Minister: Türkiye produces two-thirds of world's military drones

Türkiye’s Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır has said Turkish firms now manufacture around two-thirds of the world’s military unmanned aerial vehicles, underscoring the country’s rapid expansion in defence manufacturing and exports.

Speaking at the opening of the SAHA 2026 defence, aviation and space industry exhibition in Istanbul, Kacır said Türkiye’s domestic content in defence procurement has risen sharply over the past 23 years, climbing from 20% to more than 80%.

According to remarks carried by TRT Haber, he stated that Turkish companies now account for roughly two-thirds of global military unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production, while the country also ranks among the top ten globally in warship design and manufacturing.

Kacır said Türkiye’s defence exports have increased from $248 million in 2002 to over $10 billion last year, placing the country 11th worldwide in defence exports.

He attributed the growth to long-term industrial policy, defence diplomacy and the international expansion strategies of Turkish defence firms.

“Türkiye is a partner that can meet Europe’s defence needs with innovative, high-tech and cost-effective solutions,” he said, adding that domestic production capabilities are compatible with NATO standards, enabling rapid integration into allied systems.

The minister also highlighted large-scale state-backed investment in the sector, noting 1,112 defence industry projects with a combined value of 460bn lira ($10.12 billion) over the past two decades, alongside more than 2,000 supported projects and funding for thousands of researchers and engineers.

The statements were delivered during SAHA 2026, one of the region’s largest defence industry gatherings, which brings together manufacturers, suppliers and policymakers from across the aerospace and defence sectors.

By Aghakazim Guliyev