Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) According to data released by the defense and aviation industry, exports increased significantly in November 2024 compared to the same period last year. %32,3 with an increase in the rate 637 Million Dollars Total exports in the last 12 months were 18,4% with an increase 6,479 billion dollars These figures once again demonstrate the growth and success of the Turkish defense industry in the international arena.
Factors Behind Record Increase in Defense Industry
President of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) Prof. Dr. Haluk Gorgun, explained the reasons behind the increase in exports with the following words:
“Our defense industry is growing, developing and getting stronger every day! Turkey is showing that it is now an important actor in the league of giants in the international arena with its wide, qualified and dynamic ecosystem.”
President Görgün stated that the most important foundations of this growth are:
- Presidential Support:
Cumhurbaşkanı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's Its unconditional support and belief in Turkish engineering power plays a critical role in the international success of the sector. - Qualified and Dynamic Ecosystem:
Companies in the Turkish defense industry produce effective solutions at both large-scale companies and SMEs level. - Global Market Expansion:
In 2024 To 178 different countries Exporting has increased the global reach and acceptability of the Turkish defense industry.
SSB's Strategy: Sustainable and High Value Added Exports
The Presidency of Defense Industries is implementing the following strategies to increase the export capacity of the Turkish defense industry and make it sustainable:
1. International Collaborations
- Uninterrupted Communication:
Ongoing cooperation projects with countries around the world offer the opportunity to introduce Turkish defense industry products to a wider geography. - Inclusive Approach:
In addition to large-scale companies, SMEs It is also included in international markets.
2. Increasing the Number of Exporting Companies
SSB organizes training and support programs to increase the international competitiveness of defense industry companies. This encourages new companies to grow and focus on exports.
3. Sustainability-Focused Growth
One of the main goals of SSB is to ensure that exports become not only an element of economic success but also an anchor for sectoral sustainability.
Turkish Defense Industry Products and Global Demand
Products developed in the Turkish defense industry stand out with their performance and cost advantages. Products developed in the following areas in particular are in great demand in international markets:
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Armed UAVs (UCAVs):
Platforms such as Bayraktar TB2 and AKINCI are among the leading products in the global market. - Armored Vehicles:
Armored land vehicles produced by Turkey are used effectively in the armies of many countries. - Naval Systems:
Domestically produced corvettes and unmanned marine vehicles offer attractive solutions for naval forces. - Aviation and Space:
Platforms such as HÜRKUŞ, GÖKBEY and ANKA developed by TUSAŞ are in high demand in the international market.
Importance of November Exports
The increase in exports in November 2024 shows that the Turkish defense industry is a strong actor not only regionally but also globally. This success:
- It proves the technological superiority of Turkey's defense industry products.
- It demonstrates the innovation capabilities of Turkish engineers worldwide.
- It directly contributes to the country's economy and employment.
The Turkish defense and aviation industry continues to take important steps towards becoming a global brand with the success it has achieved in exports. Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün with the expressions:
“Our defense industry companies make exports an anchor of sustainability, contributing to our economy and showing Turkey’s power to the entire world.”
This success increases confidence in the technological development of the Turkish defense industry and opens the door to new opportunities to carry the sector stronger into the future. Export growth in November 2024, is seen as just the beginning of the Turkish defense industry's rise on a global scale.
