turkish embassies and will focus on facilitating defense exports, supporting diplomatic engagements, and strengthening bilateral defense relations.

Türkiye’s defense industry growth and export expansion

Highlighting Türkiye’s increasing footprint in the global defense industry, Gorgun revealed that the country has signed defense cooperation agreements with 87 nations.

In 2023, the Turkish defense sector achieved a 29% growth rate, securing $20 billion in contracts over the past two years.

“We started 2025 with over $1 billion in new agreements in the first month alone, and we expect this pace to continue throughout the year,” he stated. The United States and NATO were the largest buyers of Turkish defense products last year, accounting for $3.7 billion in deliveries.

“We see increasing opportunities in various regions, and our expanding portfolio allows us to tailor solutions for different countries. Türkiye is now the 11th largest defense exporter globally, with a clear goal of entering the top 10,” Gorgun said.

New defense investments and advanced systems development

In addition to diplomatic expansion, Türkiye is advancing its high-tech defense projects, including air defense and next-generation fighter jets.

• SIPER 2 Air Defense System: Production and testing are ongoing, with additional work underway to extend its range and altitude capabilities.
• KAAN Fighter Jet: The first batch of six aircraft is set for production, with test flights planned for 2025. “We are progressing ahead of schedule and are committed to delivering KAAN to the Turkish Air Force as soon as possible,” Gorgun stated.
• Steel Dome Project: Türkiye is developing an integrated air defense network to coordinate multiple layers of defense systems, from point defense to regional protection.

Defense industry support fund expansion

Türkiye is also working on expanding the Defense Industry Support Fund, which finances key military projects.

Gorgun confirmed that discussions on enlarging the fund will resume soon, with Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek leading the initiative.

In October 2024, the ruling AK Party submitted a comprehensive bill to the Turkish Parliament, which was expected to generate an annual total of ₺80 billion ($2.3 billion) for defense industry projects through service fees and taxes.

The bill proposes an annual charge of ₺750 ($21.90) for credit card holders with limits exceeding ₺100,000 ($2,919), aimed at generating revenue for the Defense Industry Support Fund (SSDF).

Türkiye’s strategic position in the global defense market

With the addition of new defense attaches, expanded international cooperation, and the development of advanced weaponry, Türkiye is cementing its position as a key player in the global defense industry.

Gorgun expressed confidence that Türkiye’s share in the international market will continue to rise, positioning the country among the world’s top defense exporters.