Türkiye Reinforces Defence Vision at IDEF’25 Summit
Strategic Messages from Türkiye’s Defence Leadership
Türkiye’s defence industry was at the forefront of IDEF’25—one of the most significant defence and aerospace events in Eurasia. President of the Defence Industry Agency (SSB), Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, delivered a powerful keynote that reasserted Türkiye’s determination to be a sovereign, tech-driven security actor. Görgün emphasized that defence capability is not merely about procurement but about indigenous innovation, deterrence, and alliance-building.
Defence as a Pillar of Strategic Autonomy
Görgün defined Türkiye defence industry development as a central pillar of the nation’s sovereignty. “A nation without defence autonomy cannot claim full independence,” he stated, underlining the state’s commitment to sustaining high local content ratios in critical platforms—from UAVs to naval systems. He noted that 80% of projects managed by SSB are now being fulfilled by domestic firms, up from just 20% two decades ago.
Technology Leadership and Export Diplomacy
Türkiye defence industry is increasingly shaping global arms exports. Görgün highlighted that defence diplomacy—exporting not just products but know-how and partnership models—has become a strategic asset. The nation currently exports to over 170 countries, with flagship platforms such as Bayraktar TB2, Hisar air defence systems, and the Altay tank drawing global interest.
IDEF’25 acts as both a showroom and a geopolitical platform. According to Görgün, “Each partnership we establish at IDEF is not just a commercial step—it is a step toward global strategic balance.”
Türkiye’s Defence Industry: Numbers That Matter
The Türkiye defence industry reached over $5.5 billion in exports in 2024, with a total turnover of $12 billion, according to official SSB data. More than 3,500 projects are currently active, and the number of certified local suppliers exceeds 2,500. SAHA Istanbul, the country’s largest industrial cluster, plays a central role in enabling this capacity through its membership of over 1,300 companies.
Alignment with NATO and Strategic Autonomy
While underlining Türkiye’s full commitment to NATO, Görgün reiterated the importance of technological sovereignty. Türkiye defence industry’s involvement in DIANA, the NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator, and its push for dual-use innovation were presented as evidence of a balanced approach: international engagement without sacrificing national interests.
Conclusion: A Nation Engineering Its Future
IDEF’25 is not merely a defence fair—it is the blueprint of Türkiye’s national ambition. Through the Defence Industry Agency and clusters like SAHA Istanbul, Türkiye defence industry continues to transform from a buyer to a builder, from a partner to a leader.
Türkiye defence industry’s trajectory will be increasingly shaped by its capacity to integrate innovation, diplomacy, and strategic foresight. As IDEF’25 demonstrates, this vision is no longer a projection—it is already underway.
Read more on Türkiye’s defence innovation projects: [SAHA 2026 International Defence and Aerospace Exhibition]
For deeper insights into NATO’s innovation strategy, visit: [NATO DIANA Official Website]
