The defense industries sector in Türkiye is witnessing a remarkable transformation during the last decade, and this shift in the acceleration recorded by the size of the sector and defense products and increased exports and the high technological efficiency it achieves. The size of the sector, according to the latest official figures, was more than $ 20 billion, about 3.5 billion of which are allocated in searches and development. The sector also included about 1,300 active defense projects and projects that may develop with a total of about 100 billion dollars.
Over the past decade, the sector, in addition to strong government support, has led Türkiye to a prominent position on the global defense scene. While impressive achievements in innovation and technology led to the production of effective local defense systems, the real pillar of this success lies in the human resources of the country – and in particular in its talented and enthusiastic youth.
Official statistics indicate that the sector, which includes about 3,500 companies, employ about 100,000 citizens, at an average age of about 34 years; This makes it one of the most important and most vital youth sectors contributing to the national economy.
The Turkish government has realized the importance of investing in human capital as a pivotal factor in pushing the defense industry forward. This strategic focus on education and skills development has led to the emergence of a new generation of engineers, scientists and technicians who enjoy not only the knowledge of the latest technology, but also with a deep commitment to national defense goals. Universities and technical institutions have established throughout Türkiye specialized programs aimed at enhancing experience in areas such as aviation engineering, robotics, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. These initiatives include that the workforce is equipped with the skills necessary for innovation and adaptation in a constantly developed global scene.
Moreover, the cooperative efforts between academics and industry led to leading research and development projects that put Türkiye as a leader in various defense technologies not only at the regional level, but also the international. This partnership has facilitated the transfer of knowledge and skills from educational institutions to the private sector, which led to the establishment of an integrated environmental system that stimulates innovation, and encourages young professionals to engage in advanced projects, which contributes to the design and production of advanced home -made military systems that compete with their global counterparts in many defense and technological sectors.
Türkiye’s enthusiasm and dedication appear in their commitment to pushing the limits of what is possible in defense technology. Youth skills and innovations have created unique solutions designed to meet national and global security challenges. While the Turkish defense industry is achieving great steps in technology and innovation, the role of human resources cannot be reduced. Investing in young and enthusiastic talents is the secret behind impressive achievements in this sector.
The defense industries sector in Türkiye is not only a matter of money, business, export and sale, but rather a project to enhance the confidence of citizens themselves and their homeland to raise their morale and encourage them to dream and ambition, to achieve achievements and competition at the global level.
* Assistant Professor in International Affairs
Security and Defense, Qatar University, and a first non -resident colleague in the Atlantic Council
Ali Bakir
