Türkiye is taking the production momentum it has achieved in the defence and aerospace industry to an unprecedented level in 2026. Having closed the previous year of 2025 with a historic export figure of $10.6 billion, the sector has now set its sights on breaking into the top 10 of the global arms trade rankings. The $8 billion in new contracts signed in just three days at the SAHA EXPO 2026 exhibition clearly demonstrates that this massive target is no mere fantasy. Furthermore, this growth is evident not only in terms of volume, but also in the technological depth of the systems being exported.
Striking Growth at SAHA EXPO and Changing Global Balances
SAHA EXPO 2026, held in Istanbul, has become a strategic platform where Turkish defence companies consolidate their competitiveness in the global market. Haluk Bayraktar, General Manager of Baykar, announced that domestic companies signed a total of $8 billion worth of export contracts in the first three days of the fair. This figure shows that nearly 80 percent of the previous year's total exports was achieved in just a few days.
Furthermore, looking at Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) data, the significance of this leap becomes even clearer. Having ranked 11th with a 1.8 percent share in the global market dominated by the United States, France, and Russia, Türkiye is now shifting up a gear with these new agreements. Consequently, the Turkish defence industry plans to become a permanent player in the top 10 list, leaving behind strong competitors such as Spain (with a 2.3 percent share) and South Korea (with a 3.0 percent share).
Strategic Export Moves in Aviation and Maritime
The foundation of this vertical growth in defence exports lies in the opening of high-tech air and naval platforms to the global market. While land vehicles and equipment were more prominent in the past, the picture today has evolved into a completely technology-focused structure.
Global Demand for Jet Training and Unmanned Systems
The successive steps taken in the aviation sector are particularly noteworthy. The export of Türkiye's first domestic jet trainer aircraft, HÜRJET, to Spain represents a very critical milestone for the sector. Selling an aerial platform of this level to a NATO and European Union country proves the global standard maturity of Turkish aviation engineering.
Furthermore, the undisputed leadership in unmanned autonomous systems continues at full speed. The first export of the game-changing unmanned combat aircraft concept, Bayraktar KIZILELMA, to Indonesia confirms the global demand for this visionary technology. In short, Türkiye succeeds in staying one step ahead of its competitors in next-generation warfare concepts.
From the Blue Homeland to World Navies
A similar success story is being written not only in the sky but also in the maritime field. Projects carried out in cooperation with military shipyards and the private sector stand out as one of the fastest-growing items of export. Corvettes, frigates, and armed unmanned marine vehicles (SİDA) capable of autonomous missions meet the naval needs of many countries from the Asia-Pacific to the Gulf region. Thus, Turkish shipyards are reaching a sought-after brand value on a global scale.
Ammunition Production and the Journey to Becoming a Logistics Hub
Alongside platform production, ammunition supply, the greatest need of modern warfare, constitutes one of the strongest muscles of the defence industry. Indeed, ARCA Defence proved its production capacity in this field with the major contracts totalling $3.4 billion signed within the scope of SAHA EXPO. Furthermore, the company is not only exporting but also preparing to establish a new ammunition factory in Europe. Consequently, Türkiye is no longer just a country selling products to end-users but is transforming into a technology and logistics centre that establishes production facilities in international markets.
The Multiplier Effect of KAAN
Defence and aerospace exports, which hovered at a mere $248 million in 2002, have surpassed the $10 billion mark today, charting a steady growth trajectory. In the coming years, the true historic leap is expected to take place with the 5th generation National Combat Aircraft KAAN entering mass production. Introducing platforms like KAAN, which possess strategic technology and command an extremely high unit cost, to the global market will propel export figures far beyond current levels. Thanks to its "National Technology Initiative" vision, Türkiye is taking firm steps towards becoming one of the main actors supplying high technology to the world's armed forces.
