Türkiye has unveiled an ambitious plan to double its national defense spending to an impressive 5% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2035, a significant jump from its current 2.09%. This strategic financial surge, confirmed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at a recent NATO Leaders’ Summit, signals a new era for Türkiye’s military-industrial complex and its geopolitical posture, aiming to bolster its strategic autonomy and expand its influence within the alliance.
This substantial increase in the defense budget, which is projected to exceed $45 billion annually, will be funded entirely through the national budget. Such a robust financial commitment is designed to enable Türkiye to embark on more complex and capital-intensive defense programs. Key areas of investment are expected to include the development of advanced combat aircraft, sophisticated integrated air defense systems, and the progression of its ballistic missile capabilities.
The rationale behind this move is multifaceted. Primarily, it aims to drastically reduce Türkiye’s reliance on imported defense systems, fostering a greater degree of self-sufficiency in its military needs. By channeling significant resources into domestic production and research, Ankara seeks to modernize its armed forces with cutting-edge, nationally developed technologies. This push for indigenous capabilities is crucial for ensuring Türkiye’s security interests can be met without external constraints.
Furthermore, this elevated defense spending is set to position Türkiye as a top-tier contributor within NATO, reinforcing its commitment to collective security. Beyond its alliance obligations, the move is also intended to solidify Türkiye’s role as an indispensable actor in regional security, reflecting its growing assertiveness and strategic importance in a volatile geopolitical landscape.
This strategic recalibration underscores Türkiye’s determination to not only enhance its military prowess but also to project its influence more broadly. By pouring considerable national resources into its defense sector over the next decade, Türkiye is clearly laying the groundwork for a more robust, independent, and influential role on both the regional and global stages.