Western inputs make Turkey’s arms sector vulnerable

Significance

Ankara’s defence sector has strengthened over the past decade, boosting arms exports, although its military is still the main buyer. However, the sector is dependent on Western inputs, making Ankara vulnerable to political pressure.

Impacts

• The aerospace industry will be undermined as a result of its exclusion from the US-led F-35 fighter jet consortium.
• Roketsan is working on vertical launch systems that could enable the Turkish navy to deploy locally produced missiles.
• Despite talk of autonomy, the Turkish defence sector will continue to depend on technology and components procured from abroad.