THE EARLY PHOENIX
Türkiye
August 26, 2024
Türkiye’s Militarized Foreign Policy Expands by $1.76 Billion
Türkiye’s regional strategy manipulates military action and economic incentives to achieve its security objectives. Simultaneously, it leverages these actions to market the country’s military hardware to a global audience.President Erdoğan’s strategy recalibrated military influence by creating a partnership between the government, military, and defense sectors. This partnership has significantly reshaped national power dynamics in Türkiye.
In 2023, Baykar’s significant growth in the Turkish defense market led to exports worth $1.76 billion. These exports accounted for 32% of Türkiye’s total defense exports, which reached nearly $5.5 billion. This surge, representing a 27.1% increase from the previous year, highlights Türkiye’s efforts to nationalize and expand its defense sector.
Türkiye’s defense industry has become a significant economic asset, with drone sales alone contributing substantially to the country’s revenue. In April 2024, Baykar announced plans to establish Military-Industrial Complex production facilities in Ukraine, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
Turkish Drone Strikes Target PKK Leadership, Demonstrate Advanced Capabilities
A Turkish drone strike in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, killed three individuals, including a senior Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) official. They showed the area as precisely destroyed. Turkiye’s Ministry of Defense announced that they downed drones belonging to the PKK in the ‘Claw-Lock’ operation area in northern Iraq. Additionally, the ministry reported that 11 PKK militants were effectively eliminated. In a separate operation, Turkish intelligence neutralized Abdul Hamid Kabar, a high-ranking PKK leader, in Qamishli, Syria.
These precise strikes not only serve to combat PKK elements but also highlight the capabilities of Türkiye’s defense technology.
Bayraktar Drones from Türkiye Aid Mali in Deadly Campaign Against Ethnic Groups
On August 25, 2024, news emerged that Türkiye’s Bayraktar TB2 drones used by the Mali army killed dozens of Tuareg and Fulani tribespeople near the Algerian border. Those killed included 21 civilians, among them 11 children, who were gathered at a local pharmacy and nearby homes.
Supplied by Türkiye as part of lucrative defense exports, these drones are central to suppressing ethnic groups opposing Mali’s authority. Wagner mercenaries, supporting the Malian government, have escalated these attacks, implementing a “scorched earth” strategy to crush resistance.
Türkiye’s financial ambitions have led to the sale of these drones, prioritizing profit over the devastating impact on vulnerable populations.
The international community’s silence on these atrocities underscores the grave consequences of unchecked arms sales in conflict zones, where financial greed fuels violence and repression.
Türkiye Expands Influence with Advanced Drone Supply to Libya’s GNA
This weekend, news outlets reported that Türkiye supplied the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) with advanced Bayraktar Akinci drones, significantly enhancing the GNA’s military capabilities.
These 5,000-kilometer-range drones enable precise long-range operations, and Türkiye is investing in infrastructure to support them in Libya.
The use of these drones in Libya’s civil war highlights the increasing significance of UAVs, with both sides receiving external support. This development reflects Türkiye’s expanding influence in the region through defense exports.
Türkiye to Strengthen Naval Power with MILDEN Submarines
Turkiye is set to enhance its naval capabilities with new submarines under the MILDEN project, as announced by President Erdoğan. This initiative is part of Turkiye’s broader goal of achieving full independence in defense production. Erdoğan revealed the “HIZIRREIS” submarine is expected to enter service in 2025. The “MURATREIS” submarine will follow in 2026, with the entire MILDEN fleet operational by 2029.
Erdoğan Positions Selçuk Bayraktar for Leadership in Türkiye
As Türkiye’s defense industry thrives under Erdoğan’s strategic guidance, focus shifts to succession. Erdoğan appears to be grooming his son-in-law, Selçuk Bayraktar, head of Baykar, for a pivotal role in the future.
Bayraktar, renowned for creating advanced drones like the Bayraktar TB2, has had a profound impact on Türkiye’s Military-Industrial Complex.
Selçuk Bayraktar’s success in boosting defense exports positions him as a key figure in Türkiye’s political and defense strategy, potentially preparing him for leadership that aligns the nation’s military and political future under his direction.
Türkiye Solidifies Influence in Palestinian Unity
Following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Erdoğan swiftly reaffirmed his commitment to Palestinian unity and vehemently condemned Israeli actions in Gaza. In the aftermath, after Haniyeh’s funeral in Qatar, Erdoğan hosted his sons, offering refuge and pledging Türkiye’s unwavering support for Palestine. Shortly after this, he welcomed Mahmoud Abbas, thus further solidifying Türkiye’s influence in the Palestinian reconciliation process.
Erdoğan’s impactful mediation directly linked this pledge, convincing Abbas to reconcile with Hamas. Abbas emphasized the need for Palestinian leadership to remain united with Gaza, rejecting any division between Gaza and the West Bank.
Türkiye continues to actively engage in Palestinian reconciliation, hosting discussions between Turkish officials and Fatah leaders on Gaza developments. Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yılmaz met with Fatah’s Jibril al-Rajoub to discuss reconciliation and recent events in Gaza.
==========
To get a print friendly version of the above edition, click here
To find more information about evolving Turkiye’s strategies from 2022- 2024, click here.
Recent editions
Abbas Gaza relocation, Israel Hamas conflict, economic challenges
Turkish Parliament Bloodbath Highlights Rising Tensions as Energy and Security Drive Türkiye’s Agenda
Turkiye Mediates Ethiopia-Somalia Talks, Bolsters Libya’s Defense, Lifts Instagram Ban
If you are interested in publishing your expert opinion on Turkiye, see the below form
