From arms importer to exporter: Türkiye’s transformation into global defence leader

Türkiye's military capabilities are experiencing a remarkable expansion, driven by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's strategic foreign policy objectives. Over the past two decades, Türkiye has fortified its military, positioning itself as a dominant regional power and establishing numerous fronts across the region.

Unlike many Western European NATO allies, whose military capacities have declined since the Cold War, Türkiye’s military strength has continued to grow, Caliber.Az reports per İsraeli media.

With 700 modern main battle tanks, Türkiye has more than Germany and France combined, alongside an additional 1,500 upgraded tanks. The country’s defence industry has also entered a new era with the mass production of domestically manufactured Altay heavy battle tanks, marking a significant milestone in Türkiye’s military development.

In addition to strengthening its ground forces, Türkiye has focused on expanding its naval and air power, particularly in the eastern Mediterranean. Last year, the Turkish navy launched the Anadolu, an amphibious assault ship and drone carrier that significantly enhances Türkiye's operational capabilities far from its shores. Türkiye has also expanded its naval fleet with advanced vessels, including a new submarine, a destroyer equipped with anti-aircraft missiles, and its first aircraft carrier, Mugham.

This month, Türkiye plans to conduct the "Mavi Vatan" ("Blue Homeland") exercise in the Aegean Sea, involving dozens of naval vessels. The drill signals Erdogan's aspirations to transform the eastern Mediterranean into a "Turkish sea."

These investments are intended to reinforce Türkiye's growing presence in regions such as the Horn of Africa, Qatar, and Libya.

The expansion of Türkiye's defence capabilities aligns with its flourishing defence industry. Over the past three decades, Türkiye has transformed from a major arms importer to an arms exporter, with private and state-owned companies leading the way in innovation.

Baykar, known for its cutting-edge drones, and Turkish Aerospace Industries, which recently tested its first stealth fighter, are examples of this technological advancement. The result is an increasingly self-reliant defence sector that is steadily gaining recognition on the global stage.

In 2024, defence exports are projected to exceed $7 billion, solidifying Türkiye’s position as the leading Muslim arms exporter worldwide.

While Türkiye’s regional goals extend beyond Syria, where it seeks to enhance its influence, the country's military and economic strategies are shaping the future of the region. With a growing fleet, enhanced technological capabilities, and an expanding defence industry, Türkiy is establishing itself as a key player in the global defence sector.

The rapid development of Türkiye's military and defence industries underscores its growing influence, positioning the country to play a central role in regional and global security matters for years to come.

By Vafa Guliyeva