Turkey Records 44.2% Growth in Defense and Aerospace Exports
Turkey's Defense and Aerospace Exports Surge, Setting New Record in January 2026
Turkey's defense and aerospace sector has started 2026 with remarkable momentum, announcing a record monthly export figure of $555.3 million for January. This represents a substantial year-on-year increase of 44.2%.
Official Announcement and Strategic Context
The data was released by Haluk Görgün, Head of the Turkish Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB). He framed the achievement as a continuation of the sector's historic performance in 2025, which saw annual exports reach $10.54 billion—a 48% annual increase.
“After closing 2025 with historic results, our defense and aerospace industry has begun 2026 with another export record,”
Görgün stated on the social media platform NSosyal. He attributed the success to several key factors:
- The global competitiveness and sustainable growth of the Turkish industry.
- A strong portfolio of high-quality, technologically advanced, and field-proven systems.
- Long-term trust-based partnerships with international allies.
Görgün also credited the nation's strategic policy framework, stating this achievement results from the "planned, stable, and forward-looking" policies implemented under the National Technology Initiative, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Broader Turkish Export Landscape in January 2026
According to broader data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), the defense and aerospace sector's record, while significant, was part of a larger export picture for the month:
- Chemical Industry: Led overall exports at $3.1 billion.
- Chemical Products: Ranked second with $2.3 billion.
- Electrical and Electronics Industry: Exported $1.3 billion.
The title for the fastest-growing export sector in January, however, went to shipbuilding, yachting, and services, which recorded a staggering growth rate of 102.6%.
The January figures solidify Turkey's position as a growing global player in the defense and aerospace market, indicating a sustained upward trajectory for the strategically vital sector.
