30th September 2023 – (Istanbul) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Friday that Türkiye has set a robust defence export target of surpassing 6 billion U.S. dollars in 2023.
During his address at a technology festival held in the western province of Izmir, Erdogan highlighted the implementation of 850 diverse defence projects in his country.
“Our defence industry initiatives are yielding remarkable results, leading to exponential growth in our exports,” Erdogan stated, while addressing the attendees of TEKNOFEST, Türkiye’s premier aviation, space, and technology fair.
The president emphasised the rapid progress in testing Kizilelma, a fighter drone capable of launching air-to-air missiles. He expressed confidence that the integration of Kizilelma into the inventory will open new horizons in this field. Additionally, Erdogan mentioned Türkiye’s strides in the production of the KAAN, a fifth-generation combat aircraft.
Drawing attention to a significant achievement earlier this year, Erdogan mentioned the commissioning of TCG Anadolu, Türkiye’s largest ship. The vessel, serving as an amphibious assault vessel for the Turkish Navy, can be configured as both a landing helicopter dock and a drone carrier.
Erdogan underscored that in 2022, Türkiye achieved 4.5 billion dollars in defence exports, demonstrating the country’s strength in the global market. He affirmed that the target for the current year is to surpass 6 billion dollars, reflecting the nation’s ambitious aspirations and commitment to expanding its defence industry.
The Turkish president’s announcement highlights Türkiye’s dedication to developing a robust defence sector and positioning itself as a prominent player in the international defence market. With a focus on technological advancements and innovation, Türkiye aims to bolster its export capabilities and solidify its position as a leading defence exporter.
President Erdogan’s remarks at the technology festival shed light on Türkiye’s determination to achieve its ambitious targets, showcasing the country’s commitment to advancing its defence industry and contributing to global security.