Istanbul, February 4, 2025 – Türkiye’s defense and aerospace industry has kicked off 2025 with an impressive performance, reporting a significant 16% increase in exports compared to January of the previous year. According to data shared by industry analysts, January 2025 saw exports amounting to approximately USD 383.148 million, marking a robust start to the year for the nation’s defense sector.
The increase is attributed to a combination of strategic international partnerships, advanced technological offerings, and a growing demand for Türkiye’s defense products worldwide. The country’s defense industry has been making headlines for its innovative unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), smart munitions, naval platforms, and advanced radar systems, which have found favor in markets across five continents.
Key Highlights:
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Global Market Share: Türkiye continues to hold a significant share in the global UAV market, with its products now reaching 185 countries, showcasing the country’s growing influence in defense technology.
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Diverse Product Range: From armored vehicles to missile systems, Türkiye’s defense exports cover a broad spectrum, with companies like Aselsan, Roketsan, and BMC leading the charge. Notably, the Bayraktar TB3 has been armed, and ANKA III has conducted successful tests, further solidifying Türkiye’s reputation for advanced aerial platforms.
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Economic Impact: This surge in exports not only underscores the capabilities of Türkiye’s defense sector but also contributes significantly to the national economy. The defense industry’s performance is seen as a beacon of self-reliance and technological prowess in an industry often dominated by traditional powers.
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NATO and EU Integration: Türkiye’s defense products have seen an uptick in demand from NATO and EU countries, with military vessels delivered to Portugal and ongoing contracts for unmanned systems, highlighting the country’s integration into these crucial defense ecosystems.
Industry experts, like Haluk Gorgun, the head of the Presidency of Defense Industries, have expressed optimism about maintaining this momentum throughout 2025. “Our aim is to achieve a permanent increase in exports by focusing on high value-added products and expanding our international cooperation,” Gorgun stated during a recent industry conference.
Challenges and Outlook:
Despite this success, there are challenges on the horizon. Economic and political factors, including Türkiye’s fiscal policies and international relations, continue to play a role in how the defense industry navigates global markets. The reliance on international trade for certain components also poses strategic considerations for achieving full defense industry autarky.
However, the outlook remains positive, with planned deliveries like the Altay tank and the KAAN combat aircraft expected to further bolster Türkiye’s defense export figures. The industry’s focus on research and development, coupled with a strategic push towards new markets, suggests that Türkiye’s defense sector is poised for continued growth.
As Türkiye sets its sights on surpassing $7.3 billion in defense exports by the end of 2025, the January figures are a promising indicator of the industry’s trajectory, signaling a year of potential record-breaking achievements in defense technology exports.
