Türkiye is taking another decisive step toward its defense industry’s localization and self-sufficiency goals. The Mite Defence ammunition factory, whose foundation was laid in August 2022 with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has officially started production in the Çorum Sungurlu Organized Industrial Zone. Built on 404,000 square meters of open and 30,000 square meters of closed area, the facility focuses on light ammunition, initially achieving mass production in 9x19 mm rounds. This development not only secures reliable supply for security forces but also reduces foreign dependency.

Following successful trial productions, the factory has now entered series production with ambitious expansion plans. Once at full capacity, the facility aims to manufacture 360 million rounds annually. A portion of this output will be allocated to the Turkish Armed Forces and law enforcement, while the remainder will be directed toward exports. This transition positions Türkiye not only as a consumer in the global ammunition market but also as a capable producer and supplier.

Mite Defence’s roadmap extends beyond 9x19 mm ammunition. Production lines for 5.56 mm and .45 caliber rounds are scheduled to be added in the near future, offering greater flexibility to meet diverse operational, training, and special forces requirements. The factory, which currently employs 150 people, plans to expand its workforce to 400 at full capacity. Alongside direct employment, the facility is expected to stimulate regional economic growth through supply chains, logistics, and support industries.

On the economic front, the project is projected to contribute €80 million annually. With its combination of domestic cost advantages and export revenues, the factory strengthens the sustainability of Türkiye’s defense industry. At the same time, the emphasis on quality and reliability enhances the global reputation of Turkish-made products. The Sungurlu facility stands as a concrete example of Türkiye’s defense sector transformation, ensuring that ammunition demands are met locally with faster, more secure supply chains.