29.08.2026 11:10
The German newspaper Handelsblatt has taken a closer look at the rise of the Turkish defense industry in recent years. The newspaper noted that Turkey's defense and aviation exports rose from the $200 million level at the beginning of the millennium to $8.5 billion last year, emphasizing that Turkey has doubled its share of global arms exports. The analysis summarized Turkey's success in the defense industry as: 'They didn't sell them equipment, so they produced it themselves.'
A striking analysis from the German press has emerged regarding the rise of the Turkish defense industry. Handelsblatt, one of Germany's leading newspapers, examined Turkey's defense industry developed over the years and its increasing weight in the international arms market.
The newspaper wrote that Turkey now has its own powerful defense industry and is gaining an increasing share of the international market with the systems it produces.
"THEY DIDN'T SELL, THEY PRODUCED IT THEMSELVES"
Handelsblatt's analysis included a remarkable assessment of the point Turkey has reached in the defense industry.
The newspaper stated, "Turkey became one of the world's largest arms exporters thanks to its 'friends in NATO.' They didn't sell them equipment, and they produced it themselves."
Handelsblatt also evaluated Turkey's transformation in the defense industry through export figures.
According to the data in the report, Turkish defense and aviation industry exports rose from approximately $200 million at the beginning of the millennium to $8.5 billion last year.
The significant increase over the intervening period revealed not only Turkey's production capacity in the defense industry but also the change in its position in international markets.
MORE THAN 26 PERCENT INCREASE IN THE FIRST 7 MONTHS
It was noted that the rise in Turkey's defense and aviation exports has continued this year as well.
According to figures based on official data, the sector's exports increased by more than 26 percent in the first seven months of the year compared to the same period last year.
Thus, Turkey's defense and aviation industry exports reached approximately $5.8 billion in the first seven months.
TURKEY ROSE TO 11TH PLACE IN THE WORLD
The analysis also included data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
According to SIPRI data, Turkey ranked 11th among the world's largest arms exporters in the 2021-2025 period.