Turkish defense industry exports have reached $11.2 billion, accounting for 4% of total exports. The sector, which achieved a 40% increase compared to the previous year, could reach $15 billion when defense-related service exports are included. Capable of exporting products to almost every continent, the Turkish defense industry continues to develop through a new-generation model focused on producing high-tech products using national capabilities. With around 3,500 companies operating in the sector, the aim is to spread industrialization across the country and further strengthen domestic capabilities. The Turkish defense industry, which has been expanded nationwide and designed as an interconnected ecosystem, stands out as one of the greatest achievements of the "Made in Türkiye" brand compared with other examples.
In this context, Aselsan’s recently unveiled infrared detector demonstrates that Türkiye is among the select group of countries capable of developing and producing this advanced technology. The infrared detector, which can be produced by only a limited number of countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Japan and China, should not be evaluated merely as a single product. Detectors incorporating advanced technology will be used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), armored forces, tanks and missile defense systems. Integrated into strategic platforms, the detector is expected to reduce dependence on weather conditions and contribute to keeping these platforms operational on the battlefield for longer periods.
