Turkey Defense Industry Initiatives: Growth & Achievements
**President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently shed light on Turkey’s defense industry advancements during a post-cabinet meeting address. He highlighted the remarkable progress made since 2002, revealing that the number of companies in the sector has surged from a mere 56 to over 3,500. Additionally, the domestic production rate for defense projects has escalated from 62% to an impressive 80%, culminating in a total of 1,132 projects undertaken in the past 22 years. Erdoğan emphasized that the cumulative value of these initiatives has now exceeded $100 billion.**
The financial growth of Turkey’s defense sector has been equally impressive. Revenue has skyrocketed from $1.1 billion to $15.5 billion in just 2023 alone. Erdoğan proudly stated, “We are among the world’s leaders in producing UAVs, armed UAVs, electronic warfare systems, and warships.” Furthermore, he shared that exports, which were only $248 million in 2002, are projected to reach an astounding $7.154 billion by 2024, reflecting a 29% increase compared to the previous year. He noted that Turkey has already surpassed its 2024 export goal by 11%, highlighting the sector’s remarkable trajectory.
During his address, Erdoğan also announced significant developments in naval systems, including the commissioning of the Piri Reis submarine and the commencement of sea trials for the Hızır Reis submarine. Work on the Murat Reis submarine is ongoing, alongside the delivery of several armed unmanned marine vehicles such as the TCG DERYA and ISTANBUL. He proudly mentioned the initiation of the Steel Dome Project, a domestically developed system, and the successful addition of the SIPER Product-1 to Turkey’s inventory.
In a bid to enhance its missile capabilities, Erdoğan stated plans to strengthen stockpiles of missiles with ranges exceeding 800 kilometers and to expedite the development of missiles with ranges surpassing 2,000 kilometers. He acknowledged the extensive list of defense projects launched over the past year, expressing hopes for further advancements by 2025. Despite recent political dissent regarding the Blue Homeland initiative, Erdoğan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to fortifying its naval power through new projects.
Erdoğan also discussed the MİLGEM Project, which has led to the design and construction of Turkey’s first corvettes and frigates entirely from domestic resources. Currently, there are five ships in active service, with the construction of seven additional MİLGEM frigates in progress. The experience gained from these ventures has facilitated the first welding of the TF-2000 Air Defense Warfare Destroyer at the Istanbul shipyard, as well as the initial welding of Turkey’s national submarine at the Gölcük shipyard. He views the national aircraft carrier, TCG ANADOLU, as a crucial sibling project.
Erdoğan concluded by asserting that the completion of these projects will elevate Turkey’s defense capabilities to new heights, addressing vital national needs. He reiterated that the collaboration with all stakeholders in the defense sector is essential to assure allies and instill apprehension in adversaries. This commitment to innovation and growth underscores Turkey’s ambition to be a formidable player in the global defense landscape.
Historic Export Records in Defense and Aerospace
In a related development, the defense and aerospace industry in Turkey has achieved a significant milestone by breaking its historical export record. This accomplishment not only reflects the robust growth of the sector but also signifies Turkey’s increasing competitiveness in the international market. The surge in exports is attributed to technological advancements and the successful implementation of various domestic projects that have enhanced the nation’s production capabilities.
As Turkey continues to invest in its defense industry, the implications of this export success are profound. It underscores the country’s strategic shift towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing, enabling it to meet both domestic and international demands more effectively. The government’s sustained focus on innovation and development in this sector promises to yield further successes in the years to come, solidifying Turkey’s position as a key player on the global defense stage.
