Turkey’s arms exports have soared by 106% from 2019 to 2023 compared to the previous five years, making it the world’s 11th largest arms exporter, as reported by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). This significant increase has seen Turkey surpassing several countries in the global arms export rankings, with the United States, France and Russia leading the list.
The SIPRI report indicates that Turkey has been involved in arms exports to various regions, including sub-Saharan Africa, where it was noted as the fourth largest supplier. This includes combat helicopter deliveries to Nigeria and trainer/combat aircraft and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) to several states, including conflict-ridden Ethiopia.
The SIPRI report further highlights that Turkey’s primary arms export destinations include the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Pakistan, accounting for 15%, 13% and 11% of its total arms exports, respectively. Additionally, Turkey has become a crucial supplier to sub-Saharan Africa, notably for combat helicopters to Nigeria and various aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to several states, making up 6.3% of its arms exports.
Turkish drone exports to Ethiopia have significantly influenced the conflict in the Tigray region, with these drones making peace more elusive and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. A Turkish drone was used in an assault on 7 January 2022 that resulted in the death of 58 civilians at a school. This incident has drawn significant attention and criticism towards Turkey’s drone exports to Ethiopia, especially concerning their use in the country’s ongoing conflict.
Drone usage in conflict allows for tactical military advantages without leading to decisive victories, prolonging the conflict and leading to increased civilian casualties and displacement. While the region is now peaceful, children still face extreme hunger.
Conversely, Turkey’s arms imports have decreased by 29% compared to the 2014-2018 period, ranking it as the 17th largest arms importer globally. The main countries supplying arms to Turkey are Spain, Italy and Russia.
SIPRI, an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament, notes Turkey’s growing prominence in the global arms market, especially with companies such as Baykar, Roketsan and Turkish Aerospace Industries seeing substantial increases in arms revenue.
