Ankara, Turkey – Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Polat announced a significant increase in the country’s exports of defense weapons and space technology, registering a 28% rise during the first four months of this year.
This strong growth comes at a time of escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and globally. This has boosted international demand for Turkey’s military arsenal, which has recently proven its effectiveness on the battlefield.
Record numbers and ambitious expectations
Polat revealed that the value of military and aerospace exports reached $2.8 billion between January and April 2026, compared to the same period last year. The minister indicated that projections point towards achieving an unprecedented record by the end of 2025. They also anticipate reaching $10 billion in total annual exports by 2026. These figures are based on a strong momentum in orders, with drones and advanced missile systems accounting for more than half of total foreign sales. This reflects Turkey’s leadership in the field of smart and unmanned weapons.
Importers and workforce map
Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Ukraine topped the list of the largest importers of Turkish arms. This highlights the diversity of Ankara’s strategic partnerships across the Gulf, South Asia, and Eastern Europe. Domestically, the Minister of Trade noted that the defense and aerospace sector has become a cornerstone of the national economy. Currently, it employs approximately 100,000 specialists and experts across 3,500 companies active in the defense and aerospace fields. This structural transformation reflects Ankara’s success in localizing military technology and reducing its reliance on foreign imports. It has also led to Turkey becoming a major source of innovative defense solutions that are gaining increasing global confidence amidst rapidly evolving security landscapes.
