Marwan Al -Jumaili – Ankara, Istanbul
Turkish defense industries continue to consolidate its position as one of the most prominent strategic sectors that combine the economic, military and political dimension, after it turned only during only two decades from relying on the outside to self -sufficiency and the ability to export to most parts of the world.
Numbers reflect the transformation
Official data indicate that the sector exceeded $ 20 billion as annual revenues, with allocating about $ 3.5 billion to research and development. It includes more than 3,500 companies that manage 1380 active projects with a total value of more than $ 100 billion, and occupies more than 100,000 employees at an average age of 34 years, which reflects a clear dynamic and depending on promising youth energies.
From 20% to 83% locally
Since 2004, Türkiye has adopted policies that strengthened national production, raising the local component rate from 20% to 83%, which enabled it to meet most of the needs of the armed forces internally. This shift contributed to supporting the independence of the national decision in defense and security issues.
Standard exports and global influence
In 2024, Turkish defense industries recorded 29% growth in exports to 7.15 billion dollars, while the average growth during the past five years reached 20% annually. Türkiye is ranked eleventh globally among the largest weapons.
In July 2025 alone, exports increased by 128% to reach 989.6 million dollars, while the total exports between January and July reached $ 4.27 billion. Today, Turkish products are exported to 185 countries and include about 230 different types of systems and equipment.
Leadership in drones and warships
Türkiye has made leaps in multiple military fields:
UCAVS: Among the three largest countries in the world in this field.
War ships: within only ten countries that are able to build them locally.
Advanced systems: radars, air defense, missiles and ammunition, and submarines.
In 2024 alone, companies signed more than $ 10 billion in various fields.
A prominent presence in international exhibitions
IDEF 2025 showed Türkiye’s position as an emerging power in defense industries, as it attracted more than 120 thousand visitors, and witnessed the signing of 270 agreements worth 9 billion dollars, 65% of which were directed for export.
An industry that draws new scales
The Turkish goal is no longer limited to self -sufficiency, but Ankara is seeking to be a source of defense capabilities, by cooperating with friendly countries in production and joint programs. This vision reflects that Türkiye is no longer only chasing development, but also contributes to drawing the features of the defensive future, whether in the air, the sea or space.
