The key facts

  • Allocations for the procurement of weapons and ammunition in the 2027 budget rose by 229% — Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz
  • Defense: 2.206 trillion liras ($44.5 billion), internal security: $25.2 billion
  • Education — $75.6 billion (13.7%), investments — $57.5 billion (10.4%), earthquakes — $17.5 billion

Sharp increase in arms procurement

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz announced on Friday that the draft 2027 budget increases allocations for the procurement of weapons, ammunition, weapons systems and other military equipment by 229%. According to him, these procurements make up a significant portion of the Ministry of National Defense's expenditures. He spoke at a ceremony marking the completion of work on the draft central budget at the presidential complex in Ankara.

Overall defense and security figures

Taking into account other defense expenditures, the draft provides 2.206 trillion Turkish liras ($44.5 billion) for defense, and a separate $25.2 billion for internal security. The 229% increase concerns specifically procurement allocations, not all defense expenditures. Yilmaz also stated that over the past quarter century Turkey has reduced the defense industry's dependence on foreign suppliers, calling what happened a revolution, and added that the current global situation has confirmed the importance of the decision to develop its own defense industry.

Other budget priorities

It is proposed to allocate $57.5 billion for investments — 10.4% of the 2027 budget. Yilmaz listed the areas: irrigation, railways, maritime transport, oil and gas exploration, and mining. Education, including higher education, will receive $75.6 billion — the largest share of central expenditures, 13.7%. Another $17.5 billion is provided for eliminating earthquake damage and strengthening resilience to natural disasters.

Next steps

Yilmaz said the draft budget has been submitted to parliament within the constitutional deadline. Next week he will present additional details at a meeting of the parliamentary planning and budget commission.