Turkey plans 229% defense spending boost over three years to advance domestic military tech
The plan was announced during a presentation of Turkey’s new Medium-Term Program (MTP), which sets out the country’s economic roadmap for 2027-2029.
In a move to bolster its domestic military technology sector, Turkey plans a staggering 229% increase in defense spending over the next three years, according to Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz. Addressing Turkish media, Yilmaz emphasized the government's vision of a Turkey that "develops its own technology and produces high added value," as outlined in the country's new Medium-Term Program (MTP) for 2027-2029.
This unprecedented boost in defense spending ranks as the single largest priority area in the MTP, surpassing other sectors like social housing (150%), mining exploration (139%), industrial infrastructure (54%), railways (49%), health (43%), and food supply security (42%).
The additional funds will primarily support key defense projects, including the mass production of the TF-KAAN fighter jet, the first deliveries of the KIZILELMA unmanned fighter aircraft, and the provision of over 10 ALTAY tanks to the Land Forces. Yilmaz acknowledged the global economic landscape's turbulence, noting the interconnected nature of economic, technological, and geopolitical developments, which have led to heightened risks worldwide.
He highlighted how Turkey's military spending, already at $30 billion in 2025, placing the nation at 18th in the global ranking of military spenders, has been influenced by ongoing military operations in Iraq, Somalia, and Syria, as well as investments in the domestic arms industry.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
