Turkey Proposes Record Defense Budget in Preparation for Potential Regional War

Turkey's Defense Spending Plans

Turkey has proposed a defense and security budget of $47 billion for the upcoming year, marking its highest ever spending in this area, according to a government budget proposal revealed on Thursday. During a presidency briefing, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz announced that the government plans to allocate 913.9 billion Turkish lira (approximately $26.8bn) towards defense spending. This budget also includes the 165 billion lira required for the defense industry support fund.

Additional Budget Provisions

The proposed budget also includes 694.5 billion lira for domestic security needs. This allocation will cover the expenses of the interior ministry, the police, the national intelligence agency, and other related agencies. In recent years, Turkey's defense spending has seen a steady increase. The 2024 defense and security budget was around $40bn, which means that the proposed defense spending for 2025 represents a 17.5 percent increase. Turkey is currently involved in military operations in Syria and Iraq, and also operates military bases in Libya, Somalia, and Qatar. Additionally, Turkey maintains a permanent presence in Northern Cyprus. Since President Recep Tayyip Erdogan assumed power in 2003, the Turkish government has made significant investments in the local arms industry. These investments range from armed drones, ballistic missiles, and cannons to national warships, tank projects, and armored vehicles.

Regional Escalations and Preparations

The Turkish government is also concerned about the increasing military escalations in the region. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated in televised remarks on Thursday that Turkey needs to prepare for a potential war between Israel and Iran, and will therefore take all necessary measures. Earlier this month, the government proposed a new tax venue to provide additional funding to the Defense Industry Support Fund. This proposal involved requesting citizens with credit card limits above 100,000 lira to pay an annual fee of 750 lira to cover the cost of additional defense projects ordered by the government. However, following public criticism, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) withdrew the proposal. Opposition and experts argued that the proposal was unconstitutional as it sought a fee from a credit line rather than actual income. The government is currently exploring alternative methods to cover the expenditure. Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek stated earlier this week that the government has instructed the defense industry to prioritize the construction of a "Steel Dome" to protect the country against potential aerial threats, including missiles and drones. Simsek also revealed that there are currently over 1,000 projects in the defense industry. "All of them are high technology," he said. "From long-range instruments to 5th generation fighter jets to air defense systems…These are all expensive."

Bottom Line

Turkey's proposed record defense budget underscores the country's commitment to bolster its defense capabilities amidst increasing regional tensions. The government's focus on high-tech defense projects, such as the "Steel Dome", further emphasizes its dedication to national security. However, the question of how to fund these projects remains a contentious issue. What are your thoughts on this matter? Please share this article with your friends and let us know your opinions. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, available every day at 6pm.