Millions of Drones in One Formation: Haluk Bayraktar Builds a New Technological Empire
Technology
Turkey has officially declared its ambition to become a global "drone empire." Under the ambitious "National Technology Breakthrough" program, Baykar aims to establish an unprecedented network of production and training centers spanning the entire country.
Ahead of the SAHA 2026 exhibition, the company's CEO, Haluk Bayraktar, unveiled a strategic plan: UAV operator training centers and assembly sites will be launched across all 81 provinces of Turkey. The project will be funded by record-breaking defense export revenues. The ultimate goal is staggering—to reach a production capacity capable of churning out millions of drones simultaneously. The largest hub will be located in Istanbul, serving as a training ground for a new generation of engineers and pilots.
The data underscores the seriousness of Ankara's intentions. Over the last 25 years, Turkish defense exports have grown 40-fold: from approximately $250 million in the early 2000s to an impressive $10 billion by the end of 2025. A further 20% growth is expected this year. The upcoming SAHA 2026 exhibition in Istanbul this May promises to be the largest in the region's history, bringing together over 1,700 companies from more than 120 countries. A key exhibit will be the TCG Anadolu, the world's first aircraft carrier specifically designed to carry combat UAVs. Contract signings at the exhibition are projected to reach $8 billion.
Despite rapid growth and interest from global leaders, Baykar's political stance remains firm. Haluk Bayraktar reaffirmed that the company does not supply its products to Russia, focusing instead on supporting Ukraine's sovereignty. While the Kremlin had previously expressed interest in working with the "Bayraktar" manufacturer, official talks in Sochi between heads of state did not result in concrete agreements for production or procurement. Consequently, Turkey continues to build its own self-sustaining ecosystem, aimed not only at national security but at total dominance of the global high-tech arms market.
The data underscores the seriousness of Ankara's intentions. Over the last 25 years, Turkish defense exports have grown 40-fold: from approximately $250 million in the early 2000s to an impressive $10 billion by the end of 2025. A further 20% growth is expected this year. The upcoming SAHA 2026 exhibition in Istanbul this May promises to be the largest in the region's history, bringing together over 1,700 companies from more than 120 countries. A key exhibit will be the TCG Anadolu, the world's first aircraft carrier specifically designed to carry combat UAVs. Contract signings at the exhibition are projected to reach $8 billion.
Despite rapid growth and interest from global leaders, Baykar's political stance remains firm. Haluk Bayraktar reaffirmed that the company does not supply its products to Russia, focusing instead on supporting Ukraine's sovereignty. While the Kremlin had previously expressed interest in working with the "Bayraktar" manufacturer, official talks in Sochi between heads of state did not result in concrete agreements for production or procurement. Consequently, Turkey continues to build its own self-sustaining ecosystem, aimed not only at national security but at total dominance of the global high-tech arms market.
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