Roketsan targets top 10 exporter status in wake of Middle East tensions

Turkiye’s Defense Industry Sees Rapid Expansion Amid Global Conflict

Turkiye has significantly expanded its defense industry, becoming a leading global missile exporter in recent years. The country’s military power and technological advancements have enabled it to establish itself as a major player in the global defense sector.

Roketsan, a company founded in 1988, is at the forefront of this expansion. Initially established to supply the Turkish Armed Forces, Roketsan has evolved into the country’s primary manufacturer of missile and rocket systems. The firm currently exports its products to approximately 50 countries, making it one of the fastest-growing defense companies globally.

Turkiye’s defense industry growth was accelerated by restrictions imposed on the country by Western nations. In 2020, the United States imposed sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), targeting Turkiye’s military procurement agency and senior officials. These measures led to Ankara’s exclusion from the F-35 stealth jet program in July 2019.

To circumvent these restrictions, Turkiye built an integrated domestic defense ecosystem. The country now relies on a vast supply chain of nearly 4,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) scattered across the country. As a result, the Turkish defense industry operates with a local production rate exceeding 90 percent.

In 2025, Turkiye’s defense industry reported $10 billion in exports. Roketsan’s General Manager Murat Ikinci stated that the company aims to break into the top 50, then the top 20, and ultimately the top 10 global defense firms. To support this expansion, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan inaugurated several large-scale facilities last week, including projects valued at $1 billion.

Roketsan’s research and development strategy is heavily influenced by data gathered from ongoing global conflicts. The company has developed air defense systems like “ALKA” and “BURC,” alongside the “CIRIT” laser-guided missile. The recent conflict between Israel and Iran showcased the use of complex attacks combining ballistic missiles with swarms of kamikaze drones, highlighting the importance of hypersonic technology.

The Tayfun project is a developing family of long-range missiles that aims to address this need. With investments totaling $3 billion, Roketsan plans to expand its mass production capabilities and further solidify its position in the global defense sector.

Source: Al Jazeera