Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan inaugurated the BMC Ankara Tank and New Generation Armored Vehicles Production Facility, marking a significant milestone in Türkiye’s defense industry.

The ceremony also featured the first delivery of the domestically produced New Altay Tanks, underscoring Türkiye’s growing self-reliance in military technology.

Speaking at the event, President Erdoğan emphasized the nation’s strides in defense production, stating, “We meet almost all the needs of our security forces with our domestically developed and nationally produced defense vehicles and equipment.” He highlighted the scale of Türkiye’s defense efforts, noting that the country is currently managing over 1,400 defense industry projects, a testament to its commitment to innovation and self-sufficiency.

Erdoğan also celebrated Türkiye’s global standing in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) production, declaring, “We are among the top three most successful countries in the world in the field of UAVs and UCAVs.” He added that Türkiye ranks as the 11th largest defense exporter globally, with its products reaching 180 countries. In 2024, Turkish UAVs accounted for an impressive 65% of the global export market, supplying 65 out of every 100 UAVs sold worldwide. “We foresee this number increasing even further in 2025,” Erdoğan projected, signaling optimism for continued growth.

The BMC facility, located in Ankara, is equipped to produce advanced armored vehicles, including the New Altay Tank, which boasts enhanced firepower, mobility, and protection systems. The tank is expected to strengthen Türkiye’s land forces and attract international buyers, further boosting export revenues. Recent reports indicate that Türkiye’s defense exports reached $5.5 billion in 2024, up from $4.1 billion the previous year, driven by demand for UAVs like the Bayraktar TB2 and Anka, as well as armored vehicles and naval systems.

Türkiye’s defense industry has also expanded its global footprint through strategic partnerships. In 2025, Türkiye signed defense cooperation agreements with several African and Asian nations, aiming to increase exports to emerging markets. Additionally, ongoing collaborations with countries like Qatar and Ukraine are enhancing Türkiye’s role as a key player in the global defense supply chain.

The opening of the BMC facility and the delivery of the New Altay Tanks mark a pivotal moment for Türkiye’s defense sector, reinforcing its ambition to become a global leader in military technology while meeting the needs of its armed forces with cutting-edge, domestically produced equipment. (ILKHA)