Over the past twenty years, Turkey has significantly invested in its defense industry, transforming itself into a major exporter of drones and military equipment. Once reliant on foreign arms manufacturers, Turkey now sells weapons to about 40 countries, especially in regions like the Gulf, Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe. Many buyers prefer Turkish products because they are viewed as more affordable, quicker to obtain, and more adaptable than alternatives. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, European governments are reevaluating their security, with NATO allies increasingly seeing Turkey as not just a military partner but also a valuable industrial ally.
Turkey is looking to enhance arms sales and promote joint production, particularly in Western markets like the European Union, a goal it hopes to advance during an upcoming NATO summit. However, Turkish firms face obstacles in Europe due to defense initiatives exclusive to EU members and political tensions. A review of trade figures reveals that Turkish defense exports, including the widely recognized armed drones used by Ukrainian forces, have surged threefold since 2021, reaching $10 billion and making up about 3.7% of Turkey’s total exports. Exports to Europe and the U. S. have nearly quadrupled, hitting $5.6 billion during the same period.
The growth of Turkey’s defense industry features prominent companies like Baykar and Turkish Aerospace Industries. Analysts attribute the rise in exports to consistent state support, flexible supply chains, and the ability to customize products according to buyer needs, enabling rapid market entry compared to Western suppliers. Turkey aims to double its defense exports in the next two years, which could help address its debt and finance further advancements in its defense capabilities.
Turkey’s security is affected by conflicts in neighboring regions, prompting the need for better air defenses and technology agreements. The defense industry has made notable progress with advanced systems, especially drones, which have gained international credibility. Turkey produces a large volume of armed drones and ammunition and is developing other military equipment, including frigates and air defense systems.
Turkey faces challenges with European partners due to exclusion from programs like the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) and political issues regarding its domestic policies. Despite this, Turkish firms have successfully sealed deals with countries such as Poland and Spain. Meanwhile, global military spending is on the rise, creating an environment conducive to increased cooperation between Turkey and Europe, provided political barriers are overcome.
With information from Reuters
