The Turkish defense industry has rapidly evolved from a national effort to a global phenomenon, as highlighted in Le Monde’s recent article. Significant reductions in foreign dependency and substantial employment and export figures demonstrate the sector’s growth under President Erdoğan’s leadership. Key companies like Baykar are leading the charge, gaining attention for their innovative drone technology, while partnerships with European firms hint at expanding international influence.
The Turkish defense industry has emerged as a significant global player, showcasing a remarkable transition from local ingenuity to a notable international presence. Recent media coverage, particularly from the French newspaper Le Monde, highlights the industry’s rapid advancements, notably its achievements in reducing reliance on foreign materials. The article emphasizes the noteworthy adoption of the “Made in Türkiye” motto, further solidifying its growing status on the world stage.
According to Le Monde, Turkish arms exports have dramatically decreased external dependency from 70% to 30% due to initiatives encouraged by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The Turkish defense sector comprises approximately 2,000 companies, employing around 100,000 individuals and exporting products to roughly 170 nations. The report notes that at Baykar’s Istanbul headquarters, the average employee age is only 29, reflecting a youthful and dynamic workforce.
Baykar, recognized as a leading arms manufacturer in Türkiye, has gained international acclaim with its unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), which have been employed in various conflicts, including those in Ukraine, Karabakh, and Libya. The TB2 model has been adopted by over 30 countries, and its effectiveness in combat has spurred cultural recognition, evidenced by songs dedicated to it.
Notably, the article points out that Baykar’s drones have been utilized by the Turkish military against the PKK in northern Iraq, underscoring their strategic importance in enhancing Türkiye’s military capabilities. It asserts that since 2016, Baykar has epitomized Türkiye’s “hard power,” influencing the dynamics of warfare and elevating the nation’s global stature.
The partnership between Baykar and Italy’s Leonardo signifies an expansion of collaboration in the defense sector, with prospective joint ventures in combat drone production and space technology. The article praised Türkiye’s self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing, stating there is now “almost nothing left unmanufactured” in this domain, ranging from drones to fighter jets.
Further supporting its findings, Le Monde referenced Global Firepower data, ranking Türkiye as having the ninth strongest military globally, outperforming NATO members such as Italy, Germany, and Israel. This development in the Turkish defense industry can be traced back to the arms embargo imposed by the U.S. during the Cyprus Peace Operation, which catalyzed domestic production efforts under Erdoğan’s leadership.
An increase in budget allocations from $5 billion to $60 billion for defense projects during Erdoğan’s administration highlights the nation’s significant investment in its military capabilities. Prominent firms like Aselsan and Roketsan also contribute to this growth, producing advanced defense electronics and missile technology.
The article notes a shift in client demographics for Turkish defense products, attracting not only Middle Eastern and African nations but also NATO countries in Eastern Europe. Furthermore, partnerships with Western European nations, including Portugal and Spain, signify Türkiye’s increasing influence in this domain.
The escalating prominence of Türkiye’s defense industry has garnered attention in Greek media, reflecting regional tensions amid historical rivalries with Greece. Major international publications like The Wall Street Journal and Handelsblatt have reported on the burgeoning partnership between Baykar and Leonardo, underlining the industry’s significant global impact and the strategic implications for regional security.
In conclusion, the Turkish defense industry has undergone a spectacular transformation, effectively shifting from domestic reliance to a prominent global position. The strategic initiatives led by President Erdoğan have substantially reduced dependence on foreign materials, created a robust military workforce, and established Türkiye as a noteworthy arms exporter. The strengthening of collaborations with European nations further solidifies this rising power, which is recognized in various international media for its advancements and influence in global defense markets.
Original Source: www.dailysabah.com
