The Turkish defense and aerospace sector achieved unprecedented success in exports in March 2025. According to data announced by Defense Industry President Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, the sector's March exports increased by a historic 147% compared to the same period of the previous year, rising from $358 million to $884 million. This remarkable rise is considered a concrete indicator of the Turkish defense industry's increasing effectiveness and competitiveness in the global market.
Significant Increase of 72 Percent in the First Quarter
In addition to this striking record in March, the overall export performance in the first quarter of 2025 also clearly demonstrates the growth momentum of the sector. Defense Industry President Görgün stated that total exports in the first three months of the year reached 72 billion dollars, an increase of 1.7% compared to the same period last year. These figures show that the Turkish defense and aviation industry has achieved a stable growth trend not only on a monthly basis but also throughout the year.
Permanent Increase Trend in High Value Added Product Exports
One of the main factors behind this historic success is the permanent increase in exports of high value-added products, which is a priority in Türkiye's export strategy. As emphasized by Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, the uninterrupted international cooperation activities carried out under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also played an important role in this success. Turkish defense industry companies have now reached the capacity to export not only to certain geographies but almost to the entire world.
The Cornerstones of Success: Locality, Collaboration and Flexibility
There are various factors underlying this export success of the Turkish defense industry. High-tech subsystems integrated into domestic and national platforms, products with international joint working capability, and the ability to offer flexible solutions for the needs of stakeholders form the basis of this success. In addition, rapid feedback mechanisms provided in the field in line with the needs and demands of end users and sustainable services in maintenance-repair and integrated logistics support are among the reasons why the Turkish defense industry is preferred in the global market.
Support for SMEs and Sustainable Export Target
The Presidency of Defense Industries will continue its efforts to increase the export potential of not only large companies but also SMEs, which are an important part of the sector, without slowing down in the upcoming period. Aiming to increase the number of companies that export and to make exports a sustainable growth factor for the sector, SSB will further intensify its international cooperation activities. This strategic approach will play a critical role in the Turkish defense industry reaching its future export targets.
The 147% historical export increase recorded by the Turkish defense and aerospace sector in March and its overall successful performance in the first quarter of the year went down in history as an important indicator of Türkiye's capabilities in this field and its competitive power in the global market. These achievements, achieved through the devoted efforts of all stakeholders under the leadership of Defense Industries President Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, are expected to make significant contributions to the country's economy and further strengthen Türkiye's position in the defense industry.
