Turkish Defense Industry: Growth and Global Strategies
**The President of the Defense Industry, Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, recently addressed the press during the Global Strategies Conference focused on the Defense and Aerospace Industry. He emphasized the significant strides made by the Turkish defense sector, particularly highlighting the importance of boosting exports. Görgün remarked, “Our customers recognize that the Presidency of Defense Industries stands behind the companies as a state authority. They appreciate our commitment to conducting our processes in alignment with their interests, reinforcing their confidence in our evolving structure and the systematic framework established by our President.” This strong backing is underscored by the unique status of the Presidency of Defense Industries, which boasts a dedicated law and funding, making it an unparalleled entity globally.
Görgün elaborated on Turkey’s export dynamics, revealing that the United States represents the largest market for Turkish defense products. He projected that Turkey’s total defense exports could reach approximately 7 billion dollars in 2024, with 3 billion dollars specifically earmarked for NATO member nations. “The top five countries Turkey exports to after the USA are European states. As we continue to deliver new products, these figures are expected to rise. For instance, our recent agreement with Portugal is noteworthy, as it marks a significant collaboration with a nation excelling in global maritime capabilities. Additionally, countries such as Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic stand out among EU and NATO partners in this regard.”
KAAN Project and Saudi Arabia’s Interest
In response to inquiries about Saudi Arabia’s interest in procuring the KAAN aircraft, Görgün addressed the current status of the project. He confirmed that evaluations regarding the KAAN timeline are ongoing, stating, “We recently convened at TUSAŞ with all relevant stakeholders to discuss KAAN’s development. The Air Force Command, as the end-user contributing to the project, participated alongside companies responsible for various subsystems and munitions. We assessed our progress and confirmed that the timeline is on track, with some aspects ahead of schedule. It was a fruitful meeting that supports the mass production phase of KAAN.”
Görgün emphasized that while discussions with Saudi representatives occurred, they did not focus on specific products or platforms. The meeting was primarily aimed at sharing perspectives and fostering collaboration with Turkish industrialists and SMEs. This indicates a broader strategy to engage international partners while ensuring that the KAAN project remains aligned with its objectives and timelines.
Collaborative Efforts in the Turkic World
Prof. Görgün also highlighted the Presidency of Defense Industries’ initiatives within the Turkic world, noting the development of collaborative models aimed at creating business opportunities through shared infrastructure and platforms. He stated, “For instance, we are working alongside TUSAŞ and ASELSAN to modernize Azerbaijan’s Su-25 fighter jets. This program not only enhances our capabilities in Azerbaijan but also allows us to provide tailored solutions to other nations in need.” This collaborative effort underscores Turkey’s commitment to fostering regional partnerships.
He further remarked, “Turkey has established itself as the eleventh largest defense industry exporter worldwide.” This achievement reflects the strategic positioning of Turkey within the global defense market and its ability to leverage partnerships for mutual growth. The emphasis on modernization and collaboration is set to enhance Turkey’s influence in the defense sector while addressing the needs of its allies.
