Turkey’s defense industry has entered one of its most dynamic export periods, and this momentum is now sweeping across Europe. From the Iberian Peninsula to Central Europe, Turkish-made aircraft, warships, and armored vehicles are being integrated into NATO and EU member states’ military inventories — a powerful testament to the sector’s global rise.

Defense analyst Ahmet Alemdar highlights that the European market is both demanding and prestigious. “These countries are NATO and EU members with high military standards. Gaining a foothold here is proof that Turkish defense products have achieved top-tier performance, quality, and reliability,” he explains.

A landmark step came with TUSAŞ’s deal with Spain, officially making HÜRJET, Turkey’s first jet-powered trainer aircraft, part of the Spanish Air Force’s future training fleet. This agreement marks Turkey’s first-ever export of a manned jet aircraft to Europe, setting a strategic precedent within NATO.

In the maritime domain, STM secured a major victory by winning Portugal’s tender for two logistics support ships, a significant achievement given Portugal’s centuries-long naval tradition. Meanwhile, Baykar’s Bayraktar TB-2 UAVs continue to dominate European skies, currently serving in Romania, Poland, Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo. Baykar has also signed a long-term cooperation deal with Italian defense giant Leonardo, projecting a multi-billion-euro export volume over the next decade.

On the land systems front, Turkish armored vehicles have become Europe’s new favorites. Otokar, Nurol Makina, and BMC have each secured major contracts — Otokar with Estonia and Romania, and Nurol with Hungary. “Selling armored vehicles to Europe is no easy task,” Alemdar notes. “Turkish companies surpassed tough competitors and proved their adaptability to diverse terrains and climates.”

European buyers are not simply attracted by cost efficiency — they are investing in high-performance, battle-proven systems offering flexibility, reliability, and rapid customization. ASELSAN’s electronic systems, MKE’s infantry rifles, REPKON’s 155mm ammunition production line in Germany, and BLITZ Technology’s GIMBAL exports to Poland reflect the growing diversity and technological maturity of Turkish exports.

Experts emphasize that Turkey’s success is not merely commercial but also strategic and diplomatic. With defense exports now serving as instruments of foreign policy, Turkey is establishing itself as a trusted defense partner in Europe. The next stage, analysts suggest, is for Turkish firms to become lead partners in multinational programs — similar to ongoing collaborations like Baykar-Leonardo and TUSAŞ-Airbus.

If current trends continue, Turkey’s defense industry is poised to break successive export records, solidifying its position as a major defense supplier for Europe and beyond — driven by innovation, flexibility, and proven combat performance.