Türkiye to Prioritize Quantum, AI, and Hypersonic Technologies in 2026 Defense Push

Türkiye’s defense industry is entering a new phase of technological acceleration in 2026, driven by strategic investments in next-generation capabilities such as quantum technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, and hypersonic platforms.

According to the newly released 2026 Presidential Annual Program, Ankara plans to strengthen domestic research and development (R&D), expand high-skilled employment, and boost dual-use applications across defense, homeland security, aviation, and space industries.

The roadmap — aligned with the Presidency of Defense Industries’ (SSB) 2020 long-term vision — foresees the continuation of four major R&D projects and nine AI-driven initiatives. A new framework agreement will also be signed to establish a quantum technologies development platform, including the design, production, and testing of quantum processing units (QPUs).

Building human capital for defense innovation

The government will expand its Defense Development (Savunma Gelişim) digital training platform and sustain four ongoing competency development programs for university students. Parallel initiatives, such as the ELMAS Program for technical and vocational high schools, will continue, while new programs for industry workers and young innovators are being prepared.

Events like Teknofest, Türkiye’s flagship technology fair, will remain key to raising public awareness and inspiring youth participation in defense innovation. Additional outreach programs — including mentor networks, online workshops, and partnerships with universities — aim to create a new generation of engineers, scientists, and cybersecurity professionals.

Boosting exports and dual-use industry growth

Türkiye also plans to intensify defense cooperation with high-export-potential nations while supporting local firms’ participation in major international defense exhibitions. A dual-use industry roadmap will be launched to adapt military technologies for civilian applications, aligning defense innovation with national industrialization goals.

Strengthening cybersecurity resilience

A major focus of the 2026 agenda is cybersecurity autonomy. Domestic solutions will be used to meet the Turkish Armed Forces’ (TSK) needs for data-intensive systems and endpoint protection. The Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) framework will be implemented using local technologies, while the TSK Cloud Computing System will enhance cloud security with indigenous products.

The Türkiye Cybersecurity Cluster will lead efforts to promote homegrown cybersecurity tools to public sector institutions, ensuring critical infrastructure is secured by national technologies.

Ambitious economic and industrial targets

By the end of 2026, Türkiye aims to achieve an 83% domestic production rate in defense, $8 billion in defense and aerospace exports, a $20 billion industry turnover, and the creation of 120,000 jobs across the sector.

This comprehensive vision signals Türkiye’s intent to cement its position as a top-tier defense producer — not only through platforms and weapons systems but through deep technological sovereignty and human capital development.