02.09.2025 23:26
In the post-Cold War period, while defense industries in Europe are struggling to recover, Russia has also entered a serious bottleneck due to the war in Ukraine and Western sanctions. This gap is being filled by Turkey and South Korea, thanks to their strong investments and export successes. According to The Economist, the two countries are no longer just arms manufacturers, but actors shaping global strategy.
The Economist magazine, based in the UK, addressed the changing dynamics in the global defense industry in its latest issue. The analysis highlighted the impressive rise of Turkey and South Korea in the defense sector in recent years.
EUROPE LAGS BEHIND, RUSSIA IN A STRANGLEHOLD
The analysis emphasized that European defense industries have struggled to recover in the post-Cold War period, while Russia has entered a serious bottleneck due to the Ukraine war and Western sanctions. Disruptions in parts supply, production restrictions, and economic burdens have weakened Moscow's defense capacity. According to the magazine, Russia's arms exports decreased by 50% compared to 2022, and traditional customers have started to turn to alternative suppliers.
TWO NEW ACTORS EMERGE
In response to this weakening situation, two new actors are emerging to fill the gap: Turkey and South Korea. The Economist noted that these two countries have taken on a game-changing role in the defense industry.
BAKAR TB2 AND AKINCI HAVE CHANGED THE COURSE OF CONFLICTS IN MANY REGIONS
The analysis pointed out that Turkey has made a significant leap in its defense industry in recent years in line with its strategic autonomy goals, stating that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's vision played a key role in this transformation. Operating with a domestic and national production approach, Turkey has drawn international attention with unmanned aerial vehicles, especially Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı. It was emphasized that these systems have changed the course of conflicts in many regions.
NOT JUST A REGIONAL PLAYER, BUT A GLOBAL PLAYER
Reaching $7 billion in defense industry exports, Turkey has become an effective player not only regionally but also on a global scale. With simultaneous modernization activities in land, air, and naval platforms, Turkey has risen to a position that develops technology, establishes strategic partnerships, and increases its effectiveness in the European market.
SOUTH KOREA'S "IMPRESSIVE" RISE
The analysis also identified South Korea as another prominent actor, similar to Turkey. Compliance with NATO standards, rapid delivery, and cost advantages have been decisive in Seoul's high-volume agreements, especially with European countries. South Korea's increase in defense exports, offering a wide range of products from tanks to artillery systems, was described by The Economist as an "impressive rise."
THEY ARE NOW SETTING THE RULES OF THE GAME
As a result, the analysis stated that Turkey and South Korea have now become two strategic powers that are not just spectators in the global defense race, but are changing the rules and whose influence is growing.