Equipped with the second-largest army in NATO in terms of personnel, after the United States, and holding a key geostrategic position between Europe, the Middle East, and the Black Sea, Türkiye plays a central role in regional and Euro-Atlantic security. With an overall defence budget exceeding € 30 billion in 2025, the country ranks as the 11ᵗʰ largest arms exporter worldwide, confirming its status as a major strategic actor on the international stage.
The Turkish defence market is experiencing rapid expansion, driven by a strong desire for national sovereignty. In 2024, the market size is estimated at $ 21.45 billion and is expected to reach $ 58.88 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.61% over the 2025–2035 period.
This momentum reflects Ankara’s strategy of technological independence, aimed at reducing dependency on foreign suppliers while consolidating a robust defence industrial and technological base. Progress in armed drones (Bayraktar’s TB2, TB3, Akıncı and Kızılelma, TAI’s Anka-III…), tanks and armored vehicles (Altay, Arma, Kaplan…), and naval platforms (MİLGEM corvettes and frigates, Reis-class submarines) illustrate this steady rise in capability. Thanks to these programs, Türkiye has now emerged as one of the leading exporters of military equipment in the Middle East.
To accelerate this transformation, Ankara has created a defence Industry Support Fund, financed by public and private contributions and reaching nearly € 7 billion in 2025. This mechanism aims to strengthen national competitiveness and supports the development of strategic projects such as the KAAN 5ᵗʰ generation fighter, hypersonic missiles, and electronic warfare technologies.
Finally, although Türkiye is making major progress toward full autonomy, the sector still relies heavily on international partnerships. The country actively cooperates with several European, Asian, and American powers on co-development, technology transfer, and supply-chain diversification, further solidifying its position among the major emerging players in global defence.
