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Türkiye Delivers Over 1,000 Armored Vehicles in 2 years Strengthening its Global Defense Market Presence.
Türkiye has strengthened its position in the global armored vehicle market by delivering more than 1,000 units internationally over the past two years, according to the 2023 report of the rem (UNROCA). The document states that 501 armored combat vehicles were exported to 11 countries in 2023, compared to 549 units delivered in 2022, marking an 8% decrease in total exports year-on-year.
Otokar has continued its exports of armored vehicles, including the COBRA II, TULPAR, and ARMA, which have been integrated into the armed forces of several countries. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
Among the recipients of these vehicles in 2023 were the United Arab Emirates with 180 units, followed by Kazakhstan with 68 vehicles and Saudi Arabia with 66. Tunisia acquired 42 units, Côte d'Ivoire 36, Ecuador 35, Chad 30, Morocco 20, Bangladesh 11, Azerbaijan 10, and Montenegro 3. The report does not specify the exact models of the exported vehicles, as Türkiye generally does not provide such details to UNROCA.
The evolution of Türkiye's armored vehicle exports shows an upward trend in recent years. In 2019, Türkiye delivered 259 vehicles, increasing to 279 in 2020, marking a 7.7% rise. In 2021, exports reached 339 units, a 21.5% increase, before surging significantly in 2022 with 549 vehicles exported, representing a 63% growth compared to the previous year. However, the trend slightly declined in 2023, with an 8% drop.
Beyond armored vehicles, Türkiye has also expanded its exports of other military equipment, including combat drones, artillery systems, and guided missiles. Baykar has continued the delivery of Bayraktar TB2 drones to several countries, including Ukraine, Poland, and multiple African nations. These drones have played a key role in recent conflicts, enhancing Türkiye’s reputation in the unmanned aerial systems sector.
In the artillery sector, Türkiye has exported several T-155 Fırtına self-propelled howitzers, notably to Azerbaijan and Qatar. These 155mm artillery systems, derived from the South Korean K9 Thunder, provide long-range fire capabilities and have been integrated into the armed forces of purchasing nations. Similarly, the Roketsan TRG-230 guided missile has been acquired by several foreign clients for precision strikes against strategic targets.
The diversification of Türkiye’s export markets highlights the country’s growing influence in the defense sector, extending its presence in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Several armed forces have integrated Turkish armored vehicles into their fleets, such as Azerbaijan with Otokar's COBRA II and Bangladesh, which operates COBRA I and II for security operations and military exercises. Chad recently received NMS 4x4 and Ejder Yalçın vehicles, while Côte d'Ivoire uses COBRA II and Nurol Ilgaz for public security missions. Ecuador employs COBRA II for counter-smuggling operations, and Kazakhstan has shown interest in COBRA II, TULPAR, and ARMA, with speculation about a potential order of 800 vehicles.
Saudi Arabia received COBRA II in 2023 as part of a broader defense procurement agreement. Tunisia is reportedly linked to the purchase of Nurol Makina’s EJDER 6x6, while the UAE, a major buyer of Turkish defense equipment, has received at least 400 Rabdan 8x8 vehicles from Otokar by 2023. Additionally, Roketsan’s UMTAS and OMTAS anti-tank missiles have been supplied to clients in Central Asia and the Middle East, reinforcing Türkiye’s offerings in precision weaponry.
Over the past decade, Türkiye’s defense industry has undergone a major transformation, shifting from being a technology importer to becoming a key exporter of advanced military equipment. This progress has been driven by significant investments in research and development, alongside a government policy focused on strategic autonomy and the expansion of national defense industries. Companies such as ASELSAN, Baykar, Roketsan, and Otokar have played a central role in this shift, developing advanced systems covering a broad range of capabilities, from armored vehicles to combat drones and smart missile systems.
However, this expansion presents major challenges. Türkiye must navigate complex technological partnerships, export restrictions imposed by certain Western countries, and the need to maintain a high level of innovation to remain competitive. Additionally, evolving geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East and Central Asia, significantly influence the demand for Turkish weaponry. The diversification of markets and the expansion of the product portfolio remain crucial for Türkiye’s defense industry, which aims to position itself among the world’s leading suppliers of defense solutions.