Turkish defense exports set to double by 2016

Turkish defense industry exports are expected to double to $2 billion by 2016, the Defense Industry Undersecretariat's (SSM) Lutfi Varoglu told reporters yesterday. He said the SSM currently meets 47.5 percent of Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) needs, adding that they want to boost this share to 50 percent by the end of the year. Asked about SSM export projections, Varoglu said, "The SSM is expected to double its exports by 2016. Our export projection for this year is to reach $1 billion, while in five years we hope to reach $2 billion."