As the importance of the Defense and Aerospace Industry—one of the sectors with high export capacity—has grown, trade in defense products has likewise gained increasing significance. Through the export of defense and aerospace systems, countries not only generate foreign currency and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for similar imports, but domestic firms also gain the financial resources needed to further develop their production infrastructure and expand their product portfolios. 

Exports play a critical role in building a sustainable and competitive defense industry and are essential for maintaining international competitiveness in the sector. Recognizing the importance of exports for long-term sustainability, Türkiye—under the guidance and support of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB)—has achieved significant momentum over the past decade in exporting indigenously developed, NATO-standard defense and aerospace products. By offering original, domestically produced systems that are not subject to political restrictions or linked to issues such as democratization, human rights, or minority rights—and doing so at prices considerably more competitive than Western alternatives—the Turkish Defense and Aerospace Industry has emerged as a major actor in international defense markets and a strong alternative to U.S. and EU suppliers.