The West, which once tried to stop Türkiye with an arms embargo, now wants the products of the domestic defense industry. Half of the $11 billion exports are to NATO. So how did we get to this day?

The NATO Summit held in Ankara was proof that Türkiye, which was once largely dependent on foreign arms manufacturers, is now becoming a leading actor in shaping the global security architecture. Today, the Turkish defense industry is one of the sectors that makes the highest contribution to the Turkish economy with over 4 thousand companies, a project size exceeding 100 billion dollars, nearly 100 thousand employees and an export performance of 11 billion dollars. Approximately 56 percent of defense industry exports are made to NATO and EU countries. The average export value per kilogram of products is approximately 40 times the Turkish export average of 1.62 dollars. The average export unit value of a product is 65.16 dollars.

STARTING STRIKE CYPRUS OPERATION
So how did Türkiye get to this point? Increasing foreign military aid after joining NATO in 1952, although meeting Türkiye’s defense needs, weakened its will to production. The ‘Truman Doctrine’ and the ‘Marshall Plan’ undermined efforts to develop a domestic defense industry. The Western embargo began during the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation. Embargoes were the breaking point in the establishment of the domestic defense industry. Türkiye went through a paradigm change. He established various foundations to support the defense industry. With the support of these foundations, Aselsan, Roketsan, TUSAŞ, Havelsan, Aspilsan, TÜBİTAK Defense Industry Research and Development Institute, which is the apple of the eye of the Turkish defense industry today, was opened. Starting from the 1990s, the Turkish defense industry switched from off-the-shelf procurement to a joint production model in supply projects. However, not enough resources were transferred to the defense industry for R&D. At that time, the off-set period began in the defense industry. In exchange for high-cost military purchases from foreign companies, technology transfer, participation of domestic industry in production, export of domestic products and R&D investments began to be demanded.

THE JUMP AFTER 2003
Although Türkiye did not have a completely independent defense industry at that time, it took important steps to reduce its external dependence. After the 2000s, more resources began to be allocated to the defense industry. On the 100th anniversary of the Republic, the National Technology Move was launched under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Critical technologies and products began to be designed, developed and produced with national resources. The Undersecretariat for Defense Industries was transformed. Participation of private sector companies in defense projects was encouraged. The Defense Industry Support Fund was created to ensure faster financing of projects. These strategic moves paved the way for permanent and sustainable growth in the defense industry. With these moves, the production model, which was based on the assembly industry in the past, evolved into the development of original projects such as domestic UAVs/SIHAs, Steel Dome air defense architecture, TCG Anadolu and KAAN by increasing the engineering power.

INCREASE IN EXPORTS
Türkiye has now become a country that manufactures its own cannons, builds its own ships, and develops its own UAVs, UCAVs, missiles, radar systems, satellites, software and ammunition. The export figure, which was 248 million dollars annually 25 years ago, can now be achieved in almost a few days. In its statement the previous day, the Presidency of Defense Industries announced that defense and aerospace exports exceeded 11 billion dollars in the last year. While foreign sales reached 178 countries around the world, the largest markets of the sector were NATO and European Union countries. 56 percent of these exports were made to NATO countries. The export value per kilogram in the defense industry reached 40 times the Turkish average. Türkiye entered the top 10 exporting countries globally.

WE BECAME THE PRODUCER OF THE WEST
Companies such as TAI, Roketsan, Aselsan, Baykar are the locomotive companies of defense exports. Aselsan realizes more than 50 percent of its total exports to NATO countries. Aselsan products are used in 21 different NATO countries. TAI has reinforced its leadership in the aviation category with its exports of 599 million dollars. Bayraktar TB2 UCAV platforms are actively working not only in Asia and Africa, but also in NATO and the EU. Poland is the first NATO country to purchase Bayraktar TB2 from Türkiye and add it to its inventory. Likewise, Romania signed a supply contract with BAYKAR. Croatia has incorporated Bayraktar TB2s into its armed forces. Albania strengthened its inventory with BAYKAR UAVs. Ukraine is one of the allied countries that uses Bayraktar TB2s most effectively in the field. European and NATO allies show great interest in Roketsan’s high production capacity against changing conventional threats after the Ukraine war. TAYFUN Missile Family, Smart Munitions and UAV Systems, Ballistic and Air Defense Missiles are on NATO’s radar. For the first time in its history, Türkiye exported warships to a NATO and European Union member country (Romania). Havelsan achieved a historical success by exporting to a NATO member country (Romania) for the first time with the local and national ADVENT Combat Management System (SYS) it developed.

THE UNIMAGINABLE HAS BEEN DONE
The historical steps taken under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to break the chain of foreign dependency in the defense industry have made Türkiye a strategic actor. Despite the embargoes and restrictions encountered, the defense industry has reached levels that were unimaginable 25 years ago.

EMBARGOES PUSHED DOMESTIC PRODUCTION
Western embargoes further strengthened the moves in the defense industry. Following the arms embargo imposed after the 1974 Cyprus operation, the foundations of defense industry companies were laid. During the Trench Operations, in which we eradicated the PKK in the Southeast, and during the fight against PYD/YPG and DAESH in Syria, the West initiated an arms embargo. Armed UAVs, general purpose helicopters and smart munitions were not allowed. HIMARS were resisted, Türkiye produced its own Hurricane. Tomahawk missile was not given, Roketsan developed SOM, Cirit and laser guided missiles. Herons did not arrive from Israel, Bayraktar and Anka UAVs appeared on the scene. Didn’t Germany give G-3, MP-5, MG-3? Türkiye produced MPT-76. The national frigate project was undermined as Turkish ships began drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean. Roketsan developed domestic and national vertical launch systems. Turkish Engine Industry (TEI) was activated in case the ATAK helicopter’s US-origin engine was not allowed. The sale of the camera system used in UAVs has been stopped. Aselsan produced CATS camera systems. Akıncı UAV’s engine, satcom, AESA Radar, camera and other critical subsystems were domestic. When the process of acquiring a long-range air defense system caused a crisis, Aselsan, Roketsan, TÜBİTAK SAGE started the construction of the domestic system.

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, in his speech within the scope of the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on Natural Gas Supply to TRNC between Turkey and TRNC, said that the multifaceted relationship based on common history and strategic cooperation between the two countries is maintained with the understanding of solidarity and common development.

“WE HAVE REACHED A VERY IMPORTANT STAGE”

Stating that many important steps have been taken from past to present to ensure the energy supply security of the TRNC and the development of its economy, Bayraktar said, “To date, we have shipped a total of seven mobile power plants to the island and successfully installed them. We continue to support maintenance activities for their smooth and uninterrupted operation. We have been supplying the liquid fuel (fuel oil) that Cyprus needs in terms of energy supply security, through our public companies, since 2021. In the future, we will continue to ensure the energy supply security of Northern Cyprus.” “We will continue to resolutely maintain all kinds of support and partnerships aimed at strengthening the he said.

Bayraktar explained that a new and very important stage has been reached with joint efforts to meet the increasing energy demand of the TRNC in a safe, uninterrupted, sustainable and cheaper way.

“IT WILL STRENGTHEN STRATEGIC COOPERATION”

Stating that the work on the construction of the undersea natural gas pipeline system between Türkiye and TRNC will be started after the signatures, Bayraktar continued his words as follows:

“Within the scope of this project, we will build a natural gas transmission line approximately 101 kilometers long, 97 kilometers at sea and 4 kilometers on land. It is planned to build two 22-inch pipelines on this line, starting from Anamur and coming to Teknecik. We also designed this line in a bidirectional way, that is, to pass gas from north to south and from south to north, that is, from Türkiye to the island, and from the island to deliver a future gas source to our country and from there to Europe.” “We will accelerate our efforts to use the natural gas to be delivered to the island, primarily in electricity generation. This project, which will be an important part of the energy transformation and energy supply security of Northern Cyprus, will establish uninterrupted electricity supply and further strengthen the strategic cooperation between our countries.”

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, in his post on his NSosyal account, stated that they are on the anniversary of the historical day when Hagia Sophia Mosque was reopened for worship with the signature of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Pointing out that Hagia Sophia is the “symbol of conquest”, Ersoy said, “We are carrying this sacred trust to the future in its original form by continuing the most comprehensive restoration works in the history of the Republic with great sensitivity in Hagia Sophia, the unique trust of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. I would like to express my gratitude to our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who pioneered the reopening of Hagia Sophia for worship.”

We are on the anniversary of the historical day when the longing ended with the signature of our President, Mr. @RTErdogan, and the Hagia Sophia Mosque was reopened for worship.

The symbol of conquest, the unique relic of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, is in Hagia Sophia; The most comprehensive restoration in the history of the Republic… pic.twitter.com/V3gliqFJ8B

— Mehmet Nuri Ersoy (@MehmetNuriErsoy) July 10, 2026

Breaking News… TRNC President Tufan Erhürman, who fell ill at the event held in the old presidential building in the capital Nicosia, was taken to Dr. by ambulance. Burhan Nalbantoğlu was taken to the State Hospital Cardiology Service and received treatment.

“DIFFICULTY DUE TO LOW PRESSURE”

In the statement made by the TRNC Presidency, it was stated that President Tufan Erhürman suffered an illness due to low blood pressure during the event he attended in the old presidential building.

For control purposes, Dr. It was noted that the general condition of President Erhürman, who was taken to the Cardiology Service of Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital, was in good condition and the further examination and observation process was continuing.

“HEALTH STATUS IS STABLE”

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Minister of Health Hakan Dinçyürek said that TRNC President Tufan Erhürman’s health condition is stable.

Dinçyürek held a press conference with Doctor Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital Chief Physician Hasan Birtan and cardiology doctor Eser Varış regarding Erhürman’s health condition.

Minister Dinçyürek, in his statement to journalists, stated that Erhürman came to the hospital in the evening and all checks have been made so far.

Stating that President Erhürman’s health condition is stable and that no symptoms have been found, Dinçyürek stated that he will probably spend the night under surveillance in the hospital for control purposes.

According to the decisions published with the signature of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Ministry of National Defense Deputy General Manager of Personnel Sadık Erbay and Deputy General Manager of Supply Services Ali Külüş were dismissed, while Muhammet Samet Bulat was appointed as the Deputy General Manager of Personnel and İlyas Aktiken was appointed as the Deputy General Manager of Supply Services.

Ministry of Family and Social Services Adıyaman Provincial Director Hasan Bilici and Giresun Provincial Director Mustafa Modaoğlu were dismissed.

In addition, Adem Yücel was appointed as Amasya Provincial Directorate of the Ministry, Ender Yanık was appointed as Giresun Provincial Directorate, Murat Karaarslan was appointed as Mardin Provincial Directorate, Fatih Yılmaz was appointed as Şanlıurfa Provincial Directorate and Alper Alp was appointed as Yozgat Provincial Directorate.

With the decision, Türkay Dalan, General Director of Information Technologies of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, was dismissed and replaced by Ferit Meftun Harmankaya.

On the other hand, Ministry of National Education Bolu Provincial Director of National Education Fatih Öncü was dismissed from his post and Cemal Turan was appointed in his place.

Breaking News… After the indictment prepared against Mehmet Akif Ersoy and 6 defendants, who were arrested within the scope of the drug investigation, was returned by the Istanbul 19th High Criminal Court to which it was sent, on the grounds that the missing issues were eliminated, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office completed the deficiencies in the indictment.

Istanbul 19th High Criminal Court decided to accept the indictment sent for re-evaluation. The trial is expected to begin after the memorandum of intent will be prepared.

DETAILS FROM THE INDICTMENT

In the indictment, Burcu Akyüz, Dilek Olgun, Melis Asena Özkan, Reyhan Köse, Buse Öztay, Ebru Gülan, Ece Topgül, Elif Kılınç, Gizem Ayabaktı, Meltem Acet and Şevkiye Dilara Yıldız are “victims”, Mehmet Akif Ersoy, Ahmet Göçmez, Mustafa Manaz, Nurullah Mahmut Dündar, Taner Çağlı, Tolga Aykut. and Ufuk Tetik were listed as “suspect”.

In the indictment, in the notice sent to the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command on November 2, 2025, it was stated that “HaberTürk Television Editor-in-Chief Mehmet Akif Ersoy, Ela Rümeysa Cebeci and Merve S, who previously worked on this channel, used drugs and stimulants, that Ersoy organized entertainment-style events and provided drugs and stimulants in this environment, that he made the women around him use drugs and stimulants, weakened the will of women and had sexual intercourse with these women with more than one person.” It is stated that there is information about “what they experienced”.