Türkiye is a world leader in drones production and ranks 11th globally in defense industry exports, the Turkish president said on Sunday.
Speaking at a meeting of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party in the capital Ankara, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said: "Türkiye is a world leader in uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) production and ranks 11th globally in defense industry exports."
The country is on the verge of a great transformation and exciting economic breakthrough, he said, adding that "developments in our region will facilitate this process."
Erdoğan said the government had prepared a reform program for the "Century of Türkiye," which he described as "comprehensive" that will "enhance our country's growth potential and productivity."
In 2024, Türkiye's defense and aerospace industry exports reached a record-breaking $7.154 billion, marking a 29% increase compared to the previous year and exceeding the year's target of $6.5 billion by 11%.
According to Haluk Gorgun, head of the country's Defense Industries Secretariat, Turkish defense products were exported to 180 different countries, reflecting the sector's expanding global reach.
Türkiye also strengthened its presence in the world's top 100 defense industry companies.
The country made significant strides in drone exports, delivering to more several countries.
Baykar, a key player in the industry, exported Bayraktar TB2 armed drones to 27 countries, including six NATO and four EU members, reinforcing Türkiye's role as a leading supplier in the field.
The steady expansion of the defense sector highlights Türkiye's growing influence in global defense markets, driven by technological advancements and strategic partnerships.
The Turkish president also underlined his country's unwavering resolve to fight against terrorism in all forms.
Mentioning the PKK terror group and the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), Erdoğan said: "Terror and politics, terror and democracy cannot co-exist."
"The days when the dark shadow of terrorism, violence, and weapons will completely disappear from our country and region are, God willing, very near," he added.
"As Turks, Kurds, and Arabs, we will unite together and tear down the wall of terrorism that has been built on the blood of our children for the past 40 years," the president said, adding: "Once the issue of terrorism is eliminated, a new era—ranging from democracy to development, from fraternity to regional integration—will, with God's permission, begin."
In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK— listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and EU — has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.
FETO orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, in which 252 people were killed and 2,734 wounded in Türkiye.
Türkiye accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.
