The Ascending Turkish Defense Industry: A Global Phenomenon

The Turkish defense industry is experiencing rapid growth, transitioning into a global phenomenon with reduced foreign dependency. Major advancements, particularly from Baykar in drone technology, have established Turkey as a significant exporter in the field. Recent partnerships, notably with Italy’s Leonardo, reflect Turkey’s expanding influence, while concerns arise in neighboring Greece over the military developments.

The Turkish defense industry has garnered significant international attention, transitioning from a source of national pride to a global phenomenon. Recent media coverage, particularly from French newspaper Le Monde, highlights this growth while emphasizing the “Made in Türkiye” motto. The arms sector has markedly reduced its reliance on foreign resources, decreasing dependency from 70% to 30% under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s leadership.

Le Monde’s article outlines the considerable advancements in Turkey’s defense industry, which now consists of 2,000 companies employing over 100,000 individuals and exporting to approximately 170 countries. The report notes the youthful workforce at Baykar, one of Turkey’s leading arms manufacturers, with an average age of 29, and details the extensive use of their unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) in various conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war.

Baykar’s flagship TB2 drone is operational in 30 countries including Morocco and Mali, showcasing its effectiveness in contemporary warfare. Moreover, the drones have been utilized by the Turkish military against terrorist threats in northern Iraq, solidifying Baykar’s status as a symbol of Türkiye’s military capabilities since 2016. A partnership with Italy’s Leonardo, a major defense firm, reflects the growing cooperation in combat drone production and advancements in space technologies.

The article underscores the comprehensive defense manufacturing capabilities in Türkiye, indicating that almost every defense product is manufactured domestically, from UAVs to fighter aircraft. Global Firepower ranks Türkiye as possessing the ninth strongest army globally, surpassing nations like Italy and Pakistan, a development that initially sparked after U.S. arms embargos but accelerated significantly under Erdoğan’s governance.

Budget allocations for defense projects surged from $5 billion to $60 billion, leading to a flourishing defense ecosystem characterized by the “Made in Türkiye” label, which includes prominent firms like Aselsan and Roketsan. Initially focused on regional clients, Turkish defense exports have expanded to NATO nations in Eastern Europe and Western European countries, including significant orders from Portugal.

The rapid expansion of Turkey’s defense sector has raised concerns in Greece, given the countries’ historical rivalry. This week’s collaboration between Baykar and Leonardo attracted global media attention, including coverage from The Wall Street Journal and Handelsblatt.

Turkey’s defense industry has evolved into a formidable global player, with significant reductions in foreign dependency and a robust export market. The partnership with Italy’s Leonardo exemplifies this growth, demonstrating Türkiye’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities and international collaborations. As the sector continues to expand, it impacts geopolitical landscapes, particularly in relation to regional tensions with Greece.

Original Source: www.dailysabah.com