Turkey’s Defense Industry Local Production Rate Hits 83 Percent
Turkey has reached a significant milestone in its defense sector as the domestic production rate climbs to 83 percent, according to an announcement made by the President of Defense Industries, Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, on September 18, 2026. This achievement aligns perfectly with the strategic goals outlined in the Defense Industry Agency’s (SSB) 2024-2028 roadmap, which targeted this specific threshold for the current year. By consistently increasing its local manufacturing and design capabilities, Turkey continues to strengthen its independence from foreign suppliers in critical military technologies, solidifying its position as a self-reliant power in global defense.
- Turkey has officially achieved an 83 percent local production rate in its defense industry.
- The current figure represents a 1.7 percentage point increase compared to the previous reporting period.
- The national defense strategy aims to reach an 85 percent local production rate by the year 2028.
2025 Data Confirmed a Steady Increase
The progress in local production is supported by the 2025 Annual Activity Report released by the SSB. While the target for the end of 2025 was set at 82 percent, the actual realization reached 81.3 percent. The agency calculates these figures annually after evaluating data submitted by companies through the YETEN system, which tracks local contributions. The latest leap to 83 percent confirms that the industry is accelerating its transition toward total domestic reliance, moving past the previous year’s performance with consistent growth in industrial capacity.
Calculation Methodology Covers Entire Lifecycle
The local production rate is not merely a tally of domestic parts used in a platform; it is a complex metric that reflects deep technological integration. According to the SSB’s official guidelines, the calculation incorporates multiple stages including original design, research and development, testing, final production, sales, and long-term logistics support. By factoring in the total value of domestic components relative to the entire system, the 83 percent figure serves as a comprehensive indicator of Turkey’s ability to maintain an autonomous military ecosystem.
Critical Systems Benefit from Domestic Engineering
Turkey’s push for localization is most visible in the development of sophisticated subsystems that were once heavily reliant on external imports. Recent years have seen a surge in national solutions for radars, electronic warfare, electro-optic systems, and tactical communication networks. The SSB prioritizes these areas in its strategic plan to ensure that security forces can operate without the risks associated with foreign dependency. Naval platforms, such as those produced under the MİLGEM program, exemplify this success, with vessels like the TCG İçel achieving approximately 80 percent localization in their fire control and sonar systems.
Future Milestones Remain on Schedule
With the 2026 target successfully met, the SSB is now shifting its focus toward the next phases of the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. The roadmap projects reaching 84 percent by 2027 and hitting the 85 percent milestone by 2028. Beyond these figures, the primary objective is to deepen the local supply chain by expanding the ecosystem of domestic subcontractors and fostering high-tech innovation. This ongoing evolution signifies that Turkey is not only producing more hardware but is also mastering the design and development processes required for cutting-edge military supremacy.
We value your perspective on the modernization of the Turkish defense industry and the push for full self-reliance. Which specific area of domestic defense technology do you believe will have the greatest impact on national security in the coming years? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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