Turkey’s defense exports double in 2024

Turkey’s defense exports surged to $7.1 billion in 2024, marking a significant jump from $5.5 billion in 2023, according to Haluk Görgün, president of the Defense Industry Agency (SSB). The growth reflects Turkey’s increasing presence in the global defense sector, with exports reaching 180 countries last year.

Key Drivers of Growth

The rise in defense exports has been driven by advanced technological platforms, including:

• Drones
• Warships
• Electronic warfare systems

These systems, originally developed for Turkey’s armed forces, have gained substantial traction in international markets.

Top Turkish Defense Exporters in 2024

According to SSB data, the top 10 defense exporters were:

1. Baykar – $1.8 billion
2. TUSAŞ Aviation – $750 million
3. ASFAT – $644 million
4. MKE – $610 million
5. Arca Defense – $600 million
6. TUSAŞ Engine – $390 million
7. Aselsan – $217 million (plus $291 million in indirect exports, totaling $508 million)
8. RAM Foreign Trade (Otokar) – $193 million
9. Roketsan – $179 million
10. Samsun Yurt Defense – $166 million

These figures represent direct foreign sales and exclude indirect sales, such as subsystems integrated into other exports.

Shifting Export Markets: A Growing NATO Presence

While Asia-Pacific has traditionally been a major market for Turkish defense products, exports to NATO countries are increasing. The United States, Czechia, Romania, Poland, Slovakia, and Bulgaria were among the top 10 recipient nations in 2024. According to defense analyst Arda Mevlütoğlu, sales of drones, ammunition, infantry weapons, and land vehicles have gained a stronger foothold in Europe and the U.S., signaling a shift in Turkey’s export strategy.

Future Outlook: Towards a 5% Export Share

Defense exports now make up 2.7% of Turkey’s total exports, a figure that has steadily increased over the past two decades. “Achieving a 5% share seems like a realistic short-term goal,” Mevlütoğlu said. “This could be reached through the sale of larger and more sophisticated platforms.” With rising demand for advanced defense technologies, Turkey is well-positioned to further expand its global footprint in the coming years.