In the first six months of 2025, Turkey’s defense and aerospace sector achieved a remarkable leap in exports. Compared to the same period last year, exports increased by 25%, reaching a total of $3.603 billion.
Looking specifically at the month of June, the sector recorded a 10.4% year-on-year increase in exports, amounting to $623 million. Over the past 12 months, total exports rose by 23.1%, reaching $7.45 billion.
President of the Defense Industry Agency, Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, emphasized that this success is more than just a statistical rise—it reflects a strategic vision centered on local production and technological transformation. He highlighted the following key elements behind this export growth:
- The number of exporting companies has increased
- The product range has been diversified in favor of high-tech systems
- International collaborations have deepened on a global scale
- A wide-ranging ecosystem, from SMEs to large-scale industrial firms, has been restructured
Görgün noted that the defense and aerospace industry now accounts for 3% of Turkey’s total exports. He thanked all producers, engineers, and workers contributing to this growth and stated, “We continue to advance with a defense industry vision powered by the nation and guided by the future.”
Western Markets Take the Lead
In an exclusive interview with Sabah newspaper on July 3, Görgün stated that 55.4% of Turkey’s defense and aerospace exports in 2024 were directed toward European countries and NATO allies. He highlighted the competitiveness of Turkish systems in terms of both functionality and cost-effectiveness, noting that the United States also holds a significant share in this export portfolio.
Görgün underlined Turkey’s global leadership in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs/UCAVs), saying, “Since 2018, Turkey has served 65% of the global market for both armed and unarmed UAVs. This requires an advanced level of technology.”
He also stressed that Turkey is recognized as a reliable defense partner on the international stage, adding:
“We don’t operate with hidden agendas in our international relations. We are transparent and open, and that is how we are known globally. Our President is a trustworthy leader. In defense, trust is crucial—not only in the initial sale but also in after-sales services such as maintenance and support. This approach is what sets Turkey apart from its competitors.”
