Türkiye’s Share in Global Arms Exports Rises Sharply
Türkiye’s Share in Global Arms Exports Rises Significantly in 2021–2025
ISTANBUL – Türkiye has markedly increased its footprint in the international defense market, securing the 11th position among the world's largest arms suppliers during the 2021–2025 period. This finding comes from a comprehensive report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) on March 9.
The nation's share of global arms exports experienced a substantial surge, climbing from 0.9% in the 2016–2020 timeframe to 1.8% in 2021–2025. This represents a remarkable increase of 122%. The primary destinations for Turkish defense products during this period were:
- Pakistan (16%)
- United Arab Emirates (12%)
- Ukraine (8.4%)
The growth trajectory is further underscored by newly released trade figures. According to the Türkiye Exporters’ Assembly (TİM), the country's defense and aerospace industry achieved a record $10.05 billion in exports for the full year of 2025. Momentum has carried into 2026, with February alone seeing exports of $553.4 million—a 27.2% increase compared to the same month the previous year. Cumulatively, the first two months of 2026 have generated $1.11 billion in exports, marking a 35.1% year-on-year rise.
On the import side, Türkiye ranked 24th globally. The country's arms imports saw a decline, dropping from 1.5% of the global share in 2016–2020 to 1.2% in 2021–2025, a decrease of 9.7%.
Global Arms Trade Dynamics
The SIPRI report highlights a 9.2% increase in global arms flows during the 2021–2025 period. A significant driver of this growth is Europe, where imports more than tripled. This surge is largely attributed to extensive military support for Ukraine and broader efforts by European nations to reinforce their own military capabilities in response to heightened concerns over Russia.
European countries now account for 33% of global arms imports. Notably, nearly half (48%) of these European imports were supplied by the United States.
The United States solidifies its position as the world's dominant arms exporter, responsible for 42% of all global transfers. France follows as the second-largest exporter with a 9.8% share, marking a 21% growth in its exports. The report notes that Russia was the only exporter among the top 10 to experience a decline in its sales. Meanwhile, Germany has ascended in the rankings, overtaking China to become the fourth-largest exporter, holding 5.7% of the global market.
