Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Türkiye has recorded a sharp rise in defense and aviation exports, underlining the country’s growing role in the global arms and technology market.
Speaking at the Commissioning of Naval Platforms Ceremony on Saturday, Erdogan stated that exports in the defense and aviation sectors reached $7.445 billion over the past 11 months, representing a 30% increase compared to the same period last year.
“With this performance, Türkiye has become the world’s 11th largest defense exporter,” Erdogan said, adding that the government is aiming to move into the top 10 globally by 2028. He noted that the long-term export target for the sector is set at $11 billion.
The president emphasized that Türkiye’s defense industry strategy goes beyond producing military equipment, focusing instead on building a sustainable ecosystem and strengthening domestic technological capabilities. He said each project is designed to contribute to research and development, innovation, and large-scale production using national resources.
Erdogan also highlighted Türkiye’s achievements in naval construction, noting that the country is among a select group of around 10 nations capable of designing and building its own warships. He revealed that construction preparations have begun for a 300-meter-long aircraft carrier, which he described as a more advanced counterpart to the TCG Anadolu.
According to Erdogan, Türkiye continues to invest in strengthening deterrence capabilities across land, sea, air, and cyberspace. He stressed that these investments are not driven by an intention to engage in conflict, but rather to safeguard peace, independence, and national security.
“All stages, from research and development to mass production, are carried out with domestic and national resources,” he said, underscoring the importance of strategic autonomy.
The president also addressed Türkiye’s defense cooperation with Pakistan, welcoming Pakistani officials attending the ceremony. He recalled that an agreement signed in September 2018 led to the construction of four MİLGEM corvettes for the Pakistan Navy.
Erdogan noted that the first vessel, PNS Babur, was delivered in May 2024, while the second, PNS Khaibar, has now completed all testing and trials and is being handed over. He added that the third ship, PNS Bedir, is scheduled for delivery by the end of June 2026, with the fourth, PNS Tarik, expected in early 2027.
Describing Türkiye-Pakistan ties as deeply rooted in shared history and mutual trust, Erdogan said defense cooperation between the two countries will continue to expand in the coming years.
Source: Newstimehub
