The surge in global defense spending and high-tech investments is placing composite materials higher on the strategic agenda of the industry. According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military expenditures grew by 2.9% in real terms in 2025, reaching $2.887 trillion. Having expanded by 41% over the past decade, global spending continues to drive demand for defense technologies and the advanced materials used in their production.
Concurrently, Türkiye’s defense and aerospace exports rose by 48% year-over-year in 2025, reaching $10.054 billion. The Turkish defense industry has transformed into a major manufacturing ecosystem comprising over 3,500 companies, more than 1,400 active projects, a direct workforce approaching 100,000, and a total turnover exceeding $20 billion.
Playing a vital role in this growth, composites offer low weight, high strength, corrosion resistance, and design flexibility, serving as an essential alternative to traditional metals, particularly in aerospace, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and defense platforms. According to Grand View Research projections, the global composite market—valued at $112.4 billion—is expected to reach $120.6 billion in 2026 and $212.1 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4% between 2026 and 2033.
Türkiye’s Composite Exports Exceed $2 Billion
Türkiye is advancing toward becoming a nation that not only uses composites but also designs and manufactures them. TUSAŞ’s in-house design and production of composite ailerons for the Airbus A350 stands as a concrete example of this domestic engineering capability. While exports from Türkiye’s composite sector surpassed $2 billion as of 2024, the sector aims to reach a total market size of $7 billion within the next five years.
The industry's new competitive frontier extends beyond light weight and durability. Thermoplastic composites, automation, high-speed production, and recyclable resins are gaining strategic importance in terms of cost efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, recycling end-of-life aircraft parts and wind turbine blades has taken center stage on R&D agendas. Spanning from defense to energy, and automotive to infrastructure, these application areas are turning composite technologies into a strategic growth engine for Türkiye’s high-value manufacturing and export goals.
World of Composites to Gather in Istanbul on October 21–23
Türkiye’s expanding advanced materials ecosystem will convene at TURKCOMPOSITE 2026 – International Composite Exhibition, taking place at the Istanbul Expo Center on October 21–23, 2026. Organized through the collaboration of CNG Expo and the Turkish Composite Manufacturers Association (TCMA/KSD), TURKCOMPOSITE 2026 will bring together the entire composite industry value chain in Istanbul—from raw materials, resins, and fiber technologies to semi-finished goods, final composite components, automation systems, machinery, testing technologies, and recycling solutions.
Leading defense and aerospace giants in Türkiye, including BAYKAR, HAVELSAN, ROKETSAN, and TUSAŞ, are among the key exhibitors at TURKCOMPOSITE 2026. Beyond manufacturers, the exhibition aims to bring together procurement professionals, engineers, and decision-makers from sectors utilizing these technologies, such as aerospace, defense, automotive, energy, construction, rail systems, maritime, and industrial manufacturing.
Turkish Scientist Behind B-2 and F-35 Technologies at the Fair
Ergün Kırlıkovalı, Founder and President of Integrated Polymer Industries, Inc., is widely recognized for his work in developing specialized polymer and coating solutions used on military platforms such as the B-2 Spirit and F-35. As a keynote speaker at TURKCOMPOSITE 2026, Kırlıkovalı will deliver a presentation on October 21 titled "Golden Triplets: Creativity, Innovation, Entrepreneurship," sharing his insights spanning from R&D to innovation.
Six Specialized Areas: Live Production, Defense, and Entrepreneurship
Demo Production Area: BOYTEK, LİTERATÜR KİMYA, NEVA COMPOSITES, OMNIFORM, and TİLA will demonstrate manufacturing techniques through live applications.
Composite Live: Dedicated to B2B meetings with representatives from BAYKAR, TUSAŞ, ROKETSAN, and HAVELSAN.
Defense Industry Exhibition Area: Showcasing aircraft and composite application samples.
GRP Pipe Manufacturers Association Area: Focusing on infrastructure solutions.
BTM Start-Up Village: Highlighting innovative ventures.
Composite Selects – Innovation Area: Featuring finished products made from composites.
143 Companies and Over 200 Brands from 25 Countries
Spanning 14,000 square meters, TURKCOMPOSITE 2026 will host 143 exhibiting companies and over 200 brands from 25 countries. Throughout the event, more than 4,000 professional visitors from various regions, primarily Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Turkic Republics, Russia and CIS countries, the Middle East, and North Africa, are expected in Istanbul.
Supported by the Presidential Investment Office, the Presidential Finance Office, and the Istanbul Expo Center—alongside international industry organizations including JEC World, EuCIA, AVK, ALMACO, Assocompositi, and Composites United—the fair aims to showcase Türkiye's manufacturing and engineering capabilities in composite technologies to global markets.
