Turkish defence industry

Türkiye began building its defence industry in the 1970s, especially after the arms embargo imposed following the 1974 Cyprus events. ASELSAN was founded in 1975, the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries in 1985 and Roketsan in 1988.

Today ASELSAN (electronics and radar), Roketsan (missiles), TUSAŞ (aircraft and helicopters), Baykar (drones), MKE, HAVELSAN, STM and hundreds of smaller firms form the backbone of the sector. According to official figures, most of the military's needs are met by domestic production.

Defence and aerospace exports exceeded $7 billion in 2024. Turkish drones, armoured vehicles and ships are sold to dozens of countries, with Azerbaijan among the main partners.