Türkiye’s defense and aerospace exports reach record $884M in March 2025

Türkiye’s defense and aerospace industry recorded an unprecedented surge in exports last month, reaching $884 million in March 2025—a 147% increase compared to the same month last year, the head of the Secretariat of Defence Industries (SSB) said on Tuesday.

“This marks a historic record,” SSB Secretary Haluk Gorgun said. “Our defense and aerospace exports in March 2025 increased from $358 million in March 2024 to $884 million. It’s a significant leap for the industry.”

First quarter sees strong growth

Gorgun added that total exports in the first quarter of the year reached $1.7 billion, reflecting a 72% rise compared to the first quarter of 2024.

“We have established a consistent upward trend in the export of high value-added defense products, which is a core objective of our export strategy,” he said.

Türkiye’s global reach in defense

Highlighting the global reach of Türkiye’s defense companies, Gorgun stated, “Under the leadership of our President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and through continuous international cooperation efforts, our companies have reached a level where they can export not only to specific regions, but to nearly the entire world.”

According to Gorgun, this expansion has been made possible by a combination of operationally proven systems, flexible integration capabilities, and strong logistical support frameworks.

Key drivers behind the export success

“Our wide, qualified, young, and dynamic ecosystem, combined with systems that have proven themselves in the field, continue to position Türkiye as a major player in the global defense arena,” Gorgun said.

He emphasized that locally developed subsystems integrated into national platforms, products capable of interoperability, and swift user feedback have all played key roles in supporting clients’ operational requirements.

“We offer flexible solutions tailored to partner expectations, and we provide sustainable services in maintenance, repair, and integrated logistics support. These are the foundations of our success,” he added.

Focus on SMEs and export sustainability

Looking ahead, Gorgun said the SSB will continue supporting not only major defense firms but also small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which he referred to as “the silent heroes of the sector.”

“We aim to increase the number of exporting companies and to make exports a sustainable pillar of our defense industry,” he said.

Gorgun also expressed gratitude to all industry professionals contributing to the country’s achievements.

“I wholeheartedly congratulate all our defense industry companies and employees who have contributed—directly or indirectly—to the increase in our exports and the development of our country. We hope the success of our defense sector brings even more benefits to Türkiye,” he concluded.