Turkey's Defense Industry Achieves Record $7.4 Billion in Exports for First 11 Months of 2025

Unprecedented Growth Trajectory

Turkey's defense and aerospace industry has achieved a historic milestone, recording $7.4 billion in exports during the first eleven months of 2025. This figure represents a substantial 30% increase compared to the same period last year and has already surpassed all previous annual export records for the sector. The announcement was made by Haluk Görgün, President of the Defense Industry Agency (SSB), on Thursday, December 4, 2025.

The robust performance includes $747 million in exports for November 2025 alone, marking a 22% rise from November 2024. This continuous upward trend follows a strong 2024, which saw total defense and aerospace exports reach $7.154 billion, exceeding the government's target of $6.5 billion. In 2023, the industry's exports stood at approximately $5.5 billion, demonstrating consistent and significant growth over recent years.

Key Products and Global Reach

The surge in exports is largely attributed to the increasing international demand for a diverse range of Turkish-made defense products. Key export drivers include:

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
• Armored vehicles
• Warships
• Electronic warfare systems
• Ammunition and infantry weapons

Leading the charge in UAV exports is Baykar, known for its Bayraktar TB2 drones, which alone accounted for $1.7 billion in exports in 2023, representing over 30% of Turkey's total military exports that year.

Turkish defense products are now sold to over 180 countries worldwide. In 2024, significant export destinations included NATO members such as the United States, Czechia, Romania, Poland, Slovakia, and Bulgaria. The Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and Ukraine have also been notable markets for Turkish defense technology.

Strategic Vision and Industry Strength

This export success is a reflection of Turkey's sustained investment in its defense capabilities and a strategic shift towards reducing foreign dependency. The country has significantly increased its domestic production, with local content meeting over 70% of its defense industry needs as of 2024. The SSB aims to further integrate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into global supply chains and develop a sustainable, high-value-added export model.

The Turkish defense sector boasts approximately 3,500 companies working on more than 1,100 projects. In 2024, five Turkish companies—Baykar, Aselsan, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), Roketsan, and Machinery and Chemical Industry (MKE)—were listed among the world's top 100 defense firms, collectively generating $10.1 billion in revenue. This robust ecosystem underscores Turkey's growing influence and self-reliance in the global defense market.

Conclusion

The record-breaking export figures for the first eleven months of 2025 highlight the Turkish defense industry's dynamic growth and its increasing competitiveness on the international stage. Driven by advanced technological products and strategic investments, Turkey continues to solidify its position as a significant global player in defense manufacturing and exports.