Türkiye's defence sector continues to thrive with major contracts and international impact

Turkish Defence Minister Haluk Görgün announced that in the past two years, approximately $20 billion worth of defence and aerospace contracts have been signed. 

Görgün told journalists at the "Global Strategies Conference in Defence and Aerospace Industry" held at a hotel in Belek Tourism Centre, Antalya, that in January 2025 alone, Turkish defence companies secured contracts worth over $1 billion, Caliber.Az reports citing the Turkish newspaper Star.

He highlighted that the defence and aerospace sector's exports exceeded expectations, reaching $7.1 billion in 2024, which is a 29% increase compared to the $5.5 billion in exports for 2023. The 2024 target was $6.5 billion, and they surpassed that target by 11%.

Görgün emphasized that reducing foreign reliance on critical technologies is a primary goal. He pointed out the increase in local production, particularly in engines, with some platforms now achieving 90-95% localization. For example, Turkish defence company BMC produced locally-engineered versions of 4x4 vehicles, bringing the localization rate to 95%.

Görgün also acknowledged President Erdoğan's significant support for the defence sector, which has driven local production from 20% to 80%, noting that this shift has reduced costs and led to more economical solutions for Türkiye.

He also discussed Türkiye’s growing role within NATO, stating that Türkiye's capabilities and infrastructure are increasingly valued by NATO allies. The country has established a directorate to manage international cooperation with NATO. Görgün expressed confidence that Türkiye’s young, dynamic workforce and advanced technology infrastructure will allow it to contribute even more to NATO.

By Tamilla Hasanova