Turkey targets more defense sales as West rearms, alliances shift

Turkey is aggressively expanding its defense industry exports, aiming to capitalize on a global rearmament trend and shifting geopolitical alliances. Two decades of state investment have transformed the NATO member into a major supplier of drones and other military equipment, now exporting to nearly 40 countries across the Gulf, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Buyers are increasingly turning to Turkish arms, viewing them as more affordable, quicker to deliver, and more adaptable than alternatives. This surge in demand is particularly notable as European nations reassess their security dependencies following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and question the reliability of U.S. security guarantees. Consequently, many NATO allies now see Turkey not just as a strategic bulwark on the alliance's southeastern flank but also as a potential industrial partner.

Turkish defense exports have seen dramatic growth, more than tripling since 2021 to reach $10 billion last year, according to a Reuters review of trade figures. This accounted for approximately 3.7% of the nation's total exports. Exports to Europe and the U.S. alone have nearly quadrupled over the same period, reaching $5.6 billion.

This expansion reflects a maturing domestic defense industry, featuring companies like drone-maker Baykar and Turkish Aerospace Industries. Analysts attribute this success to sustained state backing, flexible supply chains, and a willingness to customize systems for buyers. Turkey now aims to double its defense exports in the next two years, seeking vital revenues to manage debt and fund further industry development. Hosting a NATO summit next month presents an opportunity for Ankara to push for expanded sales and joint production in Western markets, though Turkish firms still face structural barriers within the EU.