30/08/2025
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30/08/2025
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A variety of products exported, including advanced fighter jets, UAVs, land vehicles, naval platforms, and munitions.
Today, as we proudly celebrate the 103rd anniversary of the Victory Day of the Republic of Türkiye, we also reflect with immense pride on the evolution of our defense industry. One hundred and three years ago, on the outskirts of Dumlupınar in western Anatolia, the Turkish nation delivered the final blow in a three-year struggle against occupying forces. That historic victory not only secured Türkiye’s independence but also inspired nations worldwide to rise against subjugation. The same spirit of resilience and determination that guided our nation a century ago continues to shape Türkiye’s modern journey in the defense sector. Over the decades, Türkiye’s foreign dependency in the defense sector fell from 80% in 2004 to just 20% in 2025, while arms exports rose by 75% between 2018 and 2023. In 2023 alone, exports reached a record-breaking $5.5 billion. Today, the Turkish defense industry is writing epics with its wide product range. With over 1,380 active projects and a turnover exceeding $20 billion, our defense exports have reached 185 countries. The variety of products exported—including UAVs, land vehicles, naval platforms, and advanced munitions—has expanded to more than 230, placing Türkiye at the forefront of the global defense market.
New Generation Products
Our internationally renowned platforms such as the KAAN fighter jet, Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı UAVs, Kızılelma unmanned fighter, Altay tank, ATAK and Gökbey helicopters, ANKA systems, MILGEM corvettes, and the TCG Anadolu, are already shaping the future of defense. One of the latest additions is Bayraktar’s KALKAN Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAV, a mini tactical platform designed for reconnaissance and intelligence missions. Equipped with advanced flight control systems, it can conduct automatic route tracking, target tracking, circling, and return-to-home modes. Products like the KALKAN illustrate Türkiye’s ability to integrate cutting-edge technologies and respond to the evolving needs of modern warfare. At IDEF (International Defence Industry Fair) 2025, held in Istanbul this July, with delegations from 103 countries including Kuwait, Türkiye showcased next-generation products, including hypersonic missiles, anti-UAV systems, and the newly unveiled Steel Dome air defense system. With nearly 1,000 Turkish and over 400 foreign companies attending, the fair demonstrated that the “Made in Türkiye” label is now globally recognized. As the drone warfare and maritime threats evolve, Türkiyeis investing heavily in autonomous and counter-autonomous technologies. From advanced anti-drone platforms to cutting-edge unmanned surface vessels (USVs), countering threats from FPV drones, loitering munitions, AI-guided aerial systems, and anti-submarine operations has ensured operational flexibility, reduced human risk, and offered strategic deterrence.
Our internationally renowned platforms such as the KAAN fighter jet, Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı UAVs, Kızılelma unmanned fighter, Altay tank, ATAK and Gökbey helicopters, ANKA systems, MILGEM corvettes, and the TCG Anadolu, are already shaping the future of defense. One of the latest additions is Bayraktar’s KALKAN Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAV, a mini tactical platform designed for reconnaissance and intelligence missions. Equipped with advanced flight control systems, it can conduct automatic route tracking, target tracking, circling, and return-to-home modes. Products like the KALKAN illustrate Türkiye’s ability to integrate cutting-edge technologies and respond to the evolving needs of modern warfare. At IDEF (International Defence Industry Fair) 2025, held in Istanbul this July, with delegations from 103 countries including Kuwait, Türkiye showcased next-generation products, including hypersonic missiles, anti-UAV systems, and the newly unveiled Steel Dome air defense system. With nearly 1,000 Turkish and over 400 foreign companies attending, the fair demonstrated that the “Made in Türkiye” label is now globally recognized. As the drone warfare and maritime threats evolve, Türkiyeis investing heavily in autonomous and counter-autonomous technologies. From advanced anti-drone platforms to cutting-edge unmanned surface vessels (USVs), countering threats from FPV drones, loitering munitions, AI-guided aerial systems, and anti-submarine operations has ensured operational flexibility, reduced human risk, and offered strategic deterrence.
NATO Power and a Force for Stability
Türkiye, as NATO’s second-largest army and ranked the ninth strongest military worldwide, continues to invest in both its Armed Forces and its defense industry. The Turkish Land, Naval, Air Forces, and Gendarmerie all rely heavily on indigenous systems, turning the Armed Forces into a living showcase of our industry’s achievements. The Bayraktar TB2, which displayed its importance in Ukraine and Karabakh wars, exemplifies how Türkiye’s systems shape global security.
Türkiye, as NATO’s second-largest army and ranked the ninth strongest military worldwide, continues to invest in both its Armed Forces and its defense industry. The Turkish Land, Naval, Air Forces, and Gendarmerie all rely heavily on indigenous systems, turning the Armed Forces into a living showcase of our industry’s achievements. The Bayraktar TB2, which displayed its importance in Ukraine and Karabakh wars, exemplifies how Türkiye’s systems shape global security.
Global Outreach and Cooperation with Kuwait
With exports spanning Latin America, the Gulf, Central Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia, Turkish defense products are in high demand. Our approach goes beyond commerce: defense cooperation is about solidarity and security partnerships. Kuwait stands as a prime example. The procurement of Baykar UAVs in 2023 marked a milestone, followed by the historic signing of a Government-to-Government Defense Industry Procurement Protocol during the visit of His Highness Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Türkiye in May 2024. This agreement laid the foundation for deeper cooperation in the years to come. We are looking forward to sealing new cooperation mechanisms with brotherly Kuwait in the years ahead. We are also determined to share our experience with our allies and partners, especially with our brothers in Kuwait, ensuring that our cooperation contributes not only to our bilateral relations but also to regional and global security. May Allah Almighty protect Türkiye and Kuwait from all harm and strengthen our enduring bonds of friendship.
With exports spanning Latin America, the Gulf, Central Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia, Turkish defense products are in high demand. Our approach goes beyond commerce: defense cooperation is about solidarity and security partnerships. Kuwait stands as a prime example. The procurement of Baykar UAVs in 2023 marked a milestone, followed by the historic signing of a Government-to-Government Defense Industry Procurement Protocol during the visit of His Highness Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Türkiye in May 2024. This agreement laid the foundation for deeper cooperation in the years to come. We are looking forward to sealing new cooperation mechanisms with brotherly Kuwait in the years ahead. We are also determined to share our experience with our allies and partners, especially with our brothers in Kuwait, ensuring that our cooperation contributes not only to our bilateral relations but also to regional and global security. May Allah Almighty protect Türkiye and Kuwait from all harm and strengthen our enduring bonds of friendship.
By Tuba Nur Sönmez
Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Kuwait
Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Kuwait
