Defense Industry President Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün met with members of the press as part of the Global Strategies in Defense and Aviation Industry Conference and made important statements about the current status of the sector and its strategies in the global market. Görgün drew attention to the contribution of the roadmap Turkey follows in the defense industry to the increase in exports.
Görgün emphasized that the existence of a strong state authority behind Turkey’s success in the defense industry is of great importance. The fact that the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) is a structure affiliated with the Presidency and that projects are carried out by the Defense Industry Executive Committee (SSİK) ensures that the system progresses steadily. In addition, the fact that the SSB is supported by its own laws and funding sources are among the elements that differentiate Turkey from other countries. Görgün drew attention to the uniqueness of this system by saying, “It is actually a structure that is unique in the world.”
Growth of Exports in the Defense Industry
As the Turkish defense industry gains more and more ground in the global market, export figures also reveal this growth. According to the information provided by Görgün, Turkey's defense exports in 2024 reached approximately $7 billion. $3 billion of this was made to NATO member countries.
While the US ranks first among the countries to which Turkey exports, it was stated that all five countries that follow are European countries. In Europe, countries such as Poland, Romania, Slovakia and the Czech Republic in particular show great interest in Turkey's defense industry products. The agreement made with Portugal at the end of last year was also recorded as an important development supporting the rise of the Turkish defense industry in Europe. Görgün said, "A country that has achieved important things in world maritime has chosen a project that we developed," and drew attention to the meaning of the cooperation with Portugal.
KAAN and Saudi Arabia Claims
Developments regarding Turkey’s national combat aircraft KAAN also remain on the agenda. Görgün stated that the testing process of KAAN is progressing as planned and that some stages have been exceeded ahead of schedule. Speaking about the widely attended meeting held at TUSAŞ, Görgün said that the progress of the project is being meticulously evaluated.
Görgün, who also responded to the recent claims that “Saudi Arabia will supply KAAN,” stated that general discussions were held with Saudi Arabian officials on industrial and technological issues, but that no specific agreement had been made regarding KAAN or any other platform. Görgün, who stated that Saudi officials shared their perspectives of cooperation, especially with Turkish industrialists and SMEs, emphasized that work on KAAN’s mass production process was continuing rapidly.
Cooperation and Joint Projects with the Turkish World
The Presidency of Defense Industries is carrying out important projects not only in the Western market but also in cooperation with the Turkic world. Görgün particularly drew attention to Turkey's contribution to the modernization projects in Azerbaijan's defense industry.
Görgün, who stated that Turkey modernized Azerbaijan's Su-25 warplanes in cooperation with TUSAŞ and ASELSAN, said that Azerbaijan was turned into a center within the scope of this project and that other countries in the region would be supported with similar solutions. Görgün, who stated that such cooperation increased the global impact of the Turkish defense industry, said that different regional projects would be implemented in the future.
The Turkish defense industry continues to grow rapidly, both in the global market and thanks to its collaborations with friendly and allied countries. Haluk Görgün's statements show that Turkey is progressing towards becoming a strong defense industry actor not only locally but also in the international arena. The increase in exports, the progress of the KAAN project and joint projects carried out with the Turkish world prove that Turkey has a bright future in the defense industry.
