Türkiye’s defense and aerospace industry delivered a remarkable export performance in the first three months of 2026, maintaining its upward momentum in global markets. According to figures shared by Haluk Görgün, head of the Presidency of Defense Industries, the sector achieved $803 million in exports in March alone. For the January-March period, total defense and aerospace exports rose by 12.1 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching $1.91 billion. These figures underline the growing international presence of Türkiye’s defense sector and its ability to expand into new markets with a broader range of products.

One of the most important aspects of the announcement was the emphasis that this export growth is not a temporary rise, but the result of a long-term strategic transformation. Görgün stated that the steady growth of the defense and aerospace industry continues under the framework of the National Technology Initiative and the National Competency Initiative led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This vision points not only to a numerical increase in exports, but also to the development of higher value-added and more advanced technological systems. In this way, Türkiye is strengthening its role as a competitive supplier in the international defense market rather than remaining only a country focused on meeting domestic security needs.

The sector’s growth has been supported by a strong production infrastructure, expanding international cooperation and a widening market network. Görgün’s remarks suggest that the Turkish defense industry is no longer limited to a narrow export geography, but is building a broader and more sustainable commercial presence across multiple regions. In recent years, expertise gained in land platforms, air systems, ammunition, electronic systems and various defense subcomponents has increasingly translated into export success. This development stands out as a major indicator of Türkiye’s rising production depth and growing credibility in foreign defense markets.

The $1.91 billion export figure reached in the first quarter of 2026 has also reinforced expectations for the rest of the year. The $803 million achieved in March signals that if this momentum continues, the sector could make a significant contribution to its annual export targets. Görgün stressed that the industry is determined to carry this rise even further and thanked all companies, engineers and stakeholders who contributed to the success. The export performance of the defense and aerospace industry is being seen not only as an economic achievement, but also as a critical gain for Türkiye’s technological independence, global defense visibility and strategic strength.