The Geopolitics of Turkey's Rise as a Drone Power

Abstract: The evolution and proliferation of drone technologies have emerged as pivotal factors in the transformation of global geopolitics. While the United States and Israel once dominated the drone market, the industry now witnesses a growing number of contenders, including China, Iran, and Turkey. This article examines the geopolitical implications of Turkey's rising prominence in the drone sector while exploring the subsequent challenges and opportunities it poses to Turkey's relations with Russia, the United States, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). While the long-term strategic implications for global politics remain to be seen, Turkey's drones have enabled it to pursue its regional interests and assert its role as a global drone power, while also exposing it to diplomatic tensions. The paper also discusses the need for a global framework to regulate the drone industry.