Türkiye’s Defense, Aviation Exports Cross $10B in 2025

Turkiye’s defense, aviation exports cross $10B threshold in 2025, marking a historic milestone for the country’s fast-growing defense industry. The sector recorded exports worth $10.05 billion, reflecting a strong 48% year-over-year growth compared to $7.1 billion in 2024. This remarkable performance highlights Turkiye’s rising status as a global defense and aviation supplier.

The announcement was made by Haluk Görgün, head of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), following the release of Turkiye’s official foreign trade data at a ceremony in Istanbul attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Record-Breaking Growth Throughout 2025

According to Görgün, 2025 was a record-breaking year not only for the defense sector but also for Turkiye’s overall exports. The defense and aviation industry exceeded export records almost every month compared to the previous year.

December 2025 proved especially significant, as exports in defense and aviation surpassed $2.5 billion in a single month, setting a historic monthly record. This surge played a major role in ensuring that Turkiye’s defense, aviation exports cross $10B threshold in 2025, a figure once considered ambitious but now firmly achieved.

Breakdown of Defense and Aviation Exports

The $10.05 billion export figure consisted mainly of $9.87 billion in goods, while $184 million came from services such as maintenance, training, and technical support. Görgün emphasized that the growth is even more impressive when evaluated through newly signed contracts.

While export growth stood near 48%, the value of new defense contracts increased by nearly 78%, demonstrating strong long-term demand for Turkish defense products in international markets.

Surge in New Contracts and Backlog Orders

Turkiye’s defense industry signed $17.8 billion worth of new contracts in 2025, compared to $10 billion in 2024. This significant increase created a robust backlog of orders, ensuring sustained production and export momentum for the coming years.

Major contracts included naval platforms, aircraft, UAVs, and advanced weapons systems, reinforcing Türkiye’s growing portfolio of indigenous defense solutions.

Rising Share in Turkiye’s Total Exports

One of the most striking indicators of success is the defense sector’s rising share in Türkiye’s total exports. In 2022, defense and aviation exports accounted for just 1.7% of national exports. By 2025, this figure climbed to 3.7%, reflecting how strategically important the sector has become for the Turkish economy.

This growth is driven by cost-effective, high-quality products, reliable delivery timelines, and strong after-sales support provided by Turkish defense companies.

Major International Defense Deals

Turkiye signed several high-profile international defense contracts in 2025, further strengthening its global footprint. These included:

• A military ship export agreement with Portugal
• The Hürjet jet trainer aircraft contract with Spain
• The Kaan fighter jet agreement with Indonesia
• An Offshore Patrol Vessel deal with Romania

Additionally, numerous UAV and munitions contracts were secured across the Middle East, Gulf, and Africa, reflecting strong global demand for Turkish unmanned systems.

Key Export Markets in 2025

Europe and NATO allies emerged as Turkiye’s largest defense export destinations. Görgün revealed that 56% of total defense exports, roughly $5.6 billion, went to the European Union, NATO countries, and the United States.

Other key regions included the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, where Turkiye continues to expand its defense partnerships and market presence.

Also read this: Turkiye Clears Indigenous Engine For Main Battle Tank Altay

Expectations of New Records in 2026

Looking ahead, SSB expects 2026 to be another record-setting year, driven by increased deliveries from previously signed contracts. Görgün highlighted that dynamic production processes, a young and skilled workforce, and strong after-sales support will continue to fuel export growth.

With a solid order backlog and expanding global trust, Turkiye’s defense industry appears well-positioned to surpass current figures and set new benchmarks.

The achievement that Turkiye’s defense, aviation exports cross $10B threshold in 2025 underscores the country’s transformation into a major global defense exporter. Supported by innovation, strategic partnerships, and competitive pricing, Türkiye’s defense and aviation sector is poised for sustained growth, making it a key pillar of national economic and strategic strength in the years ahead.

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