Türkiye Expands Defense Technology Into Civilian Sectors to Cut Imports

(MENAFN) Türkiye is preparing to apply technological expertise developed through its rapidly expanding defense industry to civilian fields as part of efforts to reduce reliance on foreign technologies, according to the country’s three-year Medium-Term Program covering 2027-2029.

The economic roadmap focuses on strengthening resource security across key areas, including energy, agriculture, food, healthcare, technology and defense, with the aim of making these sectors more resilient to global disruptions, geopolitical tensions and competitive challenges.

Under the plan, Ankara intends to expand domestic manufacturing, research and innovation capabilities while diversifying supply networks and developing dependable partnerships in strategically important industries.

The program is designed to improve Türkiye’s ability to withstand economic and supply shocks, demographic changes, natural disasters, geopolitical developments and disruptions in global trade.

The government also plans to increase domestic research, development, manufacturing and innovation in areas such as defense, healthcare, semiconductors and artificial intelligence, with technologies developed in these fields later adapted for civilian use.

Healthcare is expected to become a major area for this technology transfer, with increased support for domestic development and production of vaccines, medicines, medical equipment, diagnostic kits and AI-powered healthcare solutions.

Semiconductor production is another key priority under the three-year strategy. Türkiye aims to establish domestic facilities capable of manufacturing microchips for identity cards, passports and various industrial uses while seeking to expand the industry’s commercial opportunities.

Authorities also plan to introduce standardized data requirements across public institutions to support the training and development of new artificial intelligence systems.

Sector-specific action plans covering manufacturing, energy, agriculture, healthcare and transportation will be prepared to implement the planned changes before being reviewed by the Economic Coordination Council.

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz emphasized the importance of government procurement in accelerating civilian technology development, while stressing that international cooperation would be necessary to develop and commercialize strategically important technologies.

Yilmaz said Türkiye would also pursue joint production initiatives with allied nations, citing the multinational development of the US F-35 fighter jet as an example.

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