[91981] Erdogan presents a dramatic jump in defense exports: Turkey is becoming a maritime power

Turkey deepens its position as a maritime and defense power

In a series of statements released today, June 20, 2026, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan highlighted the meteoric growth of the Turkish defense industry. According to reports from TRT Haber, Turkey is currently ranked 11th in the world in defense exports, with a historic achievement: the first export of a warship to a country that is a member of both NATO and the European Union (Romania).

Erdogan noted that about 23 years ago, annual defense exports totaled only 248 million dollars, a sum that Turkey now achieves within a single week. According to Sputnik Türkiye, which is aligned with the Russian state narrative, the President emphasized that in a "chaotic" geopolitical period, a country's ability to project power in the field is the key to influence in the international arena.

On a technological level, gdh reports that Turkey is currently building over 50 warships simultaneously, of which over 15 are intended for export. The sophisticated systems, including radars, sonars, and command software, are developed by Turkish engineers, with the Indigenization rate standing at over 80%.

In addition, it was declared that Turkey is becoming the seventh country in the world with the capability to design and produce aircraft carriers, a project known as MUGEM. Erdogan clarified that the goal is not to create regional tensions, but to "strengthen peace and stability," while maintaining Turkey's right to prevent threats to its national security.