Eskişehir, one of Türkiye's leading hubs in the defense and aviation sectors, achieved a record-breaking performance in 2023. The city’s exports, which stood at $350 million in 2022, rose to $436 million in 2023. This success was driven by the combined efforts of 60 companies and 9,500 employees operating in the region, placing Eskişehir among the most important centers of Türkiye's defense and aviation industry.

Local companies in Eskişehir play a critical role in both civil and military aviation. They manufacture key components for aircraft and helicopter engines as well as for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and armed UAVs (UCAV). These contributions not only expand Eskişehir’s export capacity but also strengthen Türkiye's domestic defense production and self-reliance.

According to Nadir Küpeli, Chairman of the Eskişehir Organized Industrial Zone, the city’s export breakthrough is backed by years of accumulated expertise in defense and aviation. He noted that Eskişehir’s defense industry turnover has reached nearly $1 billion, with an export target of $2.5 billion set for 2030. Furthermore, Eskişehir-based companies have achieved the status of main suppliers for global aerospace giants such as Airbus and Boeing, securing a solid position in international markets.

High-tech production is another significant aspect of Eskişehir’s success. Currently, 16% of the city’s exports consist of high-technology products. This share is projected to increase to 20% between 2026 and 2030, and later to 25%. These developments underline Eskişehir’s rapid progress toward becoming not only a national but also a global brand in the defense and aviation sectors.