The year 2022 marked a historic turning point for Türkiye’s defense industry. Under the coordination of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), a wide range of indigenous projects were successfully developed, strengthening Türkiye’s military capabilities while also boosting exports to record-breaking levels. Throughout the year, advancements were recorded in land, air, naval, and electronic systems, showcasing the global impact of Türkiye’s defense sector.

In the aviation field, Baykar’s Kızılelma unmanned fighter jet made its first successful test flights, emerging as one of the most significant projects of the year. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) also made remarkable progress in the National Combat Aircraft (MMU) project, with the maiden flight date being moved forward. Meanwhile, unmanned aerial vehicles such as Akıncı, Aksungur, and ANKA were delivered to security forces with enhanced payloads, guidance kits, and munitions. New UAV systems, including BOYGA and TOGAN, were also added to the inventory, further strengthening Türkiye’s air power.

In the naval domain, Türkiye’s first intelligence ship, TCG UFUK, officially entered service, while new submarine projects were initiated. On the ground systems side, the export of KAPLAN MT tanks to Indonesia marked a major milestone, highlighting Türkiye’s armored vehicle production capabilities on the international stage. These achievements underscored the growing global demand for Turkish defense products, which are increasingly recognized for their reliability and effectiveness.

In missiles and electronic systems, the first test launch of the TAYFUN ballistic missile and the further development of the HİSAR O+ air defense system stood out as major advancements. These steps demonstrated Türkiye’s determination to deepen its technological capabilities and solidify its independence in defense. Combined, these achievements enabled Türkiye to reach a record $4 billion in defense exports in 2022.

The accomplishments of 2022 not only reinforced Türkiye’s military power but also contributed to the establishment of a sustainable, indigenous defense ecosystem. Looking ahead, these developments indicate that Türkiye’s defense industry will continue to grow stronger, expanding its influence both regionally and globally.