Turkey has unveiled plans to more than triple its defense spending over the next three years, directing the bulk of the increase toward expanding its domestic arms industry. Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz made the announcement Sunday during the presentation of the country's new Medium-Term Program covering 2027 to 2029.

The 229 percent rise in defense spending ranks as the largest among seven priority areas outlined in the program. Other sectors receiving boosts include social housing at 150 percent, mining exploration at 139 percent, industrial infrastructure at 54 percent, railways at 49 percent, health at 43 percent, and food supply security at 42 percent.

Yilmaz stated the goal is for Turkey to develop its own technologies in the defense industry, meet its own needs, and produce high added-value products. He emphasized that security underpins development and democracy, shaping the budget accordingly.

Turkey's military spending reached $30 billion in 2025, placing it 18th globally according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. That figure marked a 7.2 percent increase from the prior year, driven in part by operations in Iraq, Somalia, and Syria, but primarily by investments in the domestic defense sector.

The additional funding is expected to support major projects, including mass production of the TF-KAAN fighter jet, initial deliveries of the KIZILELMA unmanned fighter aircraft, and delivery of more than 10 ALTAY tanks to Turkish land forces. Officials aim to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers by growing local production capacity.

The move comes amid ongoing regional conflicts and Turkey's efforts to strengthen its security posture in Europe and the Middle East. As NATO's second-largest military power, Ankara has prioritized self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing for years.