Turkey’s defense industry marked an unprecedented year in 2024, achieving remarkable growth in both production and exports. With its expanding portfolio of indigenous and national defense technologies, Turkey has not only strengthened its own security but also become a reliable partner for friendly and allied nations seeking advanced, cost-effective defense solutions. The sector’s total defense and aerospace exports hit a record $7.15 billion, placing Turkey 11th among global defense exporters.

According to official data, Turkey delivered over 4,500 land vehicles to 40 countries, 140 naval platforms to more than 10 countries, guided munitions and missiles to 42 countries, and around 770 UAVs, UCAVs, and strategic drones to over 50 nations. Additionally, 1,200 electro-optical and stabilized weapon systems were exported to 24 countries, attack helicopters to 8 nations, radars to 10, small arms and rifles to 111, 1,500 loitering munitions to 11, and HÜRKUŞ training aircraft to 2 countries. Many new Turkish systems are currently being evaluated by several other armies around the world.

Haluk Görgün, President of the Defense Industry Agency (SSB), emphasized that Turkey has moved beyond being a manufacturer and now possesses the competence to meet defense needs globally:

“We are capable of delivering solutions anywhere in the world, across the entire defense spectrum.”

In 2024, the industry’s R&D budget approached $3 billion, and localization surpassed 80%, with a project portfolio exceeding $100 billion — a 29% increase over the previous year. The European market ranked first in Turkish exports, showing particularly high demand for UAVs, smart munitions, land systems, radars, naval vessels, aircraft and helicopter structures, and simulators.

Among flagship achievements, ASELSAN’s ASELFLIR-500 targeting system entered serial production and was exported to 16 countries, while TUSAŞ’s naval platform sale to Portugal became another highlight of 2024. Looking ahead, major indigenous programs such as ALTAY main battle tank, GÖKBEY helicopter, KAAN national fighter jet, and HÜRKUŞ aircraft are expected to reach new milestones in production and delivery through 2025. KAAN’s domestic engine development and six prototype test phase continue in parallel, while GÖKBEY’s fully indigenous powerplant nears completion.

TUSAŞ has also begun thermal testing of the updated GÖKTÜRK-2 satellite, and new contracts for MİLKAR and MİLKED projects will further expand Turkey’s capabilities in electronic warfare and satellite communication. With over 3,500 active defense companies and 1,100 ongoing projects, Turkey’s defense ecosystem has evolved from a regional supplier into a global powerhouse — a country whose innovations are now setting standards across multiple domains of modern warfare.