The Turkish Defense and Aerospace Industry Becomes a Global Favorite

Turkey's defence and aerospace sector has become the focus of global attention in recent years through its high-technology products and systems. As exports of products manufactured with national capabilities, including unmanned aerial vehicles, experience significant growth this year, the sector achieved USD 1 billion 341 million in exports in the first half of the year with a 45% increase. In the first 6 months, the sector successfully raised the Turkish flag in 169 countries, including the United States, China, France and Russia. İsmail Gülle, Chairman of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), stated: "Our country is making major strides in exports and stands as a nation that not only uses technology but is now capable of producing, modernizing and exporting it, particularly in defence and aerospace achievements. Over the past 10 years, the sector's exports have increased by 224%. UAVs and tactical UAVs play a significant role in this growth. The figures indicate that the sector can comfortably raise its exports to USD 11 billion by 2035 with a 425% increase." In the first half of the year, TİM Chairman Gülle noted that among sectors showing the strongest growth performance, the defence and aerospace sector stands out, reaching USD 1 billion 341 million with a 45% increase compared to the same period last year. Gülle emphasized that the growing share of high-technology product exports in total exports is very important both in terms of added value and in reaching approximately 10% as in developed countries. Pointing out that Turkey stands as a nation making major strides in exports and is now capable of producing, modernizing and exporting technology rather than merely using it, particularly in defence and aerospace achievements, Gülle continued his remarks as follows: "One of the most important elements of our independence lies in domestically and nationally manufactured Defence Industry. Currently, the defence and aerospace industry sector's share in general exports stands at 3.5%. Our most successful result in high-technology product exports is UAVs and tactical UAVs. This achievement has captured the attention of the entire world. Looking at June 2021 exports, we see significant increases on a monthly, quarterly and 6-month basis. While this sector raised the Turkish flag in 138 countries during the first 6 months of last year, in the first half of 2021 it achieved success in raising the number of countries it exports to 169."

USD 11.5 Billion Export Target for 2035

Gülle stated: "Our 'Export 2021 Report', which will serve as a compass for our exporters and benefit Turkey's economy and export ecosystem, also includes a forecast that the defence and aerospace industry will be the sector experiencing the highest export growth in 2035 with 425%. According to our report, the sector is projected to export USD 3.5 billion in 2025 and USD 11.5 billion in 2035. Our sector will also reduce the foreign trade deficit through its improved export performance. According to Turkey's export projections, while the defence and aerospace industry is expected to rank highest in the fastest growth, this sector is expected to rank 19th in 2021, 17th in 2025, 13th in 2030, and 11th in 2035."   Source