On August 30, Türkiye marked the 104th anniversary of Victory Day, commemorating the decisive 1922 military success that secured the nation’s independence under the leadership of founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The day serves as both a remembrance of a pivotal historical moment and a reflection of Türkiye’s ongoing commitment to national defense and regional stability.
Since 2003, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration, Türkiye has notably expanded and modernized its defense industry, evolving into a globally competitive player. Turkish defense companies now export to 185 countries, and in 2025 defense and aerospace exports exceeded $10 billion for the first time. Türkiye has reportedly experienced the highest growth in defense exports worldwide over the past decade compared to the prior ten years.
A significant share of this growth stems from Türkiye’s advances in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), where the country accounts for about 65 percent of the global market. Its defense sector also includes five firms ranked among the top 100 globally in 2025: ASELSAN, TUSAŞ/Turkish Aerospace Industries, ROKETSAN, ASFAT, and MKE. Key platforms such as the KAAN and HURJET fighter jets, Bayraktar TB2 and other UAVs, the ALTAY tank, MILGEM warships, and the TCG Anadolu amphibious assault ship underscore Türkiye’s broad technological capabilities.
Türkiye’s armed forces, recognized as NATO’s second-largest and the ninth strongest military worldwide, continue to emphasize indigenous systems in their operations. The military’s international engagements include NATO missions, peacekeeping operations, and bilateral cooperation programs aimed at fostering security and stability beyond its borders. President Erdogan recently described the Turkish Army as “an army of peace” dedicated to both national defense and contributing to global order.
Regionally, Türkiye has entered a Joint Defense Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, emphasizing sovereign cooperation and mutual commitment to security, stability, and prosperity in the area. The agreement also aims to encourage regional ownership of security matters and facilitate inclusive dialogue based on international law.
Bilateral ties with Kuwait remain an important element of Türkiye’s regional strategy. The two countries have deepened defense cooperation, highlighted by Kuwait’s acquisition of Bayraktar TB2 UAVs in 2023 and the signing of a Government-to-Government Defense Industry Procurement Protocol during the visit of Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Türkiye in May 2024. High-level exchanges have continued in recent years, including President Erdogan’s visit to Kuwait in October 2025, and visits by Kuwait’s Foreign Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chief of the General Staff to Türkiye in 2026.
Officials from both countries regard this growing defense partnership as vital not only for their national security but also for fostering peace and prosperity throughout the region. As Türkiye’s ambassador to Kuwait concludes his tenure, he expressed optimism about the enduring ties and collaborative foundations strengthened over recent years, anticipating sustained progress in shared regional objectives.
The Victory Day commemoration further acknowledged the legacy of Atatürk and honored Turkish military personnel serving at home and abroad, underscoring Türkiye’s ongoing dedication to its sovereignty and international responsibilities.