The first initiative in establishing a defense industry (Ottoman Turkish: İmalat-ı Harbiye) in Turkey goes back to the period of the Ottoman Empire. Defense industry which had a strong position up until the 17th century, stayed outside the technological developments in Europe since the 18th century and has totally lost its impact starting from World War I.
Thus, no significant defense industry infrastructure was present during the first years of the Republic and activities in this domain were limited to the establishment of new facilities near Ankara during the Turkish War of Independence. Having the view that defence industry is a part of the overall industrialization and development, the Republican Administration supported the State's guidance in industrialization and therefore the defense industry during the first planning period. Despite such activities as the in-country aircraft production, a strong –infrastructure could not be established due to internal and external conditions.
In the post World War II Period, activities in defense industry initiated during the first years of the Republic were not sufficient due to lack of State support, which came to a halt as a result of the foreign military aid received upon promotion of bilateral relations with the United States and Turkey's membership of NATO.
However, regional problems Turkey faced in the 1960s, Cyprus crises in 1963 and 1967, Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 and the arms embargo following the invasion necessitated the development of a defence industry based on national resources. After 1974, Turkish Armed Forces Foundation were established with this understanding and some investments, though limited were initiated.
Besides the administrative and financial difficulties in maintaining and improving the national capabilities, limited national resources as well as the procurement policies proved insufficient to fill the increasing gap in Turkish Armed Forces defence equipment.
1923-1950
Machinery, craftsmen and workmen transferred discreetly from Istanbul and its surroundings at the end of the First World War played a crucial role in winning the War of Independence. Small scale and simple workshops in Ankara, Konya, Eskişehir, Keskin and Erzurum not only provided light weapons and ammunition but also lay the foundation for a sound local defence industry infrastructure.
General Directorate of Military Facilities was set up in 1921. Establishing and industry of weapons and ammunition was discussed for the first time during the İzmir Congress of Economics. In 1924 a facility for repair of light weapons and artillery and another facility for ammunition and carpenter work in Ankara; in 1924 a new ammunition facility in Ankara; in 1930 a capsule facility in Kayaş; in 1931 a power plant and steel facility in Kırıkkale; in 1936 a facility for gunpowder, rifle and artillery; in 1943 a facility for gas masks in Mamak were established. In addition, Nuri KILLIGİL facility set up near Haliç region, İstanbul; in 1930 was then one of two private firms producing weapons. Producing pistols, 81mm mortar and its ammunition, explosives and pyrotechnics, this facility provided support to the Turkish Armed Forces during World War II.
In 1924, Gölcük Shipyard was set up for the maintenance of Yavuz battle cruiser. In 1941, Taşkızak Shipyard was reactivated.
Turkish aviation industry was initiated through the establishment of Tayyare ve Motor Türk AŞ (TamTAŞ) in 1926. The facilities of TamTAŞ established in Kayseri, started production in 1928; until 1939, a total of 112 aircraft –15 German Junkers A-20s, 15 US Hawk fighters, 10 US Fledgling trainers, 15 German Gotha liaison aircraft –were produced. After completion of the maintenance of the aircraft in the inventory of the Turkish Air Force Command, TamTAŞ suspended aircraft production in 1939.
24 Nu. 37 aircraft and many gliders were produced in the aircraft facility founded by Nuri DEMİRDAĞ in Istanbul in 1936. but this private firm was out of operation in 1943.
The first major initiative in the aviation industry was the formation of an aircraft facility by Turkish Aviation Association in Ankara, 1941. Starting production in 1944, this facility produced 80 Miles Magister trainer aircraft, two –engine ambulance aircraft THK-10 light transport aircraft, 60 Ugur two-seater trainer aircraft and various types of gliders. The first aircraft engine facility was set up in Ankara, in 1945 and started production in 1948. various facilities were established in Malatya between 1942 and 1943 in order to repair and maintain the aircraft procured from the United Kingdom during the IInd World War.
Foreign military aid that started upon Turkey's membership in NATO and increased within a short period stalled the development of local defence industry which was at its preliminary stage of formation.
1950-1960
Instead of improving the local defence industry, foreign aid and foreign procurement were practiced during this period. Because of the Cold War and military and political polarization after the 2nd World War, Turkey met its defence requirements through and in the framework of the NATO.
Within the impact of the increasing foreign aid in the post-IInd World War period, efforts for the development of local defence industry slowed down; orders of the Turkish Armed Forces from the local suppliers decreased, thus military facilities became a part of the Machinery and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKEK) which was formed as a State Economic Enterprise on 15 March 1950.
Development of, weaponry and equipment in the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces was kept on the agenda by the Research and Development Department formed in 1954 under the Ministry of Defence in 1970, development studies of defence industry were reactivated.
It was a period regional conflicts and the Cyprus issue. Cyprus crises in 1963 and 1967 and the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, the arms embargo imposed on Turkey as a result of this invasion proved the need for a national defence industry. During the crises, Turkey was face with the difficulty of dependence on foreign supply. The deadlock experienced in this period caused to seek ways to reactivate national defence industry. During this period in which investments based on import substitution were common, production of G-3 and MG-3 rifles by the MKEK under German licenses were concrete examples of this policy put into practice.
1970–1980
1970s have been the period in which solid initiatives were put into force so as to establish a national defence industry. As a result of the national reaction to the arms embargo against Turkey, Armed Forces Foundation were established. Although these Foundations formed enterprises such as Aselsan, Havelsan, Aspilsan thanks to the donations, it was soon realized that the actual need for a defence industry as required by the contemporary age could not be met through the Foundations.
1980-1985
In the 1980s, state initiative was undertaken to realize the modernization of the Turkish Armed Forces and the establishment of a national defence industry based on contemporary technology was set as the primary goal.
The first step in this direction was taken by the establishment of defence equipment Directorate as a state enterprise. However, the shortcomings stemming from its state-bound status prevented the success and all the properties of that enterprise were transferred to the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM) which was established in 1985 under the Law No: 3238
Today's Turkish defense industry
TAI Anka is a family of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries. Turkey has 47 active TAI Anka in its inventoryMILGEM project office focused on building a modern littoral combat ship with authentic anti-submarine warfare and high-seas patrol capability
Turkey's defense industry has seen substantial growth and transformation over recent decades, driven by a strategic vision to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and enhance national security capabilities. This transformation has been characterized by increased domestic production, significant investments in research and development, and growing export markets.
Domestic production and indigenous projects: The Turkish defense industry has focused on developing indigenous systems and platforms. Notable examples include the Altay Main Battle Tank, the Bayraktar TB2 UAV, and the Hürjet training and light attack aircraft. These projects reflect Turkey's commitment to self-reliance and technological advancement.
Technological innovation: Advances in technology have played a crucial role in Turkey's defense strategy. The development of systems like the ASELPOD Targeting Pod and TAI TF Kaan fighter jet are prime examples of how Turkish defense firms are integrating cutting-edge technologies into their products.[1]
Strategic collaborations and export growth: Turkey has increasingly engaged in strategic collaborations with international partners while also expanding its defense exports. Key partnerships include joint development projects with countries like Qatar and Ukraine, reflecting Turkey's growing influence in the global defense market. The export of Bayraktar TB2 UAVs to multiple countries has particularly highlighted Turkey's capacity to produce competitive defense products.
Shift in defense procurement: Recent procurement decisions, such as the acquisition of the S-400 missile defense system from Russia, demonstrate Turkey's strategic pivot towards more autonomous defense policies. This decision, driven by political and strategic considerations, marked a significant shift in Turkey's defense procurement practices and its relations with NATO allies.
Economic impact
The growth of the Turkish defense industry has had a substantial economic impact. Defense exports have surged, contributing to the national economy and creating a robust defense-industrial base. From 2012 to 2022, Turkey's defense and aerospace imports decreased, showcasing the effectiveness of policies aimed at fostering domestic production.
Challenges and future directions
Despite these advancements, Turkey faces challenges, including balancing its defense needs with diplomatic relations, particularly with NATO allies. The cancellation of Turkey's participation in the F-35 program due to the S-400 procurement is a notable example of the complexities in its defense strategies.
Looking forward, Turkey aims to continue its trajectory of innovation and self-reliance in defense technology. Ongoing projects like the TAI TF Kaan fighter jet and the SİPER long-range SAM system highlight the future directions of Turkey's defense industry, focusing on indigenous capabilities and strategic partnerships.
Electronic and softwareModel of reconnaissance and military satellite Göktürk-2 at the stand of TAI during the IDEF 2015T129 ATAK helicopter of the Turkish Army at the stand of TAI during the IDEF 2015
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
