Türkiye’s defense industry reaches 70% domestic production capacity in 2024
Bayraktar TB2 UCAV. (Baykar Photo)
Türkiye’s defense industry has reached a 70% domestic production capacity, marking a significant milestone in reducing foreign dependency, according to the Independent Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (MUSIAD). The findings were included in the Türkiye Defense Industry 2024 report, released Friday.
The report highlights notable progress in strategic products while emphasizing the challenges that remain. Despite advancements, Türkiye continues to rely on foreign resources for critical components such as engines and power transmission systems for platforms like the ALTAY main battle tank.
“Domestic engine production is of critical importance,” stated the MUSIAD Defense Industry Board in the report, which outlines future priorities for the sector.
MUSIAD Defense Industry Board Chairman Fatih Altunbas underscored the importance of boosting domestic capabilities in advanced technologies. “Domestic production should be increased, and foreign dependency should be reduced in advanced technology fields in composite materials such as graphene, nanomaterials, and carbon fiber,” he said.
Altunbas also pointed to ongoing foreign dependency in components like semiconductors and microprocessors, stressing the urgency of investments in these areas. “Türkiye’s investments in these fields should accelerate,” he added.
The report highlighted the need for collaboration across academia, industry, and government. Developing training programs to expand the pool of qualified professionals was cited as a cornerstone for sustaining progress.
The report identified key projects such as the National Combat Aircraft (MMU) and GokTurk satellite systems as instrumental in reducing dependency in aviation and space technologies. Efforts are also ongoing in jet engine and satellite technology development.
In sensor technologies, the report emphasized the importance of advancing domestic solutions in infrared, quantum sensing, and other high-tech systems.
Additionally, the report outlined strategic goals, including transitioning to hybrid and electric propulsion systems from traditional internal combustion engines. It also prioritized the domestic production of critical materials such as gunpowder and enhancing supply chain resilience to bolster the defense industry’s independence.
As the defense industry celebrates progress, the MUSIAD report serves as both a reflection of accomplishments and a roadmap for the future. It calls for intensified research and development efforts, particularly in material sciences, and stronger partnerships across sectors to meet Türkiye’s long-term goals of self-reliance in defense.
“The path to an independent defense industry is paved with investment in innovation, strategic planning, and collaboration,” Altunbas said. “By addressing these critical areas, we can ensure sustainability and continued progress in the sector.”
