Turkish Defense Industry Uses AI to Upgrade Missile Systems

Turkiye’s defense industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with artificial intelligence now at the heart of its most advanced missile technologies. Roketsan CEO Murat Ikinci recently revealed how AI is redefining precision warfare and positioning Turkiye as a serious global defense competitor.

Smarter Missiles Through Artificial Intelligence

As AI reshapes industries worldwide, its impact on military technology is proving especially significant. According to Ikinci, who spoke at a talent summit held at Istanbul’s Boğaziçi University, AI is enabling Turkish missiles to lock onto targets with far greater accuracy than ever before. The technology allows missiles to identify and neutralize only specific threats, reducing the risk of collateral damage while dramatically improving battlefield effectiveness. This shift represents a fundamental change in how modern weapons systems operate, moving from basic guided munitions to genuinely intelligent platforms capable of real-time decision-making.

Roketsan’s Growing Arsenal

Roketsan produces a broad spectrum of advanced weaponry, ranging from ballistic and cruise missiles to the multilayered Steel Dome air defense system, which is engineered to intercept and neutralize incoming aerial threats. The company stands as Turkiye’s third-largest research and development organization, employing more than 7,000 specialists across a wide range of engineering disciplines. Ikinci emphasized that this diverse talent pool, grounded in fundamental sciences like physics and chemistry, is what makes it possible to bring complex weapons systems to life. The collaborative nature of this workforce gives Roketsan the capacity to independently develop technologies that many other nations guard closely and never share openly.

Competing on the Global Stage

Turkiye’s defense industry has matured to a point where it can credibly challenge firms with far longer track records. Ikinci noted that the sector brings together virtually every engineering discipline imaginable, creating an environment where cutting-edge innovation flourishes. This depth of expertise allows Turkiye to develop homegrown solutions rather than depending on foreign suppliers, a critical strategic advantage in an era where technology transfer restrictions are increasingly common. The ability to design, manufacture, and export advanced defense systems independently has elevated Turkiye’s reputation among NATO allies and international partners alike.

Record Export Growth Signals Rising Demand

The numbers tell a compelling story. Roketsan recorded 50% growth in U.S. dollar terms, alongside an export volume increase exceeding 55%. These figures reflect surging international demand for Turkish defense products, particularly from European and other global partners seeking reliable, technologically advanced alternatives. As one of NATO’s largest defense contributors, Turkiye has steadily built credibility as a supplier of sophisticated military hardware that performs under real operational conditions. The export boom signals that Turkiye’s defense sector is no longer just meeting domestic needs but actively shaping global security supply chains.

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Supporting Allies Beyond Borders

Ikinci made clear that Roketsan’s ambitions extend well beyond protecting Turkish territory. The company views its technological capabilities as a tool for supporting allied and friendly nations facing genuine security threats. By offering advanced missile systems and air defense technologies to partners, Turkiye positions itself as a stabilizing force in regions experiencing conflict or instability. This outward-looking strategy aligns with Turkiye’s broader foreign policy goals and reinforces its value as a NATO member with real, deployable defense capabilities.

The Road Ahead for Turkish Defense Tech

With AI integration accelerating and export revenues climbing, Turkiye’s defense industry appears set for continued expansion. Roketsan’s investments in independent R&D ensure the country remains at the frontier of missile technology without relying on knowledge transfers that may come with political strings attached. As global demand for smart, precise, and reliable defense systems grows, Turkiye’s combination of engineering talent, AI-driven innovation, and proven export success places it in a strong position to become one of the world’s most influential defense exporters in the years ahead.

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