Türkiye’s Defense Exports Hit $7.4B, Eyes Top 10 by 2028

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced that Türkiye’s defense and aviation exports reached $7.445 billion over the past 11 months, a 30 per cent increase from the same period last year.

Speaking at the Commissioning of Naval Platforms Ceremony, Erdoğan said Türkiye is currently the 11th largest defense exporter globally and aims to join the world’s top 10 by 2028, targeting $11 billion in exports, The Caspian Post reports via local media.

He emphasized that Türkiye’s defense projects focus not only on product development but also on expanding the ecosystem and technology production capacity.

Erdoğan highlighted Türkiye’s ability to develop and launch its own warships, noting that construction has begun on a 300-meter-long aircraft carrier, set to be the “elder brother” of TCG Anadolu.

“All these investments we have implemented are not to prepare for war, but to protect peace, independence, and our future,” he said, stressing that projects cover land, sea, air, and cyberspace deterrence, from R&D to mass production, using domestic resources.

The president also welcomed Pakistani guests, highlighting the strong, historic friendship between Türkiye and Pakistan. He noted progress on the MİLGEM corvettes for the Pakistan Navy, with PNS Khaibar delivered in 2024, PNS Bedir scheduled for June 2026, and PNS Tarik in early 2027.

Erdoğan added, “I wish these state-of-the-art vessels to be beneficial for the brotherly Pakistan Navy.”