Turkish defense exports nears $1 billion

Turkish defense companies' exports increased by 14 percent year-on-year in the first six months of 2014, according to official data from Turkish Exporters Assembly, or TIM.

Exports in the first half of last year at $681 million rose to $779 million in 2014.

US, UAE and Italy become Turkey's major defense customers during the period.

The U.S. became the largest export market with an annual increase of 26 percent from last year.

United Arab Emirates and Italy followed the U.S. with export values of $59 million and $48 million respectively.

Recently Turkish defense companies showed robust growth performances, ranking much better than previous years in "Turkey's 500 Biggest Industrial Companies" list.

Turkish defense officials often word they target $25 billion worth of exports by the year 2023, the Turkish republic''s centennial.