TURKEY - Tripling Defense Exports

Two decades of state investment have transformed Turkey into a major exporter of drones and other military equipment, and the NATO member is now looking to build on that momentum as the West rearms and security alliances are reshaped.

Turkey, once heavily reliant on foreign arms makers, now supplies nearly 40 countries mainly in the ‌Gulf, Africa, Asia and parts of Europe with weapons that many buyers see as cheaper, faster to deliver and more adaptable than alternatives.

A Reuters review of trade figures shows Turkish defense exports—including the high-profile armed drones used by Ukrainian forces—have more than tripled ⁠since 2021 to $10 billion last year, accounting for about 3.7% of total exports from the major emerging market economy.

Exports to Europe and the U.S. almost quadrupled over the same period to $5.6 billion.

Turkish officials say the defense sector will be a focal point at the NATO meeting in Ankara. Alliance chief Mark Rutte has said a planned defense industry forum there would be NATO’s most comprehensive ⁠yet.

Global military spending rose 24% to nearly $2.9 trillion in the five years ⁠to 2025, including a 75% jump in Europe, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

-www.reuters.com, 5 June 2026

Commentary: Turkey is a NATO member and is rising, particularly when it comes to military equipment manufacturing.

This is an overwhelmingly Muslim state with over 86 million in population. According to the IMF, per capita GDP is $46,672 and rising. Life expectancy stands at 78.4 years.

Turkey holds a significant position geographically for the NATO alliance, of which they have been a member since 1952.

Wikipedia writes: “The State of Israel and Turkey formally established diplomatic relations in March 1949. Less than a year after the Israeli Declaration of Independence, Turkey recognized Israeli sovereignty, making it the world's first Muslim-majority country to do so.” In the meantime, the relationship between Israel and Turkey has degraded, with Turkey even threatening to attack Israel.

Regarding EU membership, a Google search reveals: “Turkey’s EU status is officially that of an accession candidate, though formal negotiations are effectively frozen. The bid remains stalled due to significant democratic backsliding, human rights concerns, and ongoing geopolitical disputes with EU member states like Greece and Cyprus.”

Seven Churches

Turkey is of great significance when studying the book of Revelation; in particular, the seven churches addressed in Revelation chapters 2 and 3, are all located in modern day Turkey.

It is interesting that the sixth church, Philadelphia, is the one that’s greatly praised. The seventh church, Laodicea, is reported on negatively. Yet Laodicea receives the highest position for the overcomer: “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne” (Revelation 3:21a). This is encouraging to each one of us: Regardless of how deep we may have fallen and failed, the best is yet to come!

(See Seven Letters from Heaven, Item #1081, $4.50.)