Analysis of the Growing Influence of Türkiye’s Defense Industry
The Turkish defense industry has evolved into a significant global player, largely supported by President Erdoğan’s policies. An article in Le Monde highlighted the reduction of foreign dependency from 70% to 30%, showcasing the industry’s capacity to employ 100,000 people and export to 170 countries. Companies like Baykar are leading this transformation, particularly in the production of drones, which are now acknowledged for altering military dynamics.
The Turkish defense industry has transitioned from being a source of local innovation to a significant global player, garnering substantial media attention. This shift has been underscored by a detailed article in the French newspaper Le Monde, which praised the “Made in Türkiye” initiative and highlighted the swift reduction of external dependency in the arms sector.
Le Monde’s coverage illustrated that under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s guidance, Turkey’s reliance on foreign materials dropped from 70% to 30%. The Turkish defense industry now consists of 2,000 companies employing approximately 100,000 individuals and exporting to about 170 nations.
The report acknowledged Baykar, a leading arms manufacturer based in Istanbul, noting that the average age of its 4,000 employees is a mere 29 years. It mentioned the utilization of Baykar’s unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) in various conflicts, including Russia-Ukraine, Karabakh, and Libya, with the TB2 model being notably popular across around 30 countries.
Furthermore, the article highlighted that these drones had been deployed by the Turkish military against the PKK terrorist group in Iraq. Since 2016, Baykar’s advancements have redefined warfare dynamics, elevating Türkiye’s international stature. Le Monde also noted a new partnership between Baykar and Italy’s Leonardo to develop combat drones and collaborate on space technologies.
The remarkable growth of Türkiye’s defense industry has resulted in a wide array of products manufactured domestically, catering to various subsectors. Using Global Firepower metrics, Le Monde stated that Türkiye boasts the ninth strongest army worldwide, surpassing Italy, Pakistan, Germany, and Israel.
Historically, Türkiye’s defense capabilities began to take shape following the U.S. arms embargo during the Cyprus Peace Operation, but the industry accelerated significantly under Erdoğan, fueled by the success of Baykar’s drones and an increased defense budget.
In addition to Baykar, firms like Aselsan and Roketsan are contributing to defense technology development. Initially catering primarily to Middle Eastern and African clients, Turkish defense products have now gained traction in NATO nations in Eastern Europe and have begun penetrating Western European markets.
The establishment of connections with key European nations has attracted attention within Greece, reflecting concerns over the growing Turkish military capabilities, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions. Recently, agreements between Baykar and Leonardo were reported by major outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and Handelsblatt.
The Turkish defense industry’s impressive growth and diversification underscore its emergence as a formidable global force. Driven by governmental support and significant advancements in technology, companies like Baykar are redefining international defense paradigms. With an expanding portfolio and increasing orders from NATO and European countries, Türkiye is poised to solidify its reputation in the global defense landscape.
Original Source: www.dailysabah.com
