Report: Turkish defence industry significantly increases exports to Europe
A French think tank, FRS, has revealed that Turkey' s defence industry has increased its exports to Europe nearly fivefold between 2020 and 2025.
This development has established Europe as the largest market for the Turkish defence industry, underscoring the country' s growing technological capabilities and strategic significance within the international defence sector.
The report specifically points to the expanding presence of prominent Turkish companies such as Baykar, ASELSAN, TUSAŞ, STM, Otokar, and Nurol Makina across the continent.
The identified period of significant growth, 2020-2025, indicates a rapid expansion phase for Turkey' s defence sector. Companies such as Baykar, globally recognised for its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) like the Bayraktar TB2, and ASELSAN, a leading producer of electronics and defence systems, are at the forefront of this surge.
TUSAŞ contributes with platforms ranging from aircraft to satellites, while STM focuses on naval systems and cybersecurity.
Otokar and Nurol Makina specialise in land vehicles, including armoured personnel carriers and tanks, which are vital components of modern ground forces.
The collective efforts and diverse product portfolios of these companies have enabled Turkey to penetrate and significantly expand its market share within European defence procurement.
This involves a range of advanced technologies, from sophisticated electronics and sensor systems to complex engineering within aviation and land-based platforms. Over the last few decades, Turkey has made significant investments in its national defence industry to reduce foreign dependency and develop local capabilities.
This strategy has led to the emergence of highly competitive companies capable of producing advanced systems.
A focus on research and development (R& D) and national production has been a cornerstone of Turkey' s industrial policy, especially in strategic sectors such as defence and aerospace.
For Turkey, this growth signifies not only economic gains through exports but also enhanced strategic autonomy and geopolitical influence.
Becoming a major supplier to Europe strengthens the country' s position within NATO and other international partnerships.
For European nations, increased reliance on Turkish defence products may entail a diversification of supply chains and potentially more cost-effective solutions, fostering new avenues for cooperation and integration within the broader defence landscape.
This trend highlights a shift in the dynamics of the defence industry, where Turkey emerges as a central player in a critical European market.
Source: Haberglobal
