Record-Breaking Export Figures Announced by President Erdogan
Turkey's defense and aviation sectors have achieved a significant milestone, with exports reaching $7.445 billion in the first 11 months of 2025. This represents a substantial 30% increase compared to the same period last year. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced these impressive figures during a Naval Platforms Commissioning Ceremony on December 20, 2025, highlighting the nation's growing influence in the global defense market.
The surge in exports has positioned Turkey as the 11th largest defense exporter worldwide. President Erdogan underscored the strategic importance of this growth, stating that Turkey aims to enter the world's top 10 defense exporters by 2028, with an ambitious target of $11 billion in annual exports.
Strategic Vision and Indigenous Development Drive Growth
The remarkable increase in defense exports is attributed to Turkey's sustained focus on developing a robust domestic technological ecosystem and enhancing its indigenous production capabilities. President Erdogan emphasized this vision, stating, 'In every project we carry out in the field of the defense industry, we aim not only to develop products but also to expand the ecosystem and our capacity to produce technology.' This approach prioritizes local capability and supply chain development over simple product assembly, significantly reducing foreign dependence in the defense industry from approximately 80% to 20%.
Key drivers of this growth include advanced defense systems, particularly in:
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) such as the Bayraktar TB2, AKINCI, and ANKA.
- Naval platforms, with Turkey being among the ten countries globally capable of designing, building, and launching its own warships.
- Armored vehicles and electronic warfare systems.
Prominent Turkish defense companies like Aselsan, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), Baykar, Roketsan, and MKE have been instrumental in this expansion, contributing to the sector's global competitiveness.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The Turkish defense industry now comprises more than 3,500 companies and employs over 100,000 personnel, reflecting a comprehensive and expanding industrial base. President Erdogan clarified the intent behind these substantial investments, asserting that they are 'not to prepare for war, but to protect peace, independence, and our future.' This strategic positioning underscores Turkey's commitment to strengthening its national security while also becoming a significant player in the international defense market.
With a clear target to break into the top 10 global defense exporters by 2028, Turkey's defense and aviation sectors are poised for continued growth and innovation, further solidifying the nation's role as a key supplier of advanced military technology.
0 Comments