Sertaç AksanAlthough the ceasefire between the United States and Iran continues to hold, it remains fragile. However, the possibility of a wider conflict in the region is still very high.
One of the most frequently discussed topics during the ceasefire has been the situation of Gulf countries that have long paid hundreds of billions of dollars to take shelter under the defence umbrella of Western nations.
Some “highly advanced systems” in the region failed to deliver the desired results in the field. And countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar were unable to fully protect their highly strategic locations.
African countries took lessons from the Gulf
This situation faced by the Gulf countries has created awareness not only in the Middle East but also across different regions, including Africa, where countries have spent a lot of money in acquiring defence industry products in recent years.
Harun Saraç, Chairman of the Board of BAMEX, which is Africa’s largest defence industry expo, and General Manager of The Peak Defence, is one of the figures who know this new period best.
Saraç recalls that African countries have significantly increased their defence investments due to rising security risks, border threats and regional instability.
He states that decision-makers are focusing on products that have “proven themselves in the field, cost-effective and offer rapid delivery capability.” At this point, the Turkish defence industry stands out.
“At present, the number of countries that can prove themselves even under very difficult field conditions does not exceed the fingers of one hand. Türkiye is one of the leading actors on this list. African countries know this,” he says.
“The latest developments in the Gulf have further reinforced this trend. Currently, demand for Turkish defense industry products in African countries has reached record levels. This is not a temporary trend. It is a serious and long-term wave of procurement,” he adds.
‘Türkiye becomes first choice’
At this stage, Harun Saraç says that Turkish defence industry products have risen to the position of “first choice” rather than an alternative. He notes that urgent and high-volume procurement plans are on the agenda in critical areas such as UAVs and surveillance solutions, armored vehicles, communication and command-control systems.
“This situation creates significant opportunities for manufacturers in the short term. Companies that enter the market early will gain long-term strategic advantages. According to available data, Africa will become one of the fastest-growing markets in the world also in terms of the defense industry,” Saraç explains.
“For this very reason, BAMEX, Africa’s largest defence industry fair, will be in a very different position this year. As is known, during the first two days of the fair, participants showcase their products. In the last two days, those products are tested directly in the field. There are a few examples of this in the world. But our most important starting point here is our confidence in domestic/national defense industry products. Those who use these products once do not give them up,” he says.
“We will organise the fair, which will host very high-level delegations from across Africa and different parts of the world, between November 9–13, 2026. Last year, many companies, especially BAYKAR, Aselsan, Roketsan and MKE, participated. This year, more than 30 Turkish companies are expected to attend.”
