Turkiye's booming defence industry – a quick look

Turkiye has always placed a premium on its defence, initially buying then developing its own weapons. The owner of NATO's second-largest standing army has also emerged as a notable weapons exporter, with some iconic products on the international market. Turkiye's exports increased year on year to reach 7.1bn in 2024 – from 1.9bn a decade prior – with customers across Europe and the Middle East. And why is it important? Turkiye has sought military self-sufficiency for a while, a gradual process that saw it establish the Defence Industry Development and Support Administration Office (SAGEB) in 1985.