Turkey strengthens military autonomy through defense industry growth

Turkey has undergone a radical transformation over the last quarter-century, evolving from a nation dependent on foreign arms and licenses to a global military technology power. The domestic defense ecosystem has expanded from 56 companies managing 62 projects in 2002 to more than 4,500 companies overseeing over 1,400 active initiatives by the mid-2020s. The total valuation of this sector exceeds 85 billion euros.

This industrial growth is reflected in export figures, which rose from 212 million euros in 2002 to over 8.5 billion euros by 2025. Additionally, the share of domestic production has increased from 20 percent to more than 85 percent.

Combat drones have served as the primary catalyst for Turkey’s international recognition. The success of the Bayraktar TB2 established the country as a leader in the field, followed by the Akinci, which improved sensor integration and operational range. Current developments include the Kizilelma, a jet-powered drone designed for high-speed combat and maritime operations, alongside the Anka and Aksungur platforms.