Following the success of its MİLGEM and MİLDEN programs, Turkey has set its sights on building a nuclear-powered submarine — a bold move that could place the nation among global naval powers such as the U.S., Russia, China, and France.

During his speech at TEKNOFEST TRNC, Defense Industry Agency (SSB) President Haluk Görgün announced that the Turkish defense industry has become a global sector, exporting products and technologies to 180 countries worldwide.

Turkey’s defense and aviation exports rose by 54% in April 2025, reaching $539 million. Between January and April, exports grew by 67% to $2.238 billion, marking a new milestone for the sector.

At TEKNOFEST TRNC, HAVELSAN presents its locally developed technologies, offering visitors experiences such as parachute and shooting simulators, along with AI-focused workshops for young engineers. The event highlights Turkey’s growing innovation power in defense technology.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) pilots of the Turkish Armed Forces complete an 18-week intensive training at the Army Aviation School in Isparta, mastering every skill needed to operate under any conditions. Supported by modern simulators, the program prepares them for both combat and humanitarian missions.

Turkey’s most advanced unmanned surface vessel, ULAQ, will be delivered to the Turkish Navy in May. Already in operational use with Qatar’s Coast Guard, ULAQ is the world’s first USV with a signed export contract and will play a key role in Turkey’s “Blue Homeland” doctrine across multiple naval missions.

IDEF 2019, held under the auspices of the Turkish Presidency, brings together over a thousand companies and high-level delegations from dozens of countries, strengthening global cooperation in the defense sector.

Baykar and Italy’s defense giant Leonardo officially exchanged documents for their strategic cooperation agreement during the Turkey–Italy Intergovernmental Summit in Rome. The partnership aims to establish a joint venture focused on the European UAV market and integrated defense technologies.