Türkiye’s defense industry closed 2022 with historic achievements, both in the field and on the global stage. Coordinated by the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), the sector reached a new milestone by achieving $4 billion in defense exports, while strengthening national capabilities through groundbreaking projects in land, air, sea, and electronic systems.

SSB President Prof. Dr. İsmail Demir described 2022 as a year in which Türkiye “added strength to its strength,” highlighting progress in UAVs, missile systems, unmanned ground and naval vehicles, and electronic warfare technologies. Among the year’s most notable milestones were Baykar’s Kızılelma unmanned fighter jet’s maiden flight and Turkish Aerospace Industries’ National Combat Aircraft (MMU) progressing through the final assembly line, with its first flight now scheduled earlier than expected on October 29, 2024.

In the aviation sector, deliveries of UAVs such as Akıncı, Aksungur, ANKA, and Bayraktar TB-2 continued at pace. New systems like the BOYGA munition-dropping UAV and the TOGAN reconnaissance UAV entered service for the first time. The KERKES Project, enabling UAVs to operate without GPS, was successfully completed. Meanwhile, Türkiye finalized its 10-aircraft A400M transport fleet and carried out structural upgrades to extend the service life of F-16s. Notably, the ATAK helicopter and Akıncı UAV were exported for the first time, strengthening Türkiye’s position in the global aviation market.

At sea, Türkiye’s first intelligence ship, TCG Ufuk, entered service. Progress was also made on new-generation submarines, while unmanned surface vehicle projects such as ULAQ, SALVO, SANCAR, and MARLIN gained momentum. On land, Türkiye achieved a first by exporting tanks—Kaplan MT medium tanks were delivered to Indonesia. Additionally, PARS 6x6 mine-resistant vehicles and upgraded armored fighting vehicles with unmanned turrets entered the Turkish Armed Forces inventory.

Missile and rocket programs also marked 2022 as a breakthrough year. The Tayfun short-range ballistic missile’s first test launch was conducted, the HİSAR O+ air defense system completed its RF seeker tests, and the Sungur man-portable air defense system was fielded. Furthermore, the KTJ-3200 turbojet engine for SOM and Atmaca missiles entered serial production. Systems such as the Şahin 40mm Physical Destruction System and the Pedestal-Mounted Cirit (PMC) launcher were also delivered for the first time.

With these achievements, 2022 has been widely regarded as a year of pride for Türkiye’s defense industry. The country not only strengthened its deterrence and independence but also boosted its competitiveness in the global defense market, making significant strides toward its vision of a fully independent defense sector.