Amid shifting global defense dynamics and escalating geopolitical tensions, Turkiye is making bold strides with its military strategies. By localizing production and asserting its independence, it is positioning itself as an emerging force in the global defense sector. Meanwhile, many Middle East and North Africa countries still rely heavily on Western suppliers for their military needs. The dominance of the US, France and the UK in the region’s arms trade remains undeniable, with America alone exporting about $30 billion in defense equipment to MENA countries in 2023.