Turkey emerges as a global power in defense and aerospace technology

Turkey is emerging as a significant global military and technological power through its rapidly expanding defense industry. According to analysis by the German publication Handelsblatt, the country has transitioned from relying on foreign equipment to becoming a major producer of advanced systems, including combat aircraft, multi-layered air defense, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and radar technologies.

Turkey's defense and aerospace exports reached approximately $10.5 billion last year, and the sector saw a further 26% increase in the first seven months of the current year, reaching roughly $5.8 billion. Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) ranks Turkey as the world's 11th largest arms exporter, holding a 1.8% share of the global market.

Key industrial developments include Baykar's export of Bayraktar TB2 UAVs to over 30 countries, TUSAŞ's agreement to deliver 30 Hürjet trainer aircraft to Spain, and STM's construction of logistics support vessels for the Portuguese navy. Additionally, Aselsan secured a $410 million electronic warfare systems contract in Poland. The development of the “Steel Dome” (Çelik Kubbe) air defense project, which integrates artificial intelligence, is highlighted as a major step toward technological independence.