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Turkish defense exports surged 67% to $2.2 billion in the first four months of 2025, Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz announced during the 18th Balkan Countries Chiefs of General Staff Conference in Istanbul, as regional military leaders gathered to discuss unmanned systems and defense cooperation.
The Balkan Defense Conference, hosted by Türkiye for the third time, brought together military chiefs from nine countries to address regional security challenges and explore defense technology cooperation opportunities.
Vice President Yilmaz revealed significant achievements in Turkish defense exports during his address at the conference held in Istanbul's Multinational Joint Warfare Center Command.
"Turkish defense products exported to 185 countries have exceeded 230 in product diversity. In the January-April period of 2025, our exports reached $2.2 billion, with a 67% increase compared to the same period of the previous year. Our goal is to exceed $10 billion in exports annually as soon as possible and enter the league of countries with double-digit exports," Yilmaz stated.
The vice president emphasized that Türkiye now controls 65% of the global drone market, positioning the country as a major player in unmanned aerial systems worldwide.
Yilmaz highlighted the revolutionary transformation in Türkiye's defense industry under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's leadership, noting the increase in domestic supply rates from 20% to 80%.
"Today, over 3,500 companies operate in the Turkish defense industry with more than 1,200 projects and a project volume exceeding $100 billion. With a turnover reaching $18 billion and employment approaching 100,000, the sector reflects Türkiye's technological strength and strategic vision," he explained.
The defense sector now encompasses drone manufacturing, electronic warfare systems, and naval vessel production, with Turkish systems meeting NATO standards and proving successful in operational environments.
Chief of General Staff General Metin Gurak emphasized the critical role of unmanned systems in modern military operations during his opening remarks at the conference themed "Vision for the Use of Unmanned Systems in Future Operational Environments."
"We are facing not only traditional warfare but also new, complex, asymmetric, and hybrid threats such as unmanned systems and artificial intelligence use. This situation shows the diversification and deepening of security risks," Gurak stated.
The general announced that Türkiye has applied to host the NATO Counter-Unmanned Systems Center of Excellence, demonstrating the country's commitment to sharing expertise with allied nations.
Yilmaz addressed multiple regional conflicts during his speech, highlighting Türkiye's diplomatic approach to crisis resolution from the Balkans to the Caucasus, including the Ukraine-Russia war and situations in Syria and Gaza.
Regarding Syria's reconstruction, Yilmaz expressed optimism about recent developments: "With the United States and European Union lifting sanctions, we expect rapid reconstruction in Syria. Within the new political structure that will be formed with an inclusive political approach, Syria will rise to a point that increases stability not only for itself but for the entire region."
The vice president emphasized that a stable Syria would be valuable for the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa regions.
General Gurak stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing contemporary security challenges, noting that no single state or organization can handle security issues alone.
"As soldiers, our main goal is to defend our countries, contribute to global peace by ensuring regional security, and therefore work for the prosperity of our countries. Achieving positive results from such meetings can enable us to take more effective steps to address the current challenges in our region," he said.
The conference included participation from chiefs of general staff from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Greece, and Slovenia, with representatives from Montenegro and Croatia also attending.
Yilmaz emphasized Türkiye's readiness to share knowledge, experience, and technology with friendly nations, particularly focusing on Balkan cooperation.
"We are always ready to share our knowledge, experience, and technology with our friends. In this direction, our Turkish Armed Forces and defense industry are wholeheartedly open to cooperation with Balkan countries," he stated.
The conference participants also visited Baykar, one of the leading companies in unmanned aerial vehicle technology, highlighting practical cooperation opportunities in defense technology.
The Balkan Countries Chiefs of General Staff Conference initiative began in Athens in 2007, with the first Turkish hosting in 2008, followed by another in 2016. This year marks the third time Türkiye has hosted the annual gathering.
NATO Military Committee Chairman and NATO Naples Joint Force Command Deputy Commander also participated in the meeting, emphasizing the alliance's commitment to regional stability.
The conference concluded with the signing of a joint declaration aimed at enhancing cooperation and solidarity in the region, with participants expressing hopes for continued dialogue and constructive collaboration among Balkan nations.
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