Turkey projects defense exports to surpass $8 billion by 2025
In the heart of the Eurasian region, Turkey has been a shining star, steadily advancing and developing over the past 20 years. This progress is rooted in a strong army, a robust economy, a thriving defense industry, strong leadership, and effective governance.
Turkey's defense industry is set to exceed $8 billion in exports by 2025, according to recent projections. This industry exports to over a hundred countries worldwide, including Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and South America.
The growth of Turkey's defense exports between 2021 and 2025 reflects a strategic pursuit of autonomy in defense production. This strategic stance has resulted in significant global impact through expanded markets and enhanced geopolitical influence.
Turkey has focused on developing indigenous military technologies and increasing its role as a key defense supplier amid shifting international alliances and geopolitical tension. The industry employs a qualified workforce of 100,000, with more than 3,500 firms operating within it.
The annual production figure in Turkey's defense industry is estimated to be $20 billion. The industry has more than tripled its shipments over the past four years, and the domestic share has risen to over 80%. This localization drive has been instrumental in Turkey's rise as one of the strongest defense industrial countries in the Eurasian region.
The defense industry in Turkey is not just an economic activity or a foreign currency-earning export effort. It is a guarantor of independence, ensuring Turkey's self-reliance in defense production. This independence is crucial in a region marked by intense wars, battles, and conflicts.
In the first six months of 2025, Turkey has already exceeded $3.5 billion in defense industry sales. Sales are accelerating in the second half and toward the final quarter of 2025. The defense and aerospace exports of Turkey reached a record of nearly $7.2 billion in the previous year, a nearly 30% increase from the previous year.
The International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2025) was described as one of the most prestigious and impressive fairs in Turkey's history. This event showcased Turkey's commitment to its defense industry and its potential to play a significant role in global defense markets.
Amidst the turmoil in its vicinity, Turkey continues to develop like a pillar of stability, an island of peace. Its defense industry is a testament to this resilience and a symbol of Turkey's growing influence on the global stage.
[1] Source: Various search results and reports on Turkey's defense industry exports and global impact from 2021 to 2025.
- Turkey's defense industry is projected to surpass $8 billion in exports by 2025, a move that indicates a strategic pursuit of autonomy in defense production.
- The growth of Turkey's defense exports is not limited to specific regions; it exports to more than a hundred countries worldwide, such as Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and South America.
- The Turkish defense industry, which employs a qualified workforce of 100,000, has more than 3,500 firms operating within it, with an annual production figure estimated to be $20 billion.
- The growth of Turkey's defense industry is not just about bolstering the economy, but also ensuring independence in defense production, particularly in a region marked by intense conflicts.
- Projections indicate that Turkey's defense and aerospace exports could reach nearly $7.2 billion in the current year, a nearly 30% increase from the previous year.
- The International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2025) serves as a testament to Turkey's commitment to its defense industry and its potential to play a significant role in global defense markets, reflecting its growing influence on the world stage.
