The U.S. Department of Commerce and American-Turkish Council Aerospace & Defense Certified Trade
Mission to Turkey will introduce U.S. companies to potential Turkish business partners and buyers,
key industry and government officials and key opportunities in the Turkish market, where is business
is based on personal relationships.
Major Push in Civil Aviation. Civil aviation is booming in Turkey and Turks are frequent flyers. Turkish
airports handled a record number of passengers in 2017, exceeding 190 million. Turkey’s strategic location
ensures unrivaled advantages in airline, MRO, cargo and air taxi services in the region. With the opening of the
New Istanbul Airport, Turkey will become a regional hub for air transportation.
Defense Sector Growth and Regional Opportunities. Over $10 billion was allocated in the 2018 defense
budget, with 50% to be spent on goods, services and modernization programs. Turkey is a partner country in
the Joint Strike Fighter Program, while the Turkish Air Force is the third largest operator of the F-16. Turkey’s
military is among the world’s 10 strongest and the country is a growing hub for defense and aerospace companies
interested in markets in the Middle East and North Africa.
Meetings with Key Government and Industry Players. Trade mission members will meet with the Ministry
of Defense, State Airports Authority, Undersecretariat for Defense Industries, Turkish Armed Forces Foundation,
the Defense Industry Manufacturers Association, Turkish Defense Conglomerates like Aselsan, Havelsan,
TAI, TEI, private sector companies, sector associations and various other stakeholders.