Turkey's arms manufacturer reaches new heights with $1.2 billion revenue

Turkey's militarization and global defense ambitions have been growing, highlighted by the increased involvement in various international conflicts. The country's state-owned conventional arms manufacturer, MKE, reported an impressive revenue of $1.2 billion for the last year, primarily bolstered by its expansion plans, which include allocating nearly $1 billion for infrastructure and technology improvements. MKE's exports demonstrate remarkable growth, rising from $40 million in 2021 to $639 million in 2024, representing a sixteen-fold increase in just three years. Deputy Defense Minister Alpaslan Kavaklıoğlu emphasized the benefits of Turkey's military engagements in regions such as Syria, Libya, and Azerbaijan, stating that these conflicts have created new opportunities for defense production. MKE's strength lies in its ability to produce complete weapons systems in-house, including ammunition and raw energetic materials, which boosts its competitiveness compared to other manufacturers. The construction of a new, large-scale production complex in Kırıkkale, covering 4.7 million square meters, is underway to meet the surging demand locally and internationally. Additionally, MKE's production capabilities span various weaponry, including light weapons, medium-caliber arms, heavy munitions, and high-quality ammunition. The company is advancing its technology by building a new energetic materials research center to support modern warfare capabilities, such as smart munitions and drone warfare materials. To ensure a secure supply of raw materials, MKE has secured long-term contracts with Turkey's Ministry of Defense, which aids in sustaining its rapid expansion. As global tension rises and the demand for conventional munitions increases—partly driven by conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war—Turkey is establishing itself as an increasingly significant player in the international arms market. Keleş, the general manager of MKE, anticipates that the company will reach the top 70 arms manufacturers globally, highlighting the importance of adapting to changing geopolitical landscapes and capitalizing on new business opportunities.