Türkiye’s Defense Exports Soar Nearly 30% in First Five Months of 2025
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Türkiye’s defense and aerospace industry continues to strengthen its global footprint, with exports reaching $2.98 billion between January and May 2025—a 28.9% increase compared to the same period last year.
According to the latest figures, the defense sector accounted for 3% of Türkiye’s total exports, while the country’s overall exports climbed by 3.5% year-on-year to $111 billion.
Rising Global Demand and Tech Evolution
Commenting on the data, Haluk Görgün, head of the Defense Industry Presidency (SSB), emphasized that a growing number of companies are joining the export drive, and that the composition of exports is shifting toward high-tech systems.
“Thanks to our continuous international collaboration efforts, Turkish companies now export across the globe—not just to select regions,” Görgün noted.
He further stated that the SSB will continue promoting international visibility and partnerships for both large corporations and SMEs, reinforcing Türkiye’s presence in global defense markets.
From Modest Beginnings to Global Impact
In 2002, Türkiye’s defense exports stood at just $248 million. In 2024, they reached an all-time high of $7.2 billion, highlighting the sector’s remarkable two-decade transformation.
Türkiye now ranks as the 11th largest defense exporter worldwide, with 75% of its systems used by NATO forces, including the Turkish Armed Forces, Görgün said during a recent interview.
Strategic Partnerships and Global Reach
Over half—55.4% of last year’s defense exports—were delivered to NATO allies and Ukraine, underscoring Türkiye’s alignment with Western defense markets.
In a further step to expand its international cooperation, Türkiye signed a Defense Industry Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding with Finland on June 2, reinforcing its growing network of strategic partnerships.
A Look Ahead
As Türkiye’s defense and aerospace exports grow, the country is steadily becoming a key supplier of cutting-edge military technology, not only within NATO but to regions across the globe.
SSB’s vision includes supporting innovation, expanding export destinations, and elevating Turkish SMEs to international prominence—further strengthening the resilience and global competitiveness of the national defense ecosystem.
