Turkiye has made significant strides in its defense sector, evolving from a buyer of foreign weapons to a prominent manufacturer and exporter of military equipment. In 2024, the country’s defense exports reached an impressive $7.1 billion, a substantial increase from just $1.9 billion a decade ago. This growth reflects Turkiye’s ambition to achieve military self-sufficiency and its response to international restrictions on arms purchases.
Turkiye’s journey toward domestic production began in earnest in 1985 with the establishment of the Defence Industry Development and Support Administration Office (SAGEB). Initially focused on international collaboration, Turkiye shifted its strategy in the face of various arms embargoes, notably from the United States and Germany. By the 2010s, the emphasis had turned to developing local capabilities, leading to a boom in domestic defense manufacturing.
Today, Turkiye boasts around 3,000 defense companies. Its military products are gaining recognition worldwide, with notable exports including the Bayraktar TB2 drone, which has been sold to at least 31 countries, including Iraq and Ukraine. Other UAVs like the Anka-S and the Vestel Karayel are also part of Turkiye’s growing catalog.
On the ground, Turkiye produces advanced armored vehicles, such as the Altay main battle tank and the Kirpi mine-resistant vehicle. The naval sector is not left behind, with projects like the MILGEM, which has delivered modern corvettes and frigates. The TCG Anadolu, an amphibious drone-carrying assault ship, stands out as the largest vessel in the Turkish navy.
The push for arms manufacturing in Turkiye has been fueled by a mix of external pressures and internal needs. Historical arms embargoes have prompted the country to develop its own military technology. As a result, Turkiye now ranks 11th in global arms exports, accounting for 1.7 percent of the market from 2020 to 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
The future looks bright for Turkiye’s defense industry. With plans to invest $300 million in developing its own jet engines, the country aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology. This shift could enhance its production capabilities and further solidify its position in the global arms market.