Turkiye's Roketsan targets top 10 global defence exporter status

Roketsan's ambitious export target

Turkiye's state-owned missile maker Roketsan has set its sights on breaking into the top 10 global defence exporters. The company's CEO confirmed the goal as regional conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, drive demand for its products.

Roketsan's portfolio includes guided missiles, rocket systems, and precision-strike munitions. The company has been a key supplier to the Turkish military and allied forces. Its export ambitions come at a time when defence spending is rising across several conflict zones.

Conflict-driven demand

Ongoing hostilities in the Middle East have created a surge in orders for long-range missile systems and counter-drone technologies. Roketsan has benefitted from this trend, securing new contracts with Middle Eastern and Asian buyers.

The company's precision-guided munitions, such as the TRG-300 and BORA systems, have seen particular interest. These systems offer battlefield flexibility and are often cheaper than Western alternatives. Roketsan has also expanded its production capacity to meet growing demand.

Localised production and partnerships

Roketsan is pursuing localised production deals in several partner countries. This strategy reduces export restrictions and builds long-term relationships. The company has already set up joint ventures in Qatar and Malaysia, with more in the pipeline.

These partnerships allow Roketsan to bypass some international export controls while creating local jobs. They also help the company navigate geopolitical complexities that often accompany arms sales. The model mirrors what larger defence firms like BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin have done for decades.

Turkiye's defence industrial push

Roketsan's ambition is part of a broader push by Ankara to build a self-sufficient defence industry. Turkiye has invested heavily in domestic production of drones, armoured vehicles, and naval systems. The goal is to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, especially the United States and Europe.

Turkiye's defence exports have grown steadily, reaching nearly $6 billion in 2025. Roketsan is a major contributor to this figure. The company's success also supports Turkiye's foreign policy goals, particularly in the Middle East and Africa.

Challenges ahead

Breaking into the top 10 exporter list won't be easy. Roketsan faces stiff competition from established players like Raytheon, MBDA, and China's CASIC. It also has to navigate export controls and sanctions, particularly from US and EU markets.

Another challenge is the volatile nature of conflict-driven demand. Orders can dry up quickly if peace talks progress or conflict zones shift. Roketsan is trying to hedge this risk by diversifying its customer base and focusing on non-lethal systems like satellite launchers and space technologies.

What to watch: Whether Roketsan can sustain its growth trajectory if Middle East tensions de-escalate, and how it manages competition from Chinese and Israeli missile makers.