Both nations see drones as strategic tools for regional influence.
By Hezy Laing
Israel and Turkey are locked in a fierce competition for drone supremacy, with Turkey currently commanding the largest global market share while Israel remains a leader in advanced military UAV technology.
In recent years, Turkey has emerged as the dominant global drone supplier, with Baykar’s Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı drones propelling the country to an estimated 65% share of the global UAV market.
Baykar alone accounts for nearly 60% of worldwide drone sales, making Turkey the largest drone manufacturer in the world.
Its drones are prized for affordability, combat effectiveness, and widespread deployment in conflicts from Ukraine to the Caucasus.
Israel is also one of the world’s leading UAV exporters, but by contrast, has a smaller overall market share of some 3%.
It specializes in advanced surveillance and combat drones (IAI Heron, Elbit Hermes), with billions in sales worldwide.
Israel’s UAVs are renowned for cutting‑edge technology, intelligence gathering, and long‑range strike capabilities.
Companies like Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elbit Systems pioneered military drones decades before Turkey’s rise, supplying advanced UAVs to Western militaries and allies worldwide.
Specialities and Competition
Turkey’s Strengths: Cost‑effective combat drones, mass production, and rapid export growth.
Israel’s Strengths: High‑end surveillance, electronic warfare, and integration with advanced defense systems.
Both nations also see drones as strategic tools for regional influence.
Turkey markets drones to developing nations and conflict zones, while Israel focuses on technologically advanced allies.
Their competition reflects broader geopolitical rivalry in the Middle East.
The global drone market reached $73 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed $160 billion by 2030.
China (DJI) dominates the consumer drone sector with 70–80% of the market.
The United States leads in high‑end military UAVs (e.g., Reaper, Global Hawk).
While Turkey has surged ahead in exports, becoming the largest supplier of military drones worldwide.
Meanwhile Israel remains a top innovator, though its market share is smaller compared to Turkey’s mass‑production model.
The Israel–Turkey drone rivalry is therefore essentially a clash of quality vs. quantity.
Turkey’s dominance in global sales contrasts with Israel’s reputation for technological sophistication.
Together, they represent two of the most influential players in the rapidly expanding drone industry, competing not only for contracts but for strategic influence across the Middle East and beyond.
