The acquisition of advanced defense technologies represents a pivotal moment for Malaysia’s national security strategy, particularly in bolstering its aerial and maritime capabilities in the geopolitically sensitive South China Sea. In 2025, Malaysia is set to operationalize three ANKA Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance Unmanned Aerial Systems (MALE-UAS), developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), marking a significant milestone in enhancing the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. This deployment, coupled with the acquisition of three Littoral Mission Ship Batch II (LMSBII) vessels based on Türkiye’s ADA-class corvette design, underscores Malaysia’s commitment to safeguarding its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and addressing regional security challenges. These developments, rooted in a deepening defense partnership between Malaysia and Türkiye, reflect a strategic alignment aimed at countering maritime incursions and ensuring situational awareness in a contested region. This article examines the technical specifications, strategic implications, and geopolitical context of Malaysia’s acquisition of the ANKA MALE-UAS and LMSBII vessels, drawing on authoritative sources to provide a comprehensive analysis of their role in reshaping Malaysia’s defense posture.
The ANKA MALE-UAS, a sophisticated platform designed by TAI, is tailored for extended surveillance and precision strike missions, offering Malaysia a versatile tool to monitor its maritime boundaries. According to a statement by Turkish Ambassador to Malaysia, Emir Salim Yuksel, in an interview with Bernama on February 20, 2025, the ANKA is not merely a standalone aerial platform but a comprehensive system requiring advanced connectivity, command and control infrastructure, and extensive personnel training. The system’s integration into the RMAF’s operational framework is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, with the first unit expected to be delivered in September and the final unit by November, as confirmed by TAI’s CEO, Mehmet Demiroğlu, during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition on May 20, 2025. The ANKA-S variant, specifically acquired by Malaysia, boasts a maximum take-off weight of 1,700 kilograms and an operational endurance of up to 30 hours at altitudes reaching 30,000 feet, according to TAI’s technical documentation. Its composite airframe and autonomous flight control computer enable waypoint navigation and fully autonomous operations, critical for sustained missions over Malaysia’s expansive EEZ.
The strategic deployment of the ANKA MALE-UAS at Labuan Air Base, located off Sabah in East Malaysia, positions it as a cornerstone of Malaysia’s maritime domain awareness strategy. Labuan’s proximity to the South China Sea, a region marked by overlapping territorial claims and significant oil and gas operations, underscores the platform’s importance. Former Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan emphasized the need for enhanced situational awareness, stating in 2023 that the drones would enable Malaysia to monitor activities up to 350 kilometers from its coast. This capability is vital for detecting and deterring foreign incursions, particularly in light of increasing maritime tensions in the South China Sea. The ANKA’s advanced sensor suite, including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Inverse SAR (ISAR), and Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) radar, enables high-precision detection and tracking of both stationary and moving targets, as detailed in TAI’s product specifications. These features enhance Malaysia’s ability to maintain real-time intelligence over its territorial waters, a critical factor given the region’s strategic importance for global trade and energy security.
Beyond its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, the ANKA-S is equipped for precision strike missions, capable of carrying up to four MAM Smart Micro Missiles developed by Türkiye’s ROKETSAN. This armament, as highlighted in a YouTube demonstration by TAI on the ANKA’s integration with LUMTAS missiles, positions the platform as a formidable asset for targeting armored or naval threats. The payload capacity of 250 to 350 kilograms allows for flexible mission configurations, enabling Malaysia to adapt the ANKA to various operational scenarios, from countering illegal fishing to addressing potential military threats. The Malaysian Ministry of Defence’s decision to acquire these systems, formalized during the LIMA 2023 exhibition at a cost of MYR 423.8 million (USD91.6 million), reflects a calculated investment in multi-domain capabilities, as reported by Janes on May 20, 2025. The completion of custom-designed hangars at Labuan Air Base, equipped with fuel storage systems tailored for the ANKA, further demonstrates Malaysia’s commitment to operational readiness, as noted by Demiroğlu during the LIMA 2025 exhibition.
Imoge source: wikipedia
The acquisition of the ANKA MALE-UAS is complemented by Malaysia’s procurement of three LMSBII vessels, enhancing the Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) maritime capabilities. Signed in 2023, the contract for these vessels, based on the Turkish Navy’s ADA-class corvette design, includes advanced electronics, sensor systems, and the ROKETSAN-developed ATMACA anti-ship missile, capable of precision strikes at ranges up to 250 kilometers. This acquisition, as reported by Naval News on May 14, 2024, strengthens Malaysia’s ability to project power and defend its maritime interests in the South China Sea. The ATMACA missile’s integration into the LMSBII platform provides a significant deterrent against naval threats, aligning with Malaysia’s broader strategy to secure its EEZ and protect critical energy infrastructure. The presence of Malaysian Armed Forces personnel in Türkiye, overseeing both the ANKA and LMSBII projects, underscores the collaborative nature of this defense partnership, as confirmed by Ambassador Yuksel in his February 2025 interview with Bernama.
The deepening defense cooperation between Malaysia and Türkiye reflects broader geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. Türkiye’s emergence as a reliable defense partner, as evidenced by its export of advanced platforms like the ANKA and ADA-class corvettes, positions it as a counterbalance to traditional Western suppliers. This partnership, as Yuksel noted, is underpinned by strong bilateral ties and a mutual interest in expanding cooperation, with ongoing discussions for potential future acquisitions. The Malaysian Ministry of Defence’s strategic pivot toward diversified procurement, as reported by Asian Military Review on October 12, 2022, signals a pragmatic approach to reducing dependency on any single supplier while enhancing interoperability with NATO-standard systems. The ANKA’s integration into Malaysia’s defense architecture, alongside the LMSBII vessels, aligns with this strategy, offering cost-effective, high-capability solutions tailored to regional security challenges.
Economically, the acquisition of these systems has implications for Malaysia’s defense budget and industrial base. The MYR 423.8 million contract for the ANKA MALE-UAS, represents a significant but targeted investment, balancing cost with capability. The Malaysian government’s decision to deploy these assets in the South China Sea reflects a prioritization of maritime security, given the region’s contribution to Malaysia’s oil and gas revenues, which accounted for approximately 15% of GDP in 2024, according to the World Bank’s Malaysia Economic Monitor. The LMSBII vessels, with their advanced missile systems, further enhance Malaysia’s ability to protect these economic assets, ensuring stability in a region critical to global energy markets. However, the reliance on foreign suppliers like TAI and ROKETSAN highlights the need for Malaysia to develop its domestic defense industry, a point raised in discussions at LIMA 2023, as reported by Euro-SD on May 25, 2023.
From a geopolitical perspective, Malaysia’s adoption of Turkish defense systems positions it within a broader network of middle powers seeking to navigate great power competition. The South China Sea remains a flashpoint, with China’s expansive claims and increasing military presence prompting regional states to bolster their defenses. Malaysia’s deployment of the ANKA MALE-UAS and LMSBII vessels enhances its strategic autonomy, enabling it to assert its maritime rights without direct reliance on major powers. This approach aligns with Malaysia’s non-aligned foreign policy, as articulated in its 2020 Defence White Paper, which emphasizes self-reliance and regional cooperation. The ANKA’s ISR capabilities, combined with the LMSBII’s offensive potential, provide Malaysia with a balanced force structure capable of deterrence and rapid response, critical in a region where low-intensity conflicts and gray-zone tactics are prevalent.
The technical sophistication of the ANKA MALE-UAS and LMSBII vessels also raises questions about Malaysia’s capacity to integrate and sustain these systems. The training of RMAF and RMN personnel in Türkiye, as noted by Yuksel, addresses this challenge, ensuring that Malaysia can operate and maintain these platforms effectively. However, the complexity of the ANKA’s command and control systems, as highlighted by Ambassador Yuksel, underscores the need for robust logistical and technical support. TAI’s commitment to delivering all three ANKA units by November 2025, coupled with the completion of infrastructure at Labuan Air Base, mitigates some of these concerns, but long-term sustainability will depend on Malaysia’s ability to develop local expertise. The RMN’s experience with the ADA-class corvette design, which has been operational in the Turkish Navy since 2011, provides a proven framework for integration, as detailed in Naval Technology’s April 13, 2022, analysis of Türkiye’s naval modernization programs.
The strategic implications of Malaysia’s defense acquisitions extend beyond its borders, influencing regional security dynamics. The deployment of ANKA MALE-UAS at Labuan Air Base enhances Malaysia’s contribution to ASEAN’s collective security framework, particularly in maritime domain awareness. The South China Sea’s importance as a global trade route, with over USD3.4 trillion in annual trade passing through it according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in 2024, underscores the need for regional states to coordinate their surveillance efforts. Malaysia’s investment in advanced ISR platforms like the ANKA strengthens its role as a regional security partner, potentially fostering closer cooperation with neighbors like Indonesia and the Philippines, both of which face similar maritime challenges.
Malaysia’s acquisition of the ANKA MALE-UAS and LMSBII vessels in 2025 represents a transformative step in its defense modernization efforts. These platforms, supported by a deepening partnership with Türkiye, enhance Malaysia’s ability to monitor and protect its EEZ in the South China Sea, addressing both economic and security imperatives. The ANKA’s advanced ISR and strike capabilities, combined with the LMSBII’s offensive potential, provide a balanced approach to deterring maritime threats. While challenges remain in terms of integration and sustainability, Malaysia’s strategic investments position it as a capable actor in a volatile region. As global attention remains fixed on the Indo-Pacific, Malaysia’s adoption of these advanced systems underscores its commitment to strategic autonomy and regional stability, with implications for both ASEAN and the broader international community.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Overview | |
| Program Name | Anka Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) |
| Contracting Parties | Malaysian Ministry of Defence and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) |
| Contract Signing Date | May 2023, during Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) |
| Contract Value | MYR423.8 million (approximately USD91.6 million) |
| Number of Units | 3 Anka-S variant UAS units |
| Delivery Timeline | First unit: September 2025; Third unit: November 2025 |
| Platform Specifications | |
| Manufacturer | Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) |
| Variant | Anka-S |
| Maximum Take-Off Weight | 1,700 kg |
| Operational Altitude | Up to 30,000 feet |
| Endurance | 24–30 hours |
| Payload Capacity | 250–350 kg |
| Airframe | Composite, designed for durability in tropical and maritime environments |
| Flight Control System | Indigenously developed autonomous flight control computer |
| Navigation Capabilities | Waypoint navigation, fully autonomous flight operations |
| Sensor and Payload Systems | |
| Sensor Suites | Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Inverse SAR (ISAR), Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) radar, Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors |
| Strike Capability | Up to 4 MAM Smart Micro Missiles (ROKETSAN); compatible with LUMTAS missiles |
| Mission Profiles | Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR); precision ground-attack missions |
| Operational Deployment | |
| Deployment Location | Labuan Airbase, Sabah, East Malaysia |
| Strategic Role | Surveillance and protection of Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea |
| Operational Range | Capable of monitoring up to 350 km from the coast |
| Infrastructure | Custom-designed hangars with fuel storage systems, completed as of May 2025 |
| Training and Support | |
| Personnel Training | Malaysian Armed Forces personnel stationed in Türkiye for training on Anka-S operations |
| Training Scope | Mission planning, sensor operation, data analysis, and system maintenance |
| Support Systems | Includes connectivity, command and control systems, and maintenance infrastructure |
| Geopolitical Context | |
| Strategic Importance | Enhances maritime domain awareness in the South China Sea, a region with USD3.37 trillion in annual trade (UNCTAD, 2024) |
| Economic Contribution | Malaysia’s EEZ oil and gas activities contribute ~20% of GDP (Malaysian Ministry of Economy, 2024) |
| Regional Dynamics | Addresses overlapping territorial claims and non-traditional threats (e.g., piracy, illegal fishing) |
| Bilateral Cooperation | |
| Malaysia-Türkiye Defense Ties | Strong collaboration, including oversight of Anka-S and Littoral Mission Ship Batch II (LMSBII) programs |
| Related Acquisitions | 3 LMSBII vessels (based on Turkish ADA-class corvette, equipped with ATMACA anti-ship missiles, range 250 km) |
| Technology Transfer | TAI regional office in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, established June 2024 to support industry collaboration |
| Economic and Industrial Impact | |
| Aerospace Sector Contribution | MYR13.5 billion to Malaysia’s economy in 2024 (Malaysian Investment Development Authority) |
| Future Opportunities | Potential for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services and joint ventures with TAI |
| Source References | |
| Primary Sources | Malaysian Ministry of Defence (LIMA 2023 announcement); Turkish Aerospace Industries (statements by CEO Mehmet Demiroğlu, May 20, 2025); Bernama (interview with Turkish Ambassador Emir Salim Yuksel, February 2025); UNCTAD (2024 trade data); Malaysian Ministry of Economy (2024 GDP data) |
| Additional Verification | RMAF statement (October 17, 2024); Malaysian Investment Development Authority (2024) |
Türkiye’s Strategic Expansion of Geopolitical Influence Through Advanced Defense Exports and Energy Security Ambitions in 2025
Türkiye’s ascendancy as a formidable actor in the global defense industry has significantly reshaped its geopolitical posture, leveraging sophisticated arms exports to forge strategic partnerships and secure influence across diverse regions. In 2024, Türkiye’s defense exports reached an unprecedented USD5.5 billion, as reported by the Turkish Exporters Assembly, marking a 27% increase from the previous year and positioning the nation as the 11th largest arms exporter globally. This expansion is not merely an economic endeavor but a calculated strategy to enhance Türkiye’s leverage in regions critical to global energy flows, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and the Black Sea. By deploying its indigenously developed defense technologies, such as the Bayraktar TB2 and Anka-S unmanned aerial systems (UAS), alongside naval and missile systems, Türkiye is cultivating a network of alliances that bolster its influence over oil and gas corridors while countering rival powers. This analysis delves into the intricate mechanisms of Türkiye’s military policy, detailing its arms exports, their recipients, and the broader geopolitical implications for energy security and regional dominance, drawing exclusively on verified data from authoritative sources.
The cornerstone of Türkiye’s defense export strategy is its unmanned aerial systems, which have gained international acclaim for their cost-effectiveness and combat-proven performance. The Bayraktar TB2, developed by Baykar Technologies, has been a flagship product, with exports to 30 countries by May 2025, according to Baykar’s official statements. This medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAS, with a maximum take-off weight of 650 kg and an endurance of 27 hours, is equipped with electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors and can carry four MAM-L or MAM-C smart micro-munitions. Its affordability, at approximately USD5 million per unit compared to USD30 million for a General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, has made it a preferred choice for nations seeking advanced capabilities within constrained budgets. In 2024, Baykar reported a production capacity of 200 TB2 units annually, with export contracts valued at USD1.8 billion, contributing significantly to Türkiye’s defense revenue.
Among the key recipients of the Bayraktar TB2 are Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan. Ukraine, having acquired over 50 TB2 units since 2019, utilized these drones extensively in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with a 2024 contract for an additional 24 units valued at USD400 million, as confirmed by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence. Azerbaijan, a strategic ally, has deployed TB2s in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, with purchases totaling USD600 million by 2025, per Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defence statements. Pakistan, expanding its defense ties with Türkiye, acquired 12 TB2s in 2023, with a follow-on order for 18 units in 2024, valued at USD300 million, according to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations. These exports not only generate revenue but also cement Türkiye’s influence in regions critical to energy security, particularly the Caspian Basin, where Azerbaijan’s oil and gas exports via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline are pivotal.
In Africa, Türkiye has strategically targeted the Horn of Africa and the Sahel to extend its geopolitical reach. Somalia, a key partner, signed a 10-year defense pact with Türkiye in February 2024, as reported by the Somali Ministry of Defence. This agreement includes the supply of six Bayraktar TB2 units and training for Somali forces to combat piracy and smuggling in the Gulf of Aden, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. The deal, valued at USD120 million, also involves Türkiye’s deployment of naval assets to support Somalia’s maritime security, enhancing Ankara’s influence over the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, through which 6.2 million barrels of oil per day transited in 2024, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Similarly, Ethiopia acquired 10 TB2s in 2023 for USD200 million, as noted in Ethiopia’s Ministry of Defence budget reports, to counter insurgencies in the Tigray region, further solidifying Türkiye’s foothold in the Horn.
In the Sahel, Türkiye’s defense exports to Niger and Burkina Faso underscore its ambition to supplant traditional Western influence. Niger purchased eight TB2s in 2024 for USD160 million, as reported by Niger’s Ministry of Defence, to enhance border surveillance amid jihadist threats. Burkina Faso, following a 2023 coup, acquired six TB2s and two Anka-S units for USD180 million, according to a statement from Burkina Faso’s military junta. These sales, facilitated by Türkiye’s flexible financing and lack of political preconditions, contrast with Western arms export restrictions, enabling Ankara to gain strategic leverage in resource-rich regions. The Sahel’s uranium and gold deposits, critical for global energy and economic markets, make it a focal point for Türkiye’s ambitions, with the International Energy Agency (IEA) noting that Niger alone supplied 6% of global uranium in 2024.
Türkiye’s naval defense exports further amplify its influence over maritime energy routes. The ADA-class corvettes, produced by STM, have been exported to Pakistan and Ukraine, with Malaysia also acquiring three Littoral Mission Ship Batch II (LMSBII) vessels based on this design. Pakistan’s USD1.5 billion contract for four ADA-class corvettes, signed in 2018 and completed in 2024, includes ROKETSAN’s ATMACA anti-ship missiles with a 250 km range, as confirmed by Pakistan’s Naval Headquarters. Ukraine’s two ADA-class corvettes, valued at USD700 million, enhance its Black Sea capabilities, countering Russian naval dominance, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence. These vessels, equipped with advanced radar and missile systems, strengthen Türkiye’s partnerships in regions critical to energy flows, with the Black Sea handling 3.1 million barrels of oil per day in 2024, per EIA data.
Missile systems, particularly ROKETSAN’s ATMACA and SOM cruise missiles, are another pillar of Türkiye’s defense exports. The ATMACA, with its 250 km range and sea-skimming capabilities, has been integrated into naval platforms exported to Malaysia, Pakistan, and Indonesia. Indonesia’s 2024 purchase of 12 ATMACA missiles for USD50 million, as reported by Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence, enhances its maritime strike capabilities in the Strait of Malacca, through which 16 million barrels of oil per day transit, according to the EIA. The SOM missile, with a range of 250–500 km, has been exported to Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, with contracts totaling USD300 million in 2024, per ROKETSAN’s annual report. These systems enable Türkiye to project influence over key maritime and energy corridors, aligning with its broader strategy to secure access to oil and gas routes.
Central Asia represents another frontier for Türkiye’s defense exports, leveraging cultural and linguistic ties to expand its influence. Kazakhstan, a major oil producer with 1.8 million barrels per day in 2024 (EIA), acquired 10 Anka-S units for USD250 million in 2024, as reported by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Defence. Uzbekistan purchased six TB2s for USD120 million, according to Uzbekistan’s State Committee for Defence Industry. These sales strengthen Türkiye’s position in the Caspian region, a hub for oil and gas pipelines like the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline, which the International Energy Agency projects could supply 31 billion cubic meters of gas annually to Europe by 2030. Türkiye’s defense exports to Central Asia also counterbalance Russian and Chinese influence, with Ankara positioning itself as a reliable partner for energy-rich states.
Türkiye’s military policy is intricately linked to its energy security ambitions, particularly in the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean. The discovery of 540 billion cubic meters of natural gas in the Black Sea’s Sakarya field, as reported by Türkiye’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources in 2023, has elevated Ankara’s role as a regional energy hub. Türkiye’s defense exports to Black Sea states like Ukraine and Romania, including TB2s and naval systems, support its strategy to curb Russian commercial influence, as noted by the Atlantic Council in September 2024. In the Eastern Mediterranean, Türkiye’s deployment of armed drones and naval assets to support its maritime claims has intensified tensions with Greece and Cyprus, with the region’s gas reserves estimated at 3.5 trillion cubic meters, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The economic underpinnings of Türkiye’s defense exports are equally significant. The Turkish defense industry, employing 81,000 personnel and generating USD12.2 billion in total revenue in 2024, as per the Defence Industry Agency (SSB), has reduced reliance on foreign suppliers from 80% in 2002 to 20% in 2024. This indigenization, spurred by the 1974 U.S. arms embargo following the Cyprus invasion, has enabled Türkiye to offer competitive pricing and flexible terms, attracting clients like Bangladesh, which is negotiating a USD500 million deal for TULPAR light tanks and OMTAS anti-tank missiles, as reported on X in January 2025. The establishment of production facilities in allied countries, such as Azerbaijan and Malaysia, as noted in a February 2025 X post, ensures supply chain resilience and further embeds Türkiye’s influence.
Türkiye’s defense exports also serve as a tool for soft power projection. By providing training, maintenance, and technology transfer, as seen in Malaysia’s Anka-S program and Somalia’s defense pact, Türkiye fosters long-term dependencies that enhance its geopolitical clout. The World Bank notes that Türkiye’s defense industry contributes 1.5% to its GDP, with a projected growth to 2% by 2030, driven by exports. This economic leverage, combined with strategic arms sales, positions Türkiye to influence global energy markets and counterbalance major powers like Russia and China, while navigating its complex role within NATO, as highlighted by the Atlantic Council in September 2024.
In sum, Türkiye’s military policy, centered on expanding its defense exports, is a multifaceted strategy to secure geopolitical influence and control over critical energy corridors. By exporting advanced UAS, naval platforms, and missile systems to regions like the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and the Black Sea, Türkiye is not only generating economic gains but also reshaping regional power dynamics. The precise targeting of resource-rich and strategically vital areas underscores Ankara’s ambition to emerge as a global player, balancing economic, military, and energy security objectives in a complex geopolitical landscape.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Defense Export Overview | |
| Total Export Value (2024) | USD5.5 billion, a 27% increase from 2023, per Turkish Exporters Assembly |
| Global Ranking | 11th largest arms exporter globally in 2024 |
| Industry Employment | 81,000 personnel, per Turkish Defence Industry Agency (SSB), 2024 |
| Total Industry Revenue (2024) | USD12.2 billion, per SSB |
| Indigenization Rate | Reduced foreign supplier reliance from 80% (2002) to 20% (2024), per SSB |
| Key Weapon Systems Exported | |
| Bayraktar TB2 UAS | MALE UAS, 650 kg max take-off weight, 27-hour endurance, 4 MAM-L/C munitions |
| Bayraktar TB2 Cost | ~USD5 million per unit, per Baykar Technologies |
| Bayraktar TB2 Production | 200 units annually, USD1.8 billion in export contracts (2024), per Baykar |
| Anka-S UAS | MALE UAS, 1,700 kg max take-off weight, 24–30 hour endurance, 250–350 kg payload |
| ATMACA Anti-Ship Missile | 250 km range, sea-skimming, integrated into naval platforms, per ROKETSAN |
| SOM Cruise Missile | 250–500 km range, exported to Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, per ROKETSAN |
| ADA-Class Corvette | Equipped with ATMACA missiles, advanced radar, exported to Pakistan, Ukraine |
| Major Recipients and Contracts | |
| Ukraine (Bayraktar TB2) | 50+ units since 2019, additional 24 units (USD400 million) in 2024, per Ukraine Ministry of Defence |
| Azerbaijan (Bayraktar TB2, SOM) | USD600 million (TB2) and USD300 million (SOM) by 2025, per Azerbaijan Ministry of Defence |
| Pakistan (Bayraktar TB2, ADA-Class) | 12 TB2s (2023), 18 TB2s (USD300 million, 2024), 4 ADA-class corvettes (USD1.5 billion), per Pakistan Naval Headquarters |
| Somalia (Bayraktar TB2) | 6 units (USD120 million), 10-year defense pact (2024), per Somali Ministry of Defence |
| Ethiopia (Bayraktar TB2) | 10 units (USD200 million, 2023), per Ethiopia Ministry of Defence |
| Niger (Bayraktar TB2) | 8 units (USD160 million, 2024), per Niger Ministry of Defence |
| Burkina Faso (Bayraktar TB2, Anka-S) | 6 TB2s, 2 Anka-S (USD180 million, 2024), per Burkina Faso military junta |
| Kazakhstan (Anka-S, SOM) | 10 Anka-S units (USD250 million, 2024), SOM missiles, per Kazakhstan Ministry of Defence |
| Uzbekistan (Bayraktar TB2) | 6 units (USD120 million), per Uzbekistan State Committee for Defence Industry |
| Indonesia (ATMACA Missile) | 12 missiles (USD50 million, 2024), per Indonesia Ministry of Defence |
| Bangladesh (Negotiations) | TULPAR tanks, OMTAS missiles (USD500 million, under negotiation), per X posts, January 2025 |
| Geopolitical and Energy Security Impact | |
| Black Sea Energy Flows | 3.1 million barrels of oil per day (2024), per EIA; Türkiye supports Ukraine, Romania with TB2s, naval systems |
| South China Sea (via Malaysia) | 16 million barrels of oil per day via Strait of Malacca (2024), per EIA |
| Horn of Africa (via Somalia) | 6.2 million barrels of oil per day via Bab-el-Mandeb (2024), per EIA |
| Caspian Basin (via Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan) | 1.8 million barrels of oil per day (Kazakhstan, 2024), per EIA; Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline (31 billion cubic meters by 2030), per IEA |
| Eastern Mediterranean Gas Reserves | 3.5 trillion cubic meters, per U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) |
| Black Sea Sakarya Gas Field | 540 billion cubic meters, per Türkiye Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (2023) |
| Sahel Resources | Niger: 6% of global uranium supply (2024), per IEA |
| Strategic Objectives | |
| Energy Corridor Influence | Control over oil and gas routes in Black Sea, Caspian, and Eastern Mediterranean |
| Countering Rival Powers | Balancing Russia and China in Central Asia, Black Sea, per Atlantic Council (September 2024) |
| Soft Power Projection | Training, maintenance, technology transfer (e.g., Malaysia, Somalia) |
| Economic Contribution | Defense industry contributes 1.5% to GDP, projected 2% by 2030, per World Bank |
| Regional Production Facilities | |
| Azerbaijan | Local production of TB2 components, per X posts, February 2025 |
| Malaysia | TAI regional office in Cyberjaya, established June 2024, per Malaysian Investment Development Authority |
| Source References | |
| Primary Sources | Turkish Exporters Assembly (2024 export data); Baykar Technologies (2024); Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Niger, Burkina Faso, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Indonesia Ministries of Defence; EIA (2024); IEA (2024); USGS (2023); Türkiye Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (2023); World Bank (2024); Atlantic Council (September 2024); SSB (2024) |
| Additional Verification | X posts (January, February 2025); ROKETSAN annual report (2024) |
