Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TUSAŞ) has announced a landmark 10-year production plan that signals a major turning point in Turkey’s defence industry. The company aims to manufacture approximately 1,500 military aerial platforms by 2034, including fighter jets, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This ambitious roadmap, shared by CEO Mehmet Demiroğlu, directly reflects Turkey’s vision for autonomy and independence in defence technologies.
Platform Breakdown: KAAN, HÜRJET, ATAK-2, ANKA-3 and More
According to Demiroğlu, the estimated 1,500 aircraft will be distributed roughly as follows:
Fixed-Wing (~500 units):
-
KAAN: Fifth-generation fighter jet
-
HÜRJET: Advanced jet trainer
-
HÜRKUŞ: Basic training aircraft
Rotary-Wing (~350 units):
-
GÖKBEY: General-purpose helicopter
-
ATAK and ATAK-2: Attack helicopters
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (~600 units):
-
ANKA family: Including ANKA-S, ANKA-3 and other advanced models
-
AKSUNGUR: Medium- to long-range UAV
This production vision reinforces TUSAŞ’s goal to become not only Turkey’s, but also the region’s, strategic supplier of aerial platforms.
Employment and Localisation: A Strong Boost to the Economy
TUSAŞ currently employs over 16,000 personnel, with more than 10,000 jobs created in the last decade. The company’s production strategy extends beyond platforms, having already completed more than 125 local component projects, with 330 more under development.
These localisation efforts aim to reduce annual imports by approximately $1 billion. To ensure sustainability of the upcoming fleet, TUSAŞ is also expanding integrated logistics, maintenance, and training services.
Global Expansion: From Africa to South America and NATO Markets
TUSAŞ is actively seeking to extend its production capabilities beyond the domestic market. In this context:
-
New offices are planned in Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and Brazil.
-
Talks are ongoing with Spain regarding a potential order of over 100 HÜRJET aircraft.
-
Significant demand has emerged in Africa for ANKA UAVs and HÜRKUŞ aircraft.
Demiroğlu highlighted that a selection by Spain could serve as a gateway to NATO markets. Analysts describe this step as “Turkish aviation stepping onto the global stage.”
Strategic Significance: Defence Industry Sovereignty and Sustainable Security
This ambitious plan supports several key goals of Turkey’s defence industry policy:
-
Reducing foreign dependency
-
Promoting domestic production in critical technologies
-
Increasing export capacity
-
Advancing skilled labour and technological infrastructure
TUSAŞ’s strategy directly aligns with Turkey’s objective to rank among the world’s top 10 defence exporters, while securing its own air superiority.
Turkey Is Entering a New League in Defence
TUSAŞ’s 1,500 aircraft goal represents far more than a numerical target. It embodies a comprehensive strategy that consolidates Turkey’s technological innovation, indigenous production, and export potential under one vision.
If realised, this initiative will mark TUSAŞ’s transformation from a regional player into a global aerospace powerhouse.
