Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently revealed on his official X account that Türkiye’s global defense influence is rapidly expanding.
Consequently, its armed forces are achieving significant milestones that highlight this growth.
Moreover, this statement reinforces Türkiye’s ambition to emerge as a leading international security partner.
By pursuing collaboration and fostering relationships, the nation aims to strengthen its global standing.
Erdoğan emphasized, “Our heroic army, our nation’s pride, now operates as a globally respected deterrent force.”
This declaration showcases Türkiye’s commitment to maintaining security on the international stage.
Additionally, Erdoğan attributed this remarkable progress to the localization rate of Türkiye’s defense technology.
This rate has soared from 20% to over 80%, thus enabling self-reliance and enhancing advanced military capabilities.
A Technological Leap in Defense
Türkiye’s investments in its defense industry have yielded remarkable results.
President Erdoğan highlighted key achievements, including indigenous UAVs, armed drones (SIHAs), and domestically produced aircraft, helicopters, ships, and submarines. Furthermore, he emphasized these advancements showcase Turkish engineers’ expertise and dedication.
Stating, “Our UAVs and SIHAs, alongside domestic aircraft, helicopters, ships, and submarines, demonstrate our security architecture’s progress,” Erdoğan linked innovation to national strength. Meanwhile, these innovations boosted economic growth, with defense exports surging 29% annually to exceed $7 billion in 2024.
Additionally, over the past decade alone, Türkiye exported 230 defense products to 185 countries, cementing its global reputation as a trusted supplier.
Expanding Global Reach
President Erdoğan also highlighted Türkiye’s success in securing high-value contracts in 2023. “Last year alone, we signed contracts with a total value exceeding $10 billion and exported to 180 countries,” he noted. These figures underscore Türkiye’s expanding footprint in international defense markets and its ability to compete with established players.
The nation’s defense exports have been bolstered by cutting-edge technologies and innovative designs that cater to diverse operational needs. From surveillance drones to naval vessels, Türkiye’s offerings are increasingly sought after by countries around the world.
A Force for Global Peace
Beyond its technological and economic accomplishments, President Erdoğan emphasized the contributions of Türkiye’s armed forces to global peacekeeping efforts. “Our heroic army contributes to peace in every corner of our emotional and cultural geography, from Afghanistan to Somalia, from Iraq to Kosovo,” he said.
Türkiye has long played an active role in international peacekeeping missions, providing support and resources to regions in need. Its military presence in conflict zones and humanitarian missions reflects its commitment to fostering stability and solidarity on a global scale.
Looking Ahead
As Türkiye invests in defense capabilities, President Erdoğan declared, “We aim to achieve higher milestones this year,” emphasizing growth and innovation.
He concluded by reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment, stating, “We will stand by allies wherever support is needed.”
Erdoğan’s remarks highlight a transformative defense decade. Innovation, localization, and partnerships position Türkiye as a key global player, poised to impact peacekeeping worldwide.
