Turkey cuts foreign defence dependence to 20% amid major military industry expansion

(Horizon Media) — Turkey’s defence and aerospace industry recorded major growth in 2025, reinforcing Ankara’s ambitions to become a leading global military technology power.

According to reports published by Turkish pro-government outlet Beyaz Belge Haber, Turkey has significantly reduced its dependence on foreign defence imports, lowering external reliance from nearly 80 percent to approximately 20 percent while expanding domestic production and exports.

Defence and aerospace exports reportedly reached a record $8.5 billion in 2025, compared to $7.1 billion the previous year. The sector now employs roughly 100,000 people across more than 3,500 companies, with over 80 percent of production originating domestically.

Turkish defence firms, including Baykar, Aselsan, Turkish Aerospace Industries, and Roketsan, have expanded their international footprint through major agreements and strategic partnerships. Turkish companies reportedly signed contracts worth $6.5 billion tied to the country’s integrated “Steel Dome” air defence system.

Turkey also continued advancing its drone and naval capabilities. Baykar’s unmanned combat aircraft Kızılelma reportedly achieved a milestone by successfully firing a beyond-visual-range missile, while the Bayraktar TB3 entered active inventory. Ankara has additionally launched construction of a new 300-meter aircraft carrier intended to expand the country’s naval projection capabilities.

The report highlighted growing defence cooperation with European and Asian partners, including joint projects with Italy’s Leonardo and agreements with Spain and Indonesia involving fighter aircraft and drone technologies.

Turkish officials have framed the rapid expansion of the defense sector as a central pillar of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s “Century of Turkey” vision, emphasizing strategic independence, technological self-sufficiency, and increased geopolitical influence.