Turkey targets international partners to boost defence exports to $25bn by 2023

Turkey is seeking to boost its defence exports, capitalising on the increasing need for modern equipment by armed forces across the globe, given the recent rise of international terrorism.

Turkey is looking for co-production and technology transfer agreements with international partners at a conference and exhibition to be held in its capital Ankara on 10-12 November.

The event is expected to help Turkey reach its target of $25bn in defence exports by 2023.

Turkey's defense and aerospace exports rose by 17.7% to $1.648bn in 2014 from $1.4bn in 2013, according to the Turkish Defense and Aerospace Exporters' Association.

Defense exports for the first four months of 2015 were valued at $461m, a 1.36% increase year-on-year. Defense products make up only 1% of the country's total exports for the period, valued at $49bn.

At the Turkey Defence Week 2015, the country looks to provide a platform for sellers in three exclusive technical streams exploring land, naval and airborne capabilities. The conference will assess the latest developments and opportunities within battle tanks, artillery, torpedoes, submarines, fighter jets, combat UAVs, missile defence systems, electronic warfare, satellite avionics, attack helicopters, and more.

The gathering, which is expected to be attended by 200 delegates, will also have a number of panel discussions on the challenges and solutions on key topics currently surrounding the international defence industry. From the UK, Neil Firth, director of logistics, commodities and services at the ministry of defence, will attend the event.

"Over the past two decades, the Turkish defence industry has undergone dedicated efforts to create advanced and modern defence infrastructure, fulfilling the requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces and creating vast opportunities for militaries and defence companies worldwide," the official website of the event reads.

"ISIS, Egypt's Sinai Province, Nigeria's Boko Haram, and the recent attacks in Kenya, Paris, Brussels, Copenhagen, Ukraine and Sydney, clearly highlight the challenges we face in the defence industry, and it is becoming more of a pressing priority for industry experts to tackle these challenges collaboratively through effective solutions."

The country's location is expected to be a prompting factor for countries to enter into defence agreements with it.