In recent years, Türkiye has become a global powerhouse in air defense, surpassing regional power status with remarkable performance, particularly in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV). This is reflected in increasing export figures and international collaborations. Leading companies such as Baykar and TUSAŞ have made significant contributions with the Bayraktar TB2 UCAV, Akıncı TİHA (Unmanned Offensive Aerial Vehicle), and TUSAŞ Anka, achieving international success and bringing Türkiye into the global spotlight. With government support and a strong private sector, the Turkish air defense industry continues to grow and, in the coming years, plans to solidify its position among the countries shaping air defense technology with revolutionary projects such as next-generation unmanned fighter jets.
In recent years, Türkiye has drawn significant attention with its transformative advancements in the air defense industry. Particularly through its international achievements in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs), Türkiye has successfully positioned itself among the world’s leading nations. Let’s take a closer look at Türkiye’s rise in the air defense sector, the accomplishments of its pioneering companies, and the notable developments of recent times.
Although the foundations of Türkiye’s air defense industry date back to the early years of the Republic, its major breakthrough has occurred over the past two decades. This progress began in the 1970s with the establishment of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), followed by increased localization efforts and the pioneering UAV and UCAV developments of companies like Baykar and TAI in the 2000s. By the 2010s, Baykar’s international achievements marked the peak of this journey. Türkiye’s remarkable rise in the air defense industry has been made possible through the critical role of public support, particularly the Secretariat of Defense Industries’ (SSB) financial backing for private sector R&D projects, coupled with the relentless efforts of private enterprises. Projects coordinated by SSB have significantly reduced the country’s dependency on foreign suppliers while substantially boosting its export capacity. With dynamic private sector contributions and steadfast state support, Türkiye’s defense industry continues to advance, showcasing original design and manufacturing capabilities through cutting-edge aerial platforms led by Baykar and TUSAŞ. Transitioning beyond being a regional power, the industry has earned global recognition as a benchmark. Looking ahead, Türkiye’s defense and aerospace sector is preparing for the future with revolutionary projects, including unmanned fighter jets and next-generation UCAVs, solidifying its position on the global stage.
Exports of Türkiye’s defense and aerospace sector increased by 9.8%
According to data released by the SSB, the sector’s export revenues reached $3.7 billion in the first eight months of 2024, marking a 9.8% growth compared to the same period last year. SSB President Haluk Görgün highlighted that defense and aerospace exports in August rose by 12.6% year-on-year, reaching $423 million. Emphasizing that the core objective of the defense industry’s export strategy is achieving sustainable growth in the export of high-value-added products, Görgün noted that Türkiye exported to 171 countries in 2024. He also pointed out that Türkiye, which accounted for 1.1% of global major arms exports and ranked 12th between 2018 and 2022, improved its share to 1.6% and rose to 11th place during the 2019–2023 period.
83% of the revenue was generated from exports
According to the list announced at the Champions of Export Awards Ceremony organized by the Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TİM), Baykar ranked among Türkiye’s top 10 exporters. Having funded all its projects with its own resources since its inception, Baykar has generated 83% of its revenue from exports since the start of its UAV R&D process in 2003. The company was the export leader in the defense and aerospace sector in both 2021 and 2022, according to TİM data, achieving exports of $664 million in 2021 and $1.2 billion in 2022. As the world’s largest exporter of UCAVs, Baykar entered the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s (SIPRI) list of the world’s top 100 defense companies at 76th place, becoming the company with the highest revenue growth at 94% among those listed. While 97.5% of Baykar’s signed contracts were export-based, the company has signed export agreements for its Bayraktar TB2 UCAV with 33 countries and for its Bayraktar Akıncı TİHA with 9 countries, totaling agreements with 34 countries to date.
Bayraktar TB2: the UCAV power that influences the world
One of the strongest examples of Türkiye’s success in the defense industry is undoubtedly the Bayraktar TB2 UCAVs developed by Baykar. The TB2s took a prominent place on the global agenda due to their critical role in conflicts in Libya, Syria, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Ukraine. The superior performance demonstrated by Bayraktar TB2 on the field led many countries to seek to include this UCAV in their inventories. During this period, Türkiye not only exported air vehicles but also stood out by providing training and technical support services. Notably, the impact of Baykar’s UCAVs in shifting the balance in favor of Ukraine during the Ukraine-Russia war received widespread coverage in the international press.
Akıncı TİHA stands out with its ability to stay airborne for 24 hours
One of the most important recent developments in Türkiye’s air defense industry has been the preparation for the first international delivery of the Akıncı Unmanned Offensive Aerial Vehicle (TİHA), developed by Baykar. Larger and more powerful than the Bayraktar TB2, the Akıncı TİHA has a payload capacity of 1350 kg and can stay airborne for up to 24 hours.
TUSAŞ is making significant contributions to the country’s defense with the projects it has developed
TUSAŞ, one of the two leading companies in the Turkish air defense industry, has been active in the aviation sector for over 50 years and is one of Türkiye’s most established defense companies. The company adds value to Türkiye’s air power with the training aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs it develops. Hürjet, developed by TUSAŞ engineers using domestic and national resources, successfully made its first flight in April 2023.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle: TUSAŞ Anka
TUSAŞ Anka is an unmanned aerial vehicle developed by TUSAŞ in line with the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces. The basic model, Anka-A, falls under the medium-altitude long endurance (MALE) UAV class. Initially designed in the early 2000s for tactical surveillance and reconnaissance missions, it has evolved with advancements in technology, incorporating features such as synthetic aperture radar, precision-guided munitions, and satellite communication, transforming into a modular platform. As of 2023, Anka has achieved a significant milestone by reaching a total of 200,000 flight hours. Named after the legendary Phoenix (Anka) bird, this UAV stands out as an important example reflecting the strength of Turkish defense industry.
Türkiye’s first national jet fighter aircraft, KAAN, successfully completed its first flight
Developed by TUSAŞ under the Presidential Secretariat of Defense Industries’ project, Türkiye’s national jet fighter aircraft KAAN successfully completed its first flight on February 21, 2024. KAAN reached an altitude of 8,000 feet and a speed of 230 knots during its 13-minute flight. It is expected that KAAN will replace the F-16s starting in the 2030s. On the other hand, Türkiye is also making significant strides in space technology. Under the leadership of the Turkish Space Agency (TUA), important steps are being taken in satellite technologies and space research. Additionally, Türkiye continues to strengthen its international collaborations, with joint projects and technology transfer agreements with countries such as Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Malaysia. Efforts to localize and nationalize technologies aim to reduce dependency on foreign sources.
