Turkish defense exports surge toward record high in 2025 | eKathimerini.com

Turkish exports of defense and aerospace equipment rose 39% in the first nine months of 2025 compared with the same period last year, local newspaper Daily Sabah has reported, citing preliminary data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM).

By the end of September, exports had already surpassed $6 billion, putting the sector on track to hit $8.4 billion by December. a new historic high that would exceed the $7.2 billion record set in 2024, according to the report.  

It notes the rapid expansion of the industry in recent years. In 2020, defense exports stood at just $2.3 billion; today, that figure has nearly tripled.

More than 3,500 companies are now active in Turkey’s defense sector, underscoring its growing role in the country’s economy and international trade, according to the Daily Sabah report.