Sipri reports that the ongoing Russian-Ukraine war has brought great benefits to the country and has significantly increased its defence exports. Additionally, Bangladesh has signed a major defence contract with it. This was officially confirmed in January 2024.
There was a time when Turkey was heavily dependent on foreign weapons, but today it has emerged as a major player in the defense industry. Dr. Hulk Golgan, president of Turkish defense industry, recently said 2024 was a rapid year for the country’s arms sector and achieved a significant milestone. This year alone, Turkey has sold US$7 billion worth of weapons and defense equipment. This is an amazing achievement. Compared to 2023, the country’s arms exports have skyrocketed by more than 29%, with Turkey aiming to boost this figure to US$10 billion within the next two years.
According to a report by SIPRI, the ongoing Russian-Ukraine war has provided great benefits to Turkey, significantly increasing its defence exports. Additionally, last year, Bangladesh signed a massive defence contract with Türkiye. This was officially confirmed in January 2024. Turkey is actively expanding its South Asia defence industry and supplying arms to its neighbors of India.
Türkiye’s defense industry strategy
Turkey has benefited greatly from being an NATO ally for decades, as it has access to Western defence technology. Initially, Turkey imported mainly arms, but things changed after the Cyprus crisis in 1974 and tensions in relations with the West. In response, the US imposed an arms embargo on Türkiye. Following the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union, Turkey decided to develop its own defense industry to reduce its dependence on foreign arms suppliers.
Today, Turkey boasts the eighth largest army in the world and the second largest army within NATO. It has also become the 11th largest arms exporter in the global defense market. President Erdogan considers the defense industry to be an important pillar of the turkey economy. His government has substantial support for Turkish defense companies, which secures contracts and projects worth between USD 100-15 billion a year, generating around USD 26 billion in revenue.
How turkey transformed from weapon buyer to global arms exporter
To achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing, Turkey is making large investments in research and development, while encouraging private companies to grow in the sector. The main focus is on aerial combat, and today the Turkish drone industry is one of the most advanced in the world. Drones such as Aksungur, Akinci, Anka and Bayraktar TB-2 are being bought by multiple countries and attracting global attention. Since 2018, Turkey has captured almost 65% of the world’s drone export market.
One of the biggest boosts in Turkish defence reputation came during the 2020 and 2023 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. There, Azerbaijan’s victory over Armenia was greatly helped by Turkish Bairactal TB-2 drone. Their success sparked great interest around the world. Additionally, Turkish aerospace industry has doubled the production plan for the fifth-generation fighter, JET TF Kaan, and has deployed Turkey in elite group manufacturing stealth fighters along with the US, Russia and China.
Turkey’s growing influence in Arab and African defence markets
Beyond drones, Turkey has also developed advanced military hardware, including the T129 ATAK attack helicopter, the Altai main battle tank and the Otokar Alma armored vehicle. In recent years, Turkey has signed joint production agreements with countries such as Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Indonesia, further strengthening its strategic position in the global arms trade.
Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in purchasing Turkish fifth-generation fighter jets, but the UAE has already signed a defense agreement. Outside of the Islamic world, Turkey has also made a major invasion of the African arms market. Countries in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel region have begun purchasing Turkish weapons and military equipment, further strengthening Turkey’s status as a rising defence powerhouse.
Is Turkish weapons a concern for India?
The rising Turkey’s defensive exports to Indian neighbours such as Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Maldives have sparked serious security concerns in New Delhi. India-Turkey relations were already strained by Ankara’s repeated comments on Jammu and Kashmir. Currently, increasing defence cooperation with Turkey’s Indian neighbours adds to these tensions.
Bangladesh recently signed a massive defense agreement with Turkey, increasing security concerns in India. In 2024, the Maldives also signed a defense agreement with Turkey, and have since stationed Turkish drones in the Economic Zone (SEZ). As Turkey expands military ties in South Asia, a growing presence near India poses potential security challenges for New Delhi.
