Turkish defense firms expand footprint across African continent

Türkiye's indigenous defense and aviation industry is securing a formidable presence across Africa, as nations on the continent increasingly turn to Turkish-made air platforms to modernize their security forces. Key players like Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) are at the forefront of this export drive, showcasing products such as the Anka drone and ATAK helicopter at major events including the ongoing Egypt Defense Expo (EDEX 2025) in Cairo.

Strategic Partnerships and Expanding Contracts

TAI's strategic engagement is underscored by active negotiations with approximately 90 nations globally, with about 40 African countries being central to its marketing strategy. Over the last five years, the Ankara-based firm has inked 14 separate contracts with seven different African states. Deliveries for some of these deals are already completed, while others are in the pipeline, building on the momentum from its first African delivery to Tunisia in 2022. The company emphasizes that its platforms, with a lifecycle of around 25 years, ensure a long-term partnership on the continent.

Portfolio in Service: From Helicopters to UAVs

A diverse range of TAI's mass-production platforms are already operational with African militaries. This inventory includes the twin-engine ATAK attack helicopter, the Hürkuş basic trainer aircraft, and the Anka and Aksungur unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The operational success of next-generation platforms like the Hürjet jet trainer and Anka-III UAV within the Turkish Air Forces' own inventory serves as a proven testament to their capabilities, further strengthening their market appeal for African nations seeking advanced, battle-tested technology.

Beyond Hardware: A Comprehensive Engagement

The appeal of Turkish defense solutions extends beyond the hardware itself. African countries are choosing Turkish suppliers for a broader ecosystem including electro-optical systems, ammunition, and radar. Furthermore, companies like TAI complement equipment sales with human-focused activities, including training pilots and establishing engineering labs in partner countries. This comprehensive approach, also mirrored by other Turkish firms like Baykar, boosts operational effectiveness for African forces while solidifying Türkiye's diplomatic and economic ties across the continent, turning export success into sustained strategic influence.