Türkiye’s defense industry achieved a 29% increase in exports in 2024, reaching a total of $7.1 billion, as announced by Haluk Görgün, head of the Defense Industries Presidency, during a meeting with Ankara bureau chiefs on Jan. 14. The country also climbed to the 11th rank globally among arms exporters, solidifying its position as a significant player in the sector.
Expanding Global Reach
Turkish defense products were exported to 185 countries in 2024, with 1,600 out of 3,500 companies in the sector contributing to exports. Görgün highlighted that five of Türkiye’s top 10 export destinations were European nations, emphasizing strong contracts with Europe, including the export of military vessels to Portugal, renowned for its maritime history.
The most exported products included:
- Unmanned drones
- Smart missiles
- Land vehicles
- Military vessels
- Aircraft
- Radars
- Simulators
Keys to Success
Görgün attributed the industry’s success to:
- Technological superiority: Meeting advanced technical requirements.
- Buyer confidence: Ensuring reliability and high standards.
- Cost-effectiveness: Offering competitive pricing without compromising quality.
Strengthening NATO Ties
Türkiye also intensified its engagement with NATO in 2024, applying to participate in various NATO projects. Görgün announced plans for a significant visit to Brussels on Jan. 16, where he will meet with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and other officials to discuss further integrating the Turkish defense industry into NATO’s armament projects.
“This visit will be an opportunity to showcase Türkiye’s production capabilities and its advancements in the defense industry to NATO partners,” Görgün said.
2025 Ambitions
Looking ahead, Türkiye aims to surpass the $10 billion export mark within two years by exploring new markets and pursuing innovative projects and cooperation models. Görgün emphasized that the momentum gained in 2024 will pave the way for increased global influence in the defense sector.