Türkiye boosts defense exports as Sancar unveiled

2026-02-24 - 21:02

Türkiye regards digital sovereignty in the defense sector as a core pillar of national security, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday during the launch ceremony of the Sancar unmanned naval vehicle. Addressing an audience at the event, Erdogan emphasized that Türkiye now designs proprietary technologies, develops domestic software, and supplies defense products to global markets.Sancar strengthens unmanned naval capacity The Sancar, developed by Turkish defense company Havelsan in cooperation with Yonca Shipyard, was introduced as a next-generation unmanned naval platform tailored to modern maritime operations. Equipped with the ADVENT ROTA network-supported integrated combat management system, the vessel marks the first time Havelsan has implemented this mission system on an unmanned surface vehicle. Erdogan stated that the platform enhances Türkiye’s surveillance, operational reach, and maritime security capabilities. Havelsan expands defense ecosystem At the same ceremony, new facilities belonging to Havelsan were officially opened. Erdogan described the investment as part of a broader strategic roadmap aimed at expanding the capacity and global footprint of the Turkish defense industry. Once completed, the Havelsan complex is expected to become Europe’s largest production and integration center for simulation technologies, reinforcing Türkiye’s ambition to lead in advanced defense systems and software-driven military solutions. Rising defense exports and global ranking Highlighting growth in defense and aerospace exports, Erdogan said Türkiye recorded a 48 percent year-on-year increase in overseas defense sales last year, surpassing $10 billion. He contrasted this figure with $248 million in 2002, noting Türkiye’s current position as the world’s 11th-largest defense exporter. “By reaching our export target of $11 billion in 2028, we will enter the top 10 countries in the world in defense and aerospace exports,” he said. Project volume in the defense sector is expected to exceed $100 billion by the end of 2025, with more than 1,400 active programs underway. Bayraktar TB3 showcased at NATO exercise Erdogan also pointed to the performance of the Bayraktar TB3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle during a recent NATO military exercise in Germany. Referring to the joint participation of the Turkish Armed Forces, the Bayraktar TB3 drone, and the TCG Anadolu amphibious assault ship, he said: “Our army, along with our Bayraktar TB3 and TCG Anadolu ship, wrote a veritable epic at the NATO exercise in Germany.”