Türkiye climbs to 11th in global arms exports with 122% surge
Türkiye has risen to 11th place among global arms exporters after a 122% increase in shipments between 2021 and 2025, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
The country’s share of global exports climbed to 1.8% during the period, while its arms imports fell by 9.7%. Türkiye’s main export partners included Pakistan (16%), the United Arab Emirates (12%) and Ukraine (8.4%), reflecting growing demand for Turkish defense products.
Globally, the United States remained the leading arms supplier with a 42% share, followed by France, while Russia saw exports fall by 64%. Israel rose to seventh place, overtaking the United Kingdom.
Overall international arms transfers increased by nearly 10%, driven largely by deliveries to Ukraine and a sharp rise in European demand, making Europe the largest importing region. In contrast, arms imports in the Middle East declined by 13%, although countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar remained among the top importers.
