Between defence autarky and dependency: the dynamics of Turkish defence industrialization

Abstract

Turkish defence industries have significantly improved their production capabilities since the 1980s. According to the official documents, Turkey reached 54% local production level in 2011. Encouraged by this impressive defence industrial development, the government of Turkey declared that defence industrial autarky, the country’s main goal since the 1980s, would be reached by 2023. This paper evaluates the possibility of Turkey’s defence autarky. Contrary to the existing approaches in the literature that assess technological capabilities and cost-effectiveness, this paper argues that Turkey’s search for defence autarky is hindered by the interplay of institutional deficiencies, dependency on foreign inputs, and the United States’ continuing influence over Turkish politics.

Keywords:

• Turkey
• defence industry
• autarky
• arms trade
• security policy

Notes

1. The strategic plans also envision increasing the local testing capabilities. However, information about the capabilities of testing facilities and the level of dependency on raw materials is not mentioned in the official documents.

2. TSKGV was born from the unison of Army, Navy, and Air Force Support Foundations in 1987 to facilitate establishment of national defence.

3. TAI was founded in 1984 as a joint company of Turkish (TUSAS – HKGV) and US partners (General Dynamics, later Lockheed). TAI is nationalized in 2005.

4. TEI was founded in 1985 with TAI and General Electric.

5. FNSS is a joint venture of Nurol Construction and Trade (%49) and FMC (%51). BAE Systems bought FMC shares.

6. Turkey only outspent Germany and France in 2008.