Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that Türkiye aims to rank among the world’s top 10 countries in defense exports, emphasizing that defense and aerospace exports increased by 48% over the past year, surpassing the $10 billion threshold.
Speaking at the “Sancar Unmanned Naval Vehicle Commissioning, Groundbreaking and Opening Ceremony” held at the HAVELSAN Technology Campus, Erdoğan underlined the sector’s record-breaking performance.
Defense Exports Exceed $10 Billion
Erdoğan noted that Türkiye’s defense exports rose by 48% year-on-year last year, exceeding $10 billion. He recalled that exports stood at just $248 million in 2002, meaning the figure has increased more than fortyfold.
“Currently, we are the world’s 11th largest country in defense exports. By reaching our $11 billion export target in 2028, we aim to enter the top 10 globally in defense and aerospace exports,” Erdoğan said.
Project Volume Surpasses $100 Billion
Highlighting the scale of ongoing projects, Erdoğan announced that as of the end of 2023, the total project volume in the defense industry had exceeded $100 billion, with the number of projects surpassing 1,400. He attributed this growth to determined state policies and a strong domestic and national production vision.
Message of a “Fully Independent Türkiye”
Erdoğan stressed that the achievements were built on self-confidence and investment in youth, stating that Türkiye adopted the ideal of a fully independent nation as a firm state policy in the defense sector.
During his speech, Erdoğan announced that the SANCAR Armed Unmanned Surface Vehicle was being commissioned, while the foundations of the Simulator Production and Integration Facility were being laid, and the KAAN Technology Facility and the Naval Combat Management Systems Center were being inaugurated.
He said that once completed, the simulator complex would become Europe’s largest production and integration facility in simulation technologies.
Reducing Foreign Dependency to 20%
Erdoğan stated that Türkiye has reduced its foreign dependency in defense from 80% in the past to 20% today. He emphasized that modern deterrence is not measured solely by the number of platforms but also by software capabilities, secure data flow, uninterrupted communication, and cyber resilience.
“We now have a Türkiye that designs its own technology, develops its own software, and exports its products worldwide,” Erdoğan said.
He also noted that Türkiye is among the 10 countries capable of developing and launching its own warships, adding that the country’s defense and aerospace sector continues to break export records each year.
Erdoğan concluded by underscoring the strategic role of HAVELSAN in command-and-control systems, simulation, training, cybersecurity, and autonomous capabilities, describing the company as a key digital backbone of Türkiye’s defense power.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök