The Spectacular Rise of the Turkish Defense Industry
The Turkish defense industry has seen a remarkable transformation, reducing foreign dependency from 70% to 30% while employing 100,000 individuals and exporting to 170 countries. Le Monde praised this growth, spotlighting Baykar’s success in unmanned aerial systems. The article emphasized collaborations with global firms and the strategic significance of Türkiye’s military capabilities, ranking it as the ninth strongest army globally.
The Turkish defense industry has evolved from a source of national pride to a global phenomenon, gaining significant media attention and international recognition. A recent article by Le Monde highlighted major players in this sector and underscored the significance of the “Made in Türkiye” branding. It noted that the Turkish arms industry has drastically reduced its reliance on imports, with external dependency dropping from 70% to 30% within a few years.
Le Monde’s piece titled “The Spectacular Rise of the Arms Sector in Türkiye” detailed strategies implemented to bolster the defense industry. Encouraged by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the industry has expanded to include approximately 2,000 companies, employing 100,000 individuals and exporting to nearly 170 countries. Baykar, a leading arms manufacturer, was spotlighted for its young workforce and its successful unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) that have seen action in various conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war.
The flagship TB2 model from Baykar is operational in around 30 countries, with its effectiveness recognized through various accolades, including a song dedicated to it by Ukrainians. Furthermore, it has played a significant role against the PKK in northern Iraq, earning a reputation as a symbol of Türkiye’s military power under Erdoğan’s leadership. The report also mentioned the recent collaboration between Baykar and Italy’s Leonardo on combat drones and space technologies, marking a significant step in international partnerships.
The Turkish defense sector has shown remarkable growth, producing a wide range of military equipment, including UAVs and fighter jets. Citing Global Firepower, Le Monde ranked Türkiye as having the ninth strongest army globally, ahead of Italy, Pakistan, Germany, and Israel. The development of the defense industry began after the U.S. imposed an arms embargo during the Cyprus Peace Operation, but it accelerated under Erdoğan, with annual budgets for defense projects increasing from $5 billion to $60 billion.
Additionally, companies like Aselsan and Roketsan are pivotal in producing defense electronics and missiles respectively, expanding the diversity of Turkey’s defense manufacturing. Initially focused on regional markets, Türkiye’s defense industry now exports to NATO countries in Eastern Europe and is establishing a presence in Western Europe, as evidenced by recent contracts with the Portuguese Navy and collaborations with Spanish firms.
The growth and international reach of Türkiye’s defense industry have garnered attention beyond its borders, particularly among Greek media, reflecting concerns amidst longstanding tensions with Turkey. Furthermore, the recent Baykar-Leonardo partnership has attracted coverage from prestigious outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and Handelsblatt, reinforcing the industry’s prominence.
In conclusion, the Turkish defense industry has transitioned into a significant global player, marked by a substantial reduction in foreign dependency and a diverse range of domestic manufacturing capabilities. Under President Erdoğan’s leadership, Türkiye has strengthened its military position, leading to lucrative international partnerships and recognition within NATO and beyond. The development of companies like Baykar exemplifies this growth, highlighting Türkiye’s emerging status in the global defense market.
Original Source: www.dailysabah.com
