ISTANBUL — Turkey unveiled a prototype domestic intercontinental ballistic missile at a defense exhibition in Istanbul in May 2026. A promotional video for the missile depicted a hypothetical launch that appeared to target North America.
Defense Minister Yasar Guler urged European allies in April to abandon security arrangements that exclude non-European Union NATO members. Guler argued that restricting security arrangements could negatively impact European security and resilience more than reductions in United States troops. The U.S. plans to withdraw thousands of troops from Germany.
Turkey is largely excluded from the EU's Security Action for Europe program. Turkish defense firms have secured supply deals with Poland, Spain, Portugal, and Romania. Baykar, a Turkish defense company, acquired Italy's Piaggio Aerospace and partnered with Leonardo on defense production initiatives.
A NATO summit is scheduled to take place in Ankara on July 7–8, 2026. President Donald Trump and other NATO leaders are scheduled to attend the summit. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said, "A planned defense industry forum there would be NATO's most comprehensive yet."
Indonesia announced last year that it would purchase 48 Turkish fighter jets currently under development. Turkey supplies weapons to nearly 40 countries, primarily in the Gulf, Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe. The country supplies approximately 65% of the armed drones used globally. Turkish armed drones have been used by Ukrainian forces.
Turkey's defense agency aims to double defense exports within two years. Last year, Turkish defense exports tripled to $10 billion, accounting for approximately 3.7% of the country's total exports. Defense exports to Europe and the U.S. nearly quadrupled since 2021 to reach $5.6 billion last year.
Turkey produces or plans to produce frigates, an aircraft carrier, air defense systems, and armored vehicles. Baykar, Turkish Aerospace Industries, Arca Defense, and Kale are part of Turkey's domestic defense industry. The nation's defense agency increased the number of funded research and development projects to over 1,400 over the five years to 2025.