Derya Arms Starts 2026 Strong with Surging Demand in the U.S. Market
Derya Arms, a Konya-based domestic firearms manufacturer, has accelerated its growth in the U.S. market by securing an additional 15,000-unit order on top of its existing production over the past two months.
With 28 years of experience in the Turkish defense industry, Derya Arms achieved a notable commercial success in the U.S. market in the first quarter of 2026. Following the SHOT Show, one of the world’s largest commercial gatherings in the firearms sector, the company secured orders from North American buyers totaling 10,000 units of its newly launched DY9Z pistol and 5,000 units of the Derya MAX shotgun. This order volume not only demonstrates strong market acceptance of its products but also highlights the tangible outcomes of the company’s U.S. growth strategy.
Derya Arms General Coordinator Hüsamettin Kayhan emphasized that the order volume is not merely a temporary post-exhibition effect but has translated directly into commercial results: “After participating in the SHOT Show in Las Vegas, we entered 2026 with strong order momentum. At the exhibition, where 2,744 companies showcased their products, our engagements with industry professionals quickly turned into concrete orders within weeks. We received orders for 10,000 DY9Z pistols and 5,000 Derya MAX shotguns from North America alone. These two next-generation models we introduced to international stakeholders have found strong market traction.”
The U.S. Market at the Core of Growth
The latest orders mark a significant milestone in Derya Arms’ United States-focused growth strategy, as the company exports to more than 85 countries. As part of this strategy, the company has also established a local manufacturing presence through its first overseas production facility, founded in 2024 in the state of Florida under the name South Derya Co.
The United States represents one of the largest civilian firearms and equipment markets in the world. According to data from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the sector contributes over $90 billion annually to the U.S. economy. Noting that this scale presents both intense competition and significant opportunities, Kayhan stated: “The orders we have received in the U.S. over the past two months demonstrate that we are successfully establishing our presence in this highly competitive market and that our products are meeting demand. By strengthening our manufacturing and distribution infrastructure in the U.S., we aim to transform this demand into sustainable growth.”
New Products Gain Market Traction
The DY9Z and Derya MAX models offered to the U.S. market are positioned as next-generation products addressing different user needs. The compact DY9Z stands out in the everyday carry segment, while the Derya MAX platform appeals to a broad user base with its adaptable, multi-configuration structure.
Industry data indicate a growing demand for modular and user-friendly products in recent years. While the global small arms market is estimated to grow at an average annual rate of 4-5%, the share of innovative products in this growth continues to increase. The order volume achieved by Derya Arms, with its new products, reflects this trend. The company aims to enhance its global competitiveness by placing both engineering excellence and user experience at the center of its product development processes.
28 Years of Manufacturing Strength Translates into Global Success
Derya Arms is among the founding partners of Konya Savunma Sanayi A.Ş., a shareholder of ASELSAN Konya Weapon Systems Inc. The company continues to support its manufacturing strength, established in Türkiye 28 years ago, with global operations. Its production and commercial presence in the United States enables faster access to international markets and contributes to the expansion of its export network.
Highlighting that the company’s momentum in the U.S. market also reflects the international competitiveness and export potential of the Turkish defense industry, Derya Arms General Coordinator Hüsamettin Kayhan concluded: “The recent increase in orders indicates not only rising demand but also the strengthening of our brand’s global position. In the coming period, we will focus on delivering current orders while expanding our distributor network and further deepening our commercial presence in the United States.”
