Turkey’s defence exports are catching momentum. In July, the Turkish Exporters’ Assembly (TIM) reported that the country could ship more than $4 billion USD in defence goods in 2022. Turkey currently has about $2 billion USD in defence exports registered for 2022 thus far.
So, what do these sales look like?
Drones, especially the Bayraktar TB2, are headlining Turkey’s defence exports. But in truth, Turkey’s sales actually cut across several of its key verticals, including manned aircraft (e.g., the Hürkuş turboprop trainer and light attack aircraft), naval solutions (e.g., corvettes, patrol boats, etc), and light armoured vehicles.
Moreover, Turkey is also securing a growing portfolio of subcontracting work from other aerospace and defence giants, such as Airbus. In July 2022, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) signed an agreement with Airbus to manufacture inputs for the A350F, A320, and A220.
Its defence export growth is showing across both its public sector (e.g., TAI) and private sector companies.
From the latter, Baykar Technologies is seeing considerable growth. In fact, its GM, Haluk Bayraktar, reportedly said they have signed Bayraktar TB2 deals with 22 countries and that the drone’s production line is booked for three years. It has also sold the Bayraktar Akıncı to four countries.
Finally, Turkey’s exports cut across regions with traction in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Central Europe. In fact, with at least one NATO power in the books (Poland), Turkey’s traction also cross geo-political alignments (albeit to an extent) with sales going both East and West.
So, with such a promising foundation, is Turkey’s defence industry poised to drive more export growth? Could Turkey’s exports one day cross $10 billion USD? Or $20 billion USD? Can it become a ‘top exporter?’
What Does it Take to Become a Top Defence Exporter?
To answer this question, one must look into two areas.
First, how did the ‘traditional’ top exporters (like the United States) emerge? Second, can a ‘new type’ of exporter rise without the same exact foundations of today’s ‘top exporters?’
Don't Stop Here. Unlock the Rest of this Analysis Immediately
To read the rest of this deep dive -- including the honest assessments and comparative analyses that Quwa Plus members rely on -- you need access.
