Turkey's defense and aerospace sector exports reached $10.9 billion over the past 12 months, demonstrating significant growth momentum. The figure recorded between June 2025 and May 2026 represents a 47.1% increase from the $7.4 billion recorded in the previous 12-month period. The sector surpassed the $10 billion threshold for the first time at the end of 2025, with strong performance continuing into the early months of this year.

Defense industry diplomacy and international engagement efforts coordinated by the SSB have enhanced the visibility of Turkish companies in foreign markets. Bilateral meetings and industry diplomacy activities have created new cooperation and export opportunities. Leading companies including ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, TUSAŞ, Baykar and FNSS have contributed to sector growth through technology development, joint production models and long-term partnerships with allied nations. The sector has strengthened its position not only as a defense products supplier but also as a technology developer and high-value-added manufacturer.

Exports to NATO countries reached $6.2 billion, accounting for 57.3% of total sector exports. The top three destinations for Turkish defense and aerospace exports are all NATO allies, underscoring the significance of Turkey's defense industry cooperation within the alliance. This achievement will feature prominently in discussions at the NATO summit scheduled to take place in Ankara.

The Turkish defense sector has gained a distinct position in the global defense market through its recent development and production expansion. Platforms such as the Bayraktar TB2 and Bayraktar TB3 unmanned aerial vehicles, ATMACA and SOM missiles, ALTAY main battle tank and MİLGEM corvettes represent systems designed and manufactured to international standards. The successful performance of these products has established recognition of Turkish engineering and design capabilities on the world stage. This momentum will strengthen further through increased localization rates and sustained research and development investments.

The sector's high value-added production capacity is evident in its export value of $65.16 per kilogram. Since Turkey's overall export average stands at $1.62 per kilogram, the defense and aerospace sector generates approximately 40 times higher value per unit weight. This ratio demonstrates the sector's significant contribution to the economy and the profitability of technology-intensive manufacturing. Exports to 178 countries confirm strong global demand for Turkish defense products and robust competitive strength.