Two decades of state investment and support to the sector have transformed Türkiye into a major exporter of drones and other military equipment, and the NATO member is now seeking to add on that momentum as the West rearms and security alliances are reshaped.
Türkiye, once heavily reliant on foreign arms makers, now supplies dozens of countries, mainly in the Gulf, Africa, Asia and parts of Europe with weapons that many buyers see as more affordable, faster to deliver and more adaptable than alternatives.
As European governments reassess security dependencies following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and question the durability of U.S. guarantees, many NATO allies increasingly see Türkiye not only as a military bastion on the alliance's southeastern flank but also as a potential industrial partner.
Ankara hopes that hosting U.S. 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, at times, political resistance tied to diplomatic disputes.
A Reuters review of trade figures shows Turkish defence exports have more than tripled since 2021 to $10 billion last year, accounting for about 3.7% of total exports from the major emerging market economy.
