Turkey's defense and aerospace sector, led by companies such as ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, TUSAŞ, and Baykar, demonstrated strong export performance in September. According to a statement by SSB President Haluk Görgün, sector exports rose 10.7% year-over-year to $634 million. For the first nine months of the year, exports increased 15.6% to $6.92 billion. Over the past 12 months, exports reached $10.94 billion, representing a 30% increase.

Over the past two decades, the Turkish defense industry has transformed from a nation heavily dependent on foreign equipment to one achieving near-complete self-sufficiency in meeting its defense needs. This transformation is anchored in high-technology platforms including the BAYRAKTAR TB2 and AKINCI unmanned aerial vehicles, ATMACA and SOM missiles, the ALTAY main battle tank, and the MİLGEM corvette. Increased localization rates and sustained national research and development investments have positioned the sector competitively in international markets. These platforms not only meet Turkey's defense requirements but have become significant sources of export revenue.

The defense sector's export success is reflected in Turkey's overall trade performance. In September, Turkey's total exports rose 15.4% year-over-year to $26 billion. The defense and aerospace sector accounts for approximately 2.4% of total exports and plays a significant role in advancing high-value-added product shipments. Growing export revenues strengthen Turkey's position among technology-intensive exporting nations.

Turkey's standing in the international defense market continues to strengthen. The BAYRAKTAR TB2, manufactured to NATO standards, has been exported to more than 30 countries and demonstrated operational success in various conflict zones. The ATMACA and SOM missiles offer performance comparable to European counterparts. The ALTAY tank is positioned as an alternative to Western systems such as the Leopard 2 and Abrams. These platforms represent concrete evidence of Turkey's achievement of defense technology independence.

SSB President Görgün emphasized that the success stems from high-value-added products, engineering expertise, production capabilities, and partnerships developed globally. The sector's export-focused strategy, supported by state backing and private sector dynamism, has enabled Turkey's defense industry ecosystem to gain increasing presence in international markets. The sector, which recorded growth rates approaching 50% in previous years, continues to maintain a steady upward trend this year.