Turkey’s defense industry is progressing swiftly, guided by the Presidency of Defense Industries, as domestic firms achieve high self-sufficiency, expand exports, and work with SMEs to build a strong, independent defense ecosystem.
Under the leadership of the Presidency of Defense Industries, Turkey’s defense sector has achieved remarkable progress, with firms like ASELSAN, TAI, ROKETSAN, and BAYKAR gaining global attention for their advancements in unmanned combat vehicles, drones, and advanced aircraft. Now surpassing an 80% localization rate, Turkey aims for full independence in defense production to satisfy military needs domestically. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly involved, adding specialized skills in electronics, software, and materials that support innovation and localization in major defense projects. Government-backed incentives encourage SME participation, which enhances Turkey’s defense exports and strengthens its global position. President Erdoğan highlighted the industry’s growing economic significance, noting that it drives employment and that Turkey now leads in global UAV production.
Turkish Defense Industry Rises to Meet Military Demand
Projects led by Turkey’s Presidency of Defense Industries have empowered domestic companies like ASELSAN, TAI, ROKETSAN, and BAYKAR, driving them forward in advanced technology production. Turkey’s unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), kamikaze drones, land vehicles, and next-generation fighter jets have garnered global recognition, with their operational successes especially noted and valued by NATO and other international entities.
As of 2024, Turkey’s defense industry localization rate has surpassed 80%, with the nation setting its sights on reaching 100% to establish a fully independent defense sector through strategic technology transfers.
Speaking at the T625 GÖKBEY Helicopter Delivery Ceremony, President Erdoğan highlighted this commitment, stating that Turkey is shifting away from importing ready-made products and focusing instead on developing its own domestic solutions to meet national defense needs. “We have witnessed the positive results of this approach,” he noted. “Through our implemented policies, the localization rate in the defense industry has climbed from around 20% to over 80%. With more than a thousand domestic defense projects and a project portfolio of $100 billion, we have become a self-sufficient force in this field.”
Turkey’s robust defense progress is fueling increased exports on the international stage, allowing the country to offer strategic support to allies and positioning it as a central hub in global defense manufacturing.
Initiatives by Turkey’s Presidency of Defense Industries have strengthened local firms such as ASELSAN, TAI, ROKETSAN, and BAYKAR, advancing their capabilities in high-tech manufacturing.
Expanding the Defense Ecosystem
Turkey’s defense industry growth extends beyond its major firms to encompass the contributions of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In recent years, SMEs have played an increasingly vital role, accelerating the development of technological solutions. Their involvement in projects by export-focused companies like ASELSAN, TAI, BAYKAR, and ROKETSAN not only boosts localization rates but also strengthens these companies’ capacities to innovate and produce homegrown technologies.
These smaller firms bring expertise in niche areas like electronic systems, software, materials science, and mechanical component production, creating parts essential to major defense projects. This integration has transformed Turkey’s defense industry into a more expansive and resilient ecosystem. The innovation from SMEs reduces R&D costs and accelerates new technologies’ transition to production.
To encourage further SME involvement, the Presidency of Defense Industries has implemented numerous incentive programs, leading to greater participation of these companies in both national and international projects. This support enables small enterprises to build know-how and engineering expertise, enhancing defense exports and establishing Turkey as a more self-reliant defense technology producer.
In a recent address on the state of Turkey’s defense industry, President Erdoğan emphasized the sector’s growing economic importance, noting: “With over 3,500 companies and more than 90,000 employees, our defense industry ranks among the top contributors to Turkey’s economy. We are a world leader in unmanned aerial vehicles, with Turkish companies like TAI responsible for 65% of armed UAV sales globally since 2018.”
Turkey’s UCAVs, kamikaze drones, land vehicles, and advanced fighter jets have achieved international acclaim, with NATO and global organizations recognizing their operational effectiveness.
Turkish Defense Industry Gains Momentum with Domestic Production
Under the leadership of the Presidency of Defense Industries, domestic defense firms such as ASELSAN, TAI, ROKETSAN, and BAYKAR have gained substantial momentum in technology production. Turkey’s unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), kamikaze drones, land vehicles, and next-generation fighter jets are now recognized worldwide, with operational achievements appreciated by various organizations and nations, particularly NATO.
As of 2024, the localization rate in Turkey’s defense industry has exceeded 80%, with the aim of reaching 100% and creating a fully self-sufficient defense sector through technology transfer. At the T625 GÖKBEY Helicopter Delivery Ceremony, President Erdoğan emphasized Turkey’s shift from foreign procurements to developing and locally sourcing the defense products it requires. He stated, “We have witnessed the positive outcomes of this approach. With our policies, the localization rate in the defense industry has risen from about 20% to over 80%. With over a thousand domestic defense projects and a project portfolio worth $100 billion, we have achieved self-sufficiency in this field.”
With this progress, Turkey is increasing defense industry exports, providing strategic support to allied and friendly nations, and positioning itself as a key global defense hub.
By 2024, Turkey’s defense industry localization has surpassed 80%, with a goal of reaching full self-sufficiency through strategic technology transfers.
A Thriving Defense Ecosystem with SMEs at the Core
Turkey’s defense industry expansion includes contributions from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which play a crucial role alongside major industry players. In recent years, SMEs’ involvement in domestic defense projects has accelerated technology production and diversification. Their contributions as suppliers to major companies like ASELSAN, TAI, BAYKAR, and ROKETSAN have raised localization rates and strengthened their own capabilities in indigenous technology and innovation.
Specializing in areas like electronic systems, software, materials science, and mechanical components, smaller companies provide essential parts for major projects. This integration has built a broader and more resilient defense ecosystem, where SMEs’ innovations help reduce R&D costs and bring new technologies to production more quickly.
To further encourage SME participation, the Presidency of Defense Industries and related institutions offer numerous incentives and support programs. These initiatives have enabled many small companies to gain national and international recognition, increasing their engineering expertise and contributing to defense exports. This expansion is creating a more sustainable industry structure by incorporating SMEs, positioning Turkey as a fully independent defense technology producer.
In a recent speech, President Erdoğan highlighted the defense sector’s economic impact: “With more than 3,500 companies and over 90,000 employees, our defense industry is one of the top contributors to Turkey’s economy. We are now the world’s leading manufacturer in unmanned aerial vehicles, with Turkish companies like TAI accounting for 65% of global armed UAV sales since 2018.”
The expansion of Turkey’s defense industry includes vital input from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) alongside large corporations.
SAHA EXPO Creates New Opportunities for Turkish Defense Companies
SAHA EXPO, organized by SAHA Istanbul—Europe’s largest industrial cluster—was held at Istanbul Expo Center from October 22-26. With support from six ministries and the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), 1,478 companies from 121 countries participated in this event under the auspices of Turkey’s Presidency.
As in previous years, numerous cooperation agreements were signed between institutions and companies. New technologies developed by the Turkish defense industry debuted at the event, and 133 agreements worth $6.2 billion were finalized.
President Erdoğan emphasized the defense sector’s economic significance, pointing out that it employs over 90,000 people across 3,500 companies and ranks as a leading contributor to Turkey’s economy.
SAHA EXPO 2024 Draws Major Deals and Global Attention
At SAHA EXPO 2024, deals totaling $6.2 billion, including $4.3 billion in exports, were signed. The event welcomed over 100,000 visitors, offering significant opportunities for Turkish defense industry companies to grow and establish partnerships. Companies exhibiting at the expo gained substantial visibility, networking with numerous domestic and international firms, and exploring new collaborations.
Among those making waves at the event was Dönmezoğlu Bilişim, which drew considerable interest with products such as TARNAV, VANAV, BAZNA, and ZİFİRİ. Held from October 22–26, the SAHA EXPO International Defense, Aviation, and Space Industry Fair brought together key players in defense, from public authorities to R&D centers, universities, and major contractors. Dönmezoğlu Bilişim, known for its domestic software contributions to Turkey’s defense sector, showcased its innovations, with their booth bustling throughout the event.
In an exclusive interview with Fokus+, Dönmezoğlu Bilişim’s Deputy General Manager, Mustafa Soydan, discussed the company’s products and its significant role in Turkey’s defense landscape. A subsidiary of Hatay-based Dönmezoğlu Group, the company operates offices in Ankara, including its headquarters, R&D center, and a technopark site. Soydan explained that their two AI-based software solutions, TARNAV and VANAV, serve distinct roles: VANAV processes UAV images, allowing 3D spatial mapping, and is currently being integrated with HAVELSAN’s BAHA vehicles. Meanwhile, TARNAV, designed for unmanned ground vehicles, is a recognition software comparable to Tesla’s, capable of understanding surrounding objects and devices. The BAZNA drone, now in NATO’s inventory and utilized by Turkish security forces, has already seen over a thousand units delivered, with new features in development, such as autonomous attacks, target tracking, and swarm flight.
Developing Cutting-Edge Technology for Specific Military Needs
Later in the interview, Soydan provided insights into their unmanned ground vehicle, developed to meet demands from Turkish Special Forces. Designed for confined environments such as caves and tunnels, it offers a communication range of 5 kilometers and operates effectively within multi-story buildings. The operator can control the drone up to 12 floors, with real-time tracking through FPV goggles, and video is saved to an SD card up until detonation.
Highlighting the technology’s success, Soydan mentioned a prototype tested across the border roughly 1.5 months ago, which performed well in a 187-meter cave. The vehicle met and surpassed initial requirements, transforming into a robust platform capable of handling demanding scenarios.
Dönmezoğlu Bilişim’s Export Goals and Support from the Presidency of Defense Industries
Regarding export plans, Soydan expressed optimism: “The Presidency of Defense Industries has been instrumental in guiding us for export initiatives, and the Ministry of National Defense is equally supportive, recognizing the importance of defense exports. We’re currently in talks with over 20 countries and hope to make our first export soon. All necessary permits and documents are in place. Once we finalize contracts, we will apply for export approval from the relevant Ministry of Defense and proceed with the sale.”
SAHA EXPO: Expanding Opportunities for Turkish Defense Industry
Organized by SAHA Istanbul, Europe’s largest industrial cluster, SAHA EXPO took place from October 22–26 at the Istanbul Fair Center (IFM). Held under the auspices of the Presidency and supported by six ministries and the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), the expo hosted 1,478 companies from 121 countries.
Following the success of previous years, numerous cooperation agreements were signed between institutions and companies. New technologies developed by the Turkish defense industry debuted, with 133 agreements totaling $6.2 billion, including $4.3 billion in exports.
SAHA EXPO attracted over 100,000 visitors and provided critical advantages to Turkish defense companies, enhancing sectoral development and partnership opportunities. Exhibiting companies gained increased visibility and networking prospects with domestic and international firms, using the fair as a platform to showcase products, establish partnerships, and secure collaboration agreements.
Highlight on Dönmezoğlu Bilişim’s Innovations
Dönmezoğlu Bilişim, a notable contributor to Turkey’s defense industry with its domestic software, drew significant attention with products like TARNAV, VANAV, BAZNA, and ZİFİRİ. The SAHA EXPO International Defense, Aviation, and Space Industry Fair brought together public institutions, suppliers, R&D centers, universities, and key contractors.
During SAHA EXPO, Dönmezoğlu Bilişim’s Deputy General Manager, Mustafa Soydan, spoke to Fokus+ about their products and software. Part of the Hatay-based Dönmezoğlu Group, Dönmezoğlu Bilişim also manages operations in bonded warehousing, logistics, construction, mining, textiles, domestic and foreign trade, and IT, with its headquarters, R&D office, and technopark located in Ankara.
Soydan explained that the company has two AI-powered software solutions, TARNAV and VANAV, and two physical products. “We currently have a manned aerial vehicle and an unmanned ground vehicle in our IT and defense portfolio. VANAV, one of our AI programs, enables 3D spatial processing for UAVs and is currently being integrated with HAVELSAN’s BAHA vehicles. TARNAV, designed for unmanned ground vehicles, functions similarly to Tesla’s technology, processing surrounding objects and devices.”
He added, “Our BAZNA drone is now included in NATO’s inventory and is used by Turkish security forces. With over a thousand units already delivered, we continue R&D on larger versions, aiming to add features like autonomous attack, target tracking, and swarm flight.”
Developing Technology for Tactical Demands
When asked about the unmanned ground vehicle, Soydan noted it was designed according to military demands, especially by Special Forces. “It’s built for confined spaces, such as caves and tunnels, with a 5-kilometer communication range. The operator can control it up to the 12th floor of a building. Both our drone and ground vehicle are FPV-compatible, allowing live tracking, with footage recorded up until detonation.”
Their prototype underwent cross-border testing about 1.5 months ago, demonstrating exceptional performance by successfully navigating a 187-meter cave. “It has evolved into a robust platform that goes well beyond our initial expectations,” Soydan remarked.
Export Ambitions and Government Support
Discussing export goals, Soydan stated, “The Presidency of Defense Industries has been an invaluable guide, and the Ministry of National Defense strongly supports defense exports. We’re in negotiations with over 20 countries and hope to achieve our first export soon. All necessary documents and permits are secured. Once we reach the contract phase, we’ll apply for final export approval and look forward to our first international sale.”
