Ankara, January 2, 2026 – Turkish aerospace engine manufacturer TUSAŞ Engine Industries (TEI) has kicked off the new year with a landmark achievement, securing a $2.95 billion export order from an international client.
The deal, announced by Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) President Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, underscores Turkey’s growing prowess in high-value aviation technology and marks the country’s first major export success of 2026.
The contract encompasses the production of engine parts and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for 22 distinct civil and military aviation engine programs. These programs are widely utilized in global aviation, highlighting TEI’s integration into international supply chains.
Deliveries are slated to commence in 2026, with the order boosting TEI’s total backlog to an impressive $8.2 billion. This milestone reflects the company’s advanced engineering capabilities, stringent production standards, and established global trustworthiness in the competitive aerospace sector.In his announcement, Görgün emphasized the strategic significance of the deal: “While leaving 2025 behind with records, 2026’s first major export success has come with TEI’s signature. The $2.95 billion order won from abroad is a strong confirmation that Turkey is among the world’s leading centers in high-value-added engine production technologies.”
He attributed the accomplishment to long-term policies under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s leadership, which have fostered a holistic ecosystem for defense and aviation industries. “Decisive support mechanisms and an export-centered strategic orientation have enabled our sector to become one that produces technology, holds sway in global competition, and achieves sustainable growth,” Görgün added, extending congratulations to TEI’s engineers, technicians, and team.
The news quickly gained traction on social media, with numerous posts highlighting the deal’s scale and national pride. For instance, aviation news account Avionot described it as a “record engine order from abroad,” while defense analyst Yusuf Akbaba noted TEI’s role as “the company whispering to aviation engines in Turkish defense industry.” Global Conflict Watch called it “historic” and potentially disruptive to the U.S. and Western-dominated military engine market.
TEI, a subsidiary of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), has been expanding its export footprint in recent years. In 2025, the company targeted $450 million in exports and secured contracts like maintenance for the U.S. Navy’s LM2500 gas turbines. This new order builds on that momentum, positioning Turkey as a key player in aviation engine manufacturing amid ongoing developments like the indigenous KAAN fighter jet program.
Industry experts view the deal as a testament to Turkey’s defense sector resilience, despite challenges such as U.S. restrictions on engine exports for projects like KAAN. As deliveries ramp up, it is expected to create jobs, enhance technological know-how, and contribute significantly to Turkey’s export economy, which has increasingly focused on high-tech defense products.TEI has not yet updated its official website with details of the order, but the announcement has been widely covered in Turkish media outlets. Further specifics on the client or exact engine models remain undisclosed, likely due to commercial sensitivities.
