Two decades of state investment have transformed Turkey into a major exporter of drones and other military equipment, and the NATO member is now looking to build on that momentum as the West rearms and security alliances are reshaped.
Turkey, once heavily reliant on foreign arms makers, now supplies nearly 40 countries mainly in the Gulf, Africa, Asia and parts of Europe with weapons that many buyers see as cheaper, faster to deliver and more adaptable than alternatives.
For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
As European governments reassess security dependencies following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and question the durability of US guarantees, many NATO allies increasingly see Turkey not only as a military bulwark on the alliance’s southeastern flank but also as a potential industrial partner.
Ankara hopes hosting US President Donald Trump and other NATO leaders at a summit next month will help expand arms sales and joint production in Western markets, particularly the European Union. There, Turkish firms face structural barriers including members-only defense initiatives and political resistance tied to broader diplomatic disputes.
