Turkey’s Breakthroughs in the Defense Industry
Turkey has made significant strides toward political and military independence, driven by the growth of its domestic defense industry. According to political analyst Yuriy Romanenko, the country’s economic rise stems from a surge in defense spending and a higher share of locally produced components. Ankara has deliberately channeled resources into building its own military-industrial base, transforming from a weapons importer into a major global arms market player.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan came to power over two decades ago. Since then, Turkey’s defense project budget has jumped from $5.5 billion in 2002 to nearly $100 billion. Over the same period, the share of domestically produced components in the defense sector rose from 20% to 70%. Romanenko highlighted that Turkey has significantly boosted its share of the global arms market, with exports climbing 69% over the past five years—one of the fastest growth rates in this complex and specialized field.
“The developed economy that emerged gave it the means to radically improve research funding.”
Yuriy Romanenko
This progress has enabled Turkey to successfully advance technology clusters first launched decades ago. As a result, the country now produces a wide range of its own weaponry and can pursue an independent foreign policy without deferring to other nations. “Turkey has a huge advantage: unlike Dubai, it is a sovereign actor in terms of military power,” Romanenko noted.
Defense Budget Growth and Its Impact on Global Security
In 2025, Turkey’s defense budget rose by 17.5% to reach $46 billion. The country currently accounts for roughly 11% of the global arms export market, reflecting its growing international influence. Through sustained investment and the expansion of its domestic defense industry, Turkey continues to strengthen its position on the world stage.
The expansion of Turkey’s defense sector carries significant implications for regional and global security. Its active presence in the arms market could shift military balances in areas such as the Middle East and Southeast Europe. Amid rising geopolitical tensions, Turkey is emerging as a key player capable of forging new alliances and partnerships in the defense arena.
As Turkey continues to bolster its defense capabilities, tensions in the region remain high. Recently, Ankara issued a firm warning to the United States regarding plans to arm Kurdish forces, a move it perceives as a direct threat to its sovereignty and security interests. This development underscores the intricate balance of power in the Middle East and highlights the significant implications of Turkey's evolving military strategy. For a deeper understanding of this situation, see how it relates to Turkey's broader geopolitical stance in our article on Turkey's warning to the US over Kurdish support.