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Türkiye’s Armored Vehicle Exports Surpass 1,000 Units in Two Years

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Türkiye has solidified its position as a key defense exporter, delivering more than 1,000 armored vehicles globally over the past two years, according to its 2023 United Nations Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA) report.

Türkiye’s Armored Vehicle Exports in 2023

The report reveals that Türkiye exported 501 armored combat vehicles to 11 countries in 2023, following 549 units in 2022. Despite an 8% decline in total exports, Türkiye remains a major supplier of military-grade vehicles across multiple regions.

Top recipients of Türkiye’s armored vehicles in 2023:

  • United Arab Emirates (UAE) – 180 vehicles
  • Kazakhstan – 68 vehicles
  • Saudi Arabia – 66 vehicles
  • Tunisia – 42 vehicles
  • Cote d’Ivoire – 36 vehicles
  • Ecuador – 35 vehicles
  • Chad – 30 vehicles
  • Morocco – 20 vehicles
  • Bangladesh – 11 vehicles
  • Azerbaijan – 10 vehicles
  • Montenegro – 3 vehicles

The specific models of these vehicles were not disclosed in the report, as Türkiye typically does not provide detailed product information to UNROCA.

Consistent Growth in Türkiye’s Defense Exports

Over the past five years, Türkiye’s armored vehicle exports have demonstrated steady growth:

  • 2019: 259 vehicles
  • 2020: 279 vehicles (7.7% increase)
  • 2021: 339 vehicles (21.5% increase)
  • 2022: 549 vehicles (63% increase)
  • 2023: 501 vehicles (8% decrease from 2022)

Despite the slight decline in 2023, Türkiye remains a key player in the global armored vehicle market.

Expanding Global Presence in Defense Industry

Türkiye has diversified its defense export markets, supplying armored vehicles to Asia, Africa, and Europe. The country has become a significant supplier for Middle Eastern, North African, and Central Asian defense forces.

Notable Recipients and Military Deployments

Although Türkiye has not disclosed the specific vehicle models exported, past defense agreements and military reports suggest the following:

  • Azerbaijan operates Otokar’s COBRA II armored vehicles.
  • Bangladesh has acquired COBRA I and COBRA II, using them in security operations and military exercises.
  • Chad has received NMS 4×4 and Ejder Yalçın armored vehicles, seen in 2022 military convoy footage.
  • Cote d’Ivoire deploys COBRA II and Nurol Ilgaz armored vehicles in public security operations.
  • Ecuador uses COBRA II for anti-smuggling operations.
  • Kazakhstan has expressed interest in COBRA II, TULPAR, and ARMA armored vehicles, with local reports suggesting a potential 800-vehicle order.
  • Saudi Arabia received COBRA II as part of a broader 2023 defense procurement deal.
  • Tunisia has been linked to the purchase of Nurol Makine’s EJDER 6×6 combat vehicles.
  • The UAE has acquired at least 400 Otokar Rabdan 8×8 vehicles by 2023.

Türkiye’s Rising Influence in the Global Defense Market

Türkiye’s defense industry continues its upward trajectory, with armored vehicle exports reinforcing its position as a leading global supplier.

The UNROCA report acknowledges that Türkiye’s declared figures may not reflect the total number of deliveries, as additional exports occur through separate contracts, classified deals, or military aid programs.

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