In recent years, Türkiye has made remarkable progress in building a self-sufficient defense industry. The country has become a key player in the global arms market, exporting high-quality, affordable defense equipment. This shift has increased Türkiye’s influence in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and the Gulf. A prime example of Turkish defense prowess is the Bayraktar TB2 drone, which played a crucial role in Azerbaijan’s victory in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. As Türkiye continues to break defense export records, it faces both opportunities and challenges.
Reducing Reliance on Foreign Suppliers
Türkiye’s defense industry is an important part of its national security strategy. By boosting domestic production, Türkiye seeks to reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers. This self-reliance enhances Türkiye’s ability to project power globally. Additionally, it helps its foreign policy because defense exports bolster Turkey’s geopolitical position and aid in the formation of new relationships.
The Roots of Defense Industrialisation
Historically, Türkiye depended heavily on foreign suppliers for military needs. This has started to change since 1974. It was when the U.S. has imposed an arms embargo after Türkiye’s intervention in Cyprus. The embargo revealed the dangers of relying on foreign defense supplies, motivating Türkiye to develop its own defense industry. By the 1980s, Türkiye was investing in critical areas like aviation and armored vehicles.
A major step came in 1985 with the creation of the Defense Industry Agency (formerly the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries). This organization played a key role in coordinating Türkiye’s defense procurement and production.
Success in Drone Technology
One of the standout achievements of Türkiye’s defense industry is its drones, especially the Bayraktar TB2. This drone has proven highly effective in conflicts in Libya, Nagorno-Karabakh and Syria. The TB2 offers advanced technology at a competitive price. By making it attractive to countries with smaller defense budgets. Its success has cemented Türkiye’s reputation as a leader in drone technology.
Türkiye has also made progress in other areas, such as armored vehicles and naval platforms. These innovations have helped Türkiye expand its defense exports and increase its global market share.
Strategic Defense Partnerships
Unlike many Western countries, Türkiye takes a realpolitik approach to arms sales. It imposes fewer political restrictions and offers better terms for technology transfers and joint production. For example, Türkiye has co-production agreements with countries like Qatar and Azerbaijan. These deals benefit both Türkiye and its partners, allowing for localised manufacturing and strengthening bilateral ties.
Expanding Influence Through Defense Exports
Türkiye’s defense exports have opened doors to new markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Horn of Africa. In the GCC, Türkiye has secured significant contracts, such as a $3 billion deal with Saudi Arabia for unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). This was the largest defense export in Türkiye’s history.
In the Horn of Africa, Türkiye’s military presence in Somalia is a key example of its strategy to boost influence through defense exports. Türkiye’s military base in Somalia strengthens local forces and allows Türkiye to project power in the region.
Challenges on the Horizon
While Türkiye’s defense industry is growing, it faces challenges. International sanctions, especially from Western countries, could disrupt Türkiye’s access to foreign-made components. Although Türkiye has made significant strides in indigenizing its defense production, it still depends on some foreign technologies. Additionally, competition from emerging arms exporters, like Iran, poses a threat to Türkiye’s market share.
The Road Ahead
Türkiye’s focus on cost-effective production and independent foreign policy will likely allow it to continue expanding its defense exports. The country’s flexibility in engaging with a diverse range of countries, including those under international sanctions, gives it a competitive edge. As Türkiye continues to innovate and capture a larger share of the global arms market, its defense industry will remain a key pillar of both its national security and foreign policy strategies. To overcome external competition and maintaining supply chain resilience will be crucial for Türkiye’s long-term success.