Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) and the Kahramanmaraş Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KMTSO) have signed a landmark joint venture agreement aimed at ushering in a new era for Türkiye’s defense industry. The signing ceremony, held in Kahramanmaraş with the participation of Defense Industry Agency President Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, highlighted the growing strength of Türkiye’s domestic defense sector. Görgün emphasized that the industry has reached an 80% localization rate, attracting significant international attention. He also noted that the sector closed 2023 with $5.5 billion in exports, achieving an impressive $65 per kilogram in export value, reflecting the high-tech nature of its products.

The partnership is expected to position Kahramanmaraş as a key defense production and export hub, while also creating new employment opportunities for younger generations. During the event, AK Party Kahramanmaraş Deputy Vahit Kirişci and KMTSO Chairman Mustafa Buluntu underscored the importance of the initiative for the city’s technological transformation and its contribution to Türkiye’s defense capabilities.

Following the signing ceremony, participants visited the defense industry container city to review the concrete steps being taken as part of the project. These efforts aim not only to enhance Kahramanmaraş’s production capacity but also to boost its role in international defense exports.

This strategic partnership between TUSAŞ and KMTSO strengthens Türkiye’s drive for defense industry independence while positioning Kahramanmaraş as a rising player in the sector. Centered on domestic and national production, the collaboration represents a forward-looking step for sustainable growth in Türkiye’s defense ecosystem.