Türkiye has emerged as a formidable player in the global defense industry, thanks to its concerted efforts to indigenize defense production and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Through the development of high-quality, cost-effective military equipment, the country has not only enhanced its national security but also become a major arms exporter, wielding strategic influence in key regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, the Gulf, and Central Asia. The country’s signature defense products, like the Bayraktar TB2 drone, have garnered international attention, particularly for their role in conflicts such as Azerbaijan’s victory over Armenia in Nagorno-Karabakh.
As Türkiye’s defense exports hit record levels in 2023, the country is poised to continue its upward trajectory in the global arms market. However, with growing competition and emerging challenges, including international sanctions and competition from other nations, Türkiye’s path ahead will be marked by both opportunities and obstacles.
Türkiye’s journey toward defense industrialization has its roots in the historical vulnerabilities it faced due to dependence on foreign suppliers. During the Ottoman era and the early years of the Turkish Republic under Atatürk, military production was limited, and foreign dependency was a significant issue. However, the 1974 U.S. arms embargo, imposed in response to Türkiye’s military intervention in Cyprus, exposed these vulnerabilities, acting as a catalyst for the country to pursue greater self-reliance in defense production.
In response to this embargo, Türkiye initiated a series of measures aimed at building its domestic defense capabilities. A pivotal moment came with the establishment of the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries in 1985 (now known as the Defense Industry Agency), which played a critical role in organizing defense procurement and production.
Türkiye’s Modern Defense Industry
The 21st century marked a turning point for Türkiye’s defense sector, with significant growth driven by the policies of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Central to the AKP’s agenda was the desire to reduce dependency on foreign military equipment. This drive spurred a surge in investment in domestic production, fueling a dramatic transformation of the industry.
A key indicator of this shift has been Türkiye’s growing success in developing a wide range of advanced defense technologies, from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to fighter jets. One of the most notable achievements in recent years has been the development of the Kaan fighter jet. Although not yet as advanced as top-tier jets like the U.S.-made F-35 or the Chinese J-20, the Kaan still marks a major milestone for Türkiye. Its development reflects the country’s ambition to join the exclusive group of nations capable of producing fifth-generation fighter jets.
Moreover, the Kaan serves as an attractive option for nations looking for cost-effective alternatives to the F-35 or similar Western products. Its ability to fill a strategic niche has positioned Türkiye as a valuable partner for countries seeking advanced defense systems without breaking the bank.
Bayraktar TB2: A Symbol of Türkiye’s Defense Success
While Türkiye has made advancements in various defense categories, it is the country’s drone technology—specifically, the Bayraktar TB2—that has garnered the most international attention. This medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV has played a pivotal role in shaping modern warfare, most notably in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Azerbaijani forces, heavily reliant on Turkish drones, secured a decisive victory, with the TB2 proving instrumental in targeting enemy positions and neutralizing armored vehicles.
The success of the Bayraktar TB2 stems from its balance of advanced technology and cost-effectiveness. Priced significantly lower than its Western counterparts, such as those produced by the United States and Israel, the TB2 offers a high level of performance without the hefty price tag. This has made it an attractive option for nations with limited defense budgets, seeking sophisticated military technology at a fraction of the cost.
Aside from its drones, Türkiye has also developed a range of other advanced defense products. The Altay main battle tank and Otokar ARMA wheeled armored vehicle are just two examples of Türkiye’s growing capabilities in armored vehicles. Together with its UAVs, these systems have bolstered Türkiye’s reputation as a competitive and innovative player in the global arms market.
Strategic Defense Diplomacy: Realpolitik in Arms Sales
One of Türkiye’s major strengths in the defense sector has been its pragmatic approach to arms sales, particularly when compared to Western countries. While nations like the U.S., U.K., and France often attach political conditions or restrictions to their arms deals, Türkiye has opted for a more flexible and realpolitik strategy. This approach has made Türkiye a more attractive partner for countries that are wary of political strings attached to defense agreements.
A prime example of this can be seen in Türkiye’s defense deals with Qatar and Azerbaijan. These agreements often include provisions for technology transfer and joint production, which allow for localized manufacturing of Turkish defense products. Not only does this enhance the technological capabilities of Türkiye’s partners, but it also deepens bilateral ties and expands Türkiye’s influence.
One of the most notable deals in recent years was the $3 billion agreement with Saudi Arabia for the purchase of Turkish-made unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). This deal, the largest defense export in Türkiye’s history, underscores the country’s ability to secure lucrative contracts in highly competitive markets like the Gulf.
Gulf and Sub-Saharan Africa
In recent years, Türkiye has significantly expanded its defense export market in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, establishing strong defense ties with countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The sale of UCAVs to Saudi Arabia and other high-profile deals have solidified Türkiye’s status as a key arms supplier in the region. Beyond arms sales, Türkiye has also used defense exports to strengthen political alliances and increase its strategic influence.
One particularly striking example of Türkiye’s defense diplomacy can be seen in Somalia, where the country has established its largest overseas military base. This base serves as a hub for training Somali forces and strengthens Türkiye’s ability to project power in the region. Türkiye’s growing presence in Sub-Saharan Africa is not just about arms exports—it’s about expanding its geopolitical footprint and securing access to important maritime routes, such as those around the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.
Independent Foreign Policy and Defense Autonomy
The indigenization of Türkiye’s defense sector is not merely an economic or technological strategy; it is also a reflection of the country’s pursuit of a more independent foreign policy. Historically reliant on Western allies for its defense needs, Türkiye has increasingly sought to reduce this dependency in recent years, particularly in the wake of tensions with NATO over issues like its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system.
The S-400 purchase, which resulted in Türkiye’s exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet program, highlighted the challenges of maintaining traditional alliances while pursuing an independent defense strategy. Nevertheless, Türkiye has remained steadfast in its desire to forge its own path, even if it means diverging from NATO and other Western partners.
By building a robust domestic defense industry, Türkiye has gained greater autonomy in navigating complex international relations. This autonomy allows Türkiye to engage with a wider range of countries, including those under international sanctions or in politically sensitive regions. For instance, Türkiye’s willingness to sell advanced defense technology to countries in Africa and the Middle East, despite the concerns of its Western allies, has positioned it as a flexible and attractive arms supplier.
Challenges on the Horizon
Despite the impressive growth of Türkiye’s defense industry, challenges remain. One of the primary hurdles is the potential impact of international sanctions, particularly from Western nations. For example, although Türkiye has made significant strides in developing indigenous defense products, it still relies on foreign-made components for some high-tech systems. This reliance could become a vulnerability in times of geopolitical tension or disruptions in the global supply chain.
Moreover, Türkiye faces growing competition from other emerging defense exporters, such as Iran. Both Türkiye and Iran are increasingly involved in proxy conflicts, often supporting opposing sides. This rivalry could create new challenges for Türkiye as it seeks to expand its influence in regions like the Middle East and North Africa.
As Türkiye continues to innovate and expand its defense industry, it is well-positioned to capture an even larger share of the global arms market. The country’s focus on cost-effective, high-performance products—combined with its flexible and pragmatic approach to arms sales—has made it a preferred partner for nations across the Gulf, Africa, and beyond.
However, Türkiye’s continued success will depend on its ability to overcome the challenges posed by international sanctions, geopolitical tensions, and rising competition. By maintaining its focus on indigenization, innovation, and strategic defense diplomacy, Türkiye can continue to solidify its status as a rising power in the global arms industry.
