Drone exports will expand Ankara’s international reach

Significance

Leading this transformation is the domestic production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Rapidly proliferating exports of UAVs have been both a lucrative undertaking and a way for Ankara to increase its sway on the international stage.

Impacts

• UAV exports could strain relations with states targeted by Turkish drones, such as Russia.
• Ankara could adopt a more selective approach to potential customers if the number of drone-related civilian casualties rises.
• The fast growth of foreign sales and uncertainty over future orders complicates investment and capacity decisions for defence manufacturers.