Ankara: Trkiye has released its list of the top 100 income taxpayers for 2025, with Baykar Chairman Selcuk Bayraktar securing the top position for the fifth consecutive year.
According to Anadolu Agency, Bayraktar became Trkiye's leading income taxpayer by contributing 2.99 billion Turkish liras ($75.7 million) in taxes. Following closely, Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar ranked second, paying 2.5 billion liras ($63.3 million). Rahmi Koc, honorary chairman of Koc Holding, claimed the third spot with an income tax payment of 831 million liras ($21 million). Selcuk Bayraktar and Haluk Bayraktar have consistently occupied the top two positions in Trkiye's income tax rankings since 2021.
Baykar's consistent presence at the top of the taxpayer list is attributed to its export-driven growth. The Turkish technology, defense, and aerospace company set a new record in 2025 with $2.2 billion in exports of domestically produced unmanned aerial vehicles. Baykar's exports have seen a significant rise, from $664 million in 2021 to $1.2 billion in 2022, and $1.8 billion in both 2023 and 2024, before reaching a new peak last year.
The company has maintained its position as a leader in Trkiye's defense and aerospace exports for the past five years and has been among the country's 10 largest exporters across all sectors for three consecutive years. Baykar has signed export agreements with 39 countries, including contracts with 36 countries for the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicle and 16 for the Bayraktar Akinci.
Baykar generates approximately 90% of its revenue from exports, both annually and cumulatively, since starting its research and development drive in 2003. The company finances all its projects through its own resources, without relying on state cash incentives, grants, order guarantees, or bank loans since its inception. Baykar reinvests its earnings to fund its research, development, and production activities while expanding into new high-technology fields, including space technologies. The company employs more than 8,500 people across its domestic and international subsidiaries.
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