Abstract
The management process of defense projects is a long-term process guided by high-level political and strategic documents and involves a wide variety of risks. Following the determination of the operational needs in line with the objectives; the plans and programs for the procurement of these systems are implemented through the works of various committees, and the procurement process begins with the limited resources allocated. It is essential that the modernization budgets, which increase every year, are used as effectively, economically, and efficiently as possible due to the pressure to meet unlimited needs with the limited resources allocated. The main obligation of the internal audit units is to evaluate the risk management systems of the administrations in order to add value to the institutions, develop them, and ensure the effective, economic andefficient use of resources. In this context, internal audit is expected to make significant contributions to the project management process. The purpose of this study is to reveal how the internal audit function can more effectively oversee the management process of defense projects with a risk-oriented approach. In the study, first, how defense projects are managed, the risk-based internal audit approach, and how this approach is applied in project management processes are examined through document analysis method by also making use of international practices. Then, the risks and controls of the project management process and how these controls will be tested are analyzed with the system audit approach, and a model proposal that can be applied in audits is developed