Türkiye’s defense and aviation industry has achieved a landmark $7.2 billion in exports during 2024, representing a 29% increase as the country transforms from an import-dependent to a major global defense exporter, according to senior industry officials. Haluk Bayraktar, Chairman of SAHA Istanbul’s Board of Directors, announced that Türkiye’s high and medium-high technology-level industrial production has reached a 47% share, significantly surpassing low-technology sectors at 17%.
“Türkiye’s high and medium-high technology level industrial production reached a 47% share, managing to rise well above the 17% share of low-technology areas,” Bayraktar said during SAHA Istanbul’s 6th Ordinary General Assembly Meeting. “We witnessed the multiplier effect of the National Technology Initiative spreading throughout the entire economy. ” The defense industry clustering organization has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from just 27 members a decade ago to over 1,300 members today, establishing itself as Europe’s largest industrial cluster.Bayraktar highlighted the global context, noting that worldwide defense spending has reached $2.7 trillion, reflecting geopolitical tensions and security concerns, particularly with significant increases in Africa and Europe over the past five years.
