For the first time, Türkiye’s defense and aerospace industry has achieved a significant milestone, with exports surpassing $11 billion over a rolling 12-month period. This landmark achievement reflects the growing global interest in Turkish defense products and underscores the country’s burgeoning influence in the defense sector.
In June alone, Türkiye’s defense and aerospace exports reached $802.8 million, marking a 29.6% increase compared to the same month in the previous year. Over the first half of the year, these exports rose by 29.5% year-on-year, totaling $4.67 billion. These figures were highlighted by Haluk Görgün, President of Türkiye’s Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), who expressed that the expansion is indicative of increasing international demand and the robustness of Türkiye’s defense manufacturing capabilities.
Görgün attributed this growth to the proven effectiveness of Turkish defense systems in real-world operations, which has played a pivotal role in establishing long-term international partnerships. As Türkiye continues to enhance its domestic defense industry, it has reduced its dependence on foreign military equipment, thereby transforming itself into a significant player on the global stage.
Over the past two decades, Türkiye has made substantial strides in developing its defense sector, now exporting more than 230 different defense products to 185 countries worldwide. The country aims to further consolidate its position and climb into the ranks of the world’s top 10 defense exporters, reflecting its ambitious vision for the future of its defense industry.