At the opening of the 17th IDEF defense expo, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan celebrated the nation’s defense industry advancements, announcing that local production has surpassed 80%.
„A Nation Rising”: Erdogan Lauds Defense Independence
Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s journey toward defense sovereignty, overcoming „embargoes, double standards, and diplomatic pressures.” This likely alluded to the US’s removal of Turkey from the F-35 program, prompting Ankara to develop its own fifth-generation fighter, KAAN.
3,500 Companies, $20 Billion Turnover
„Our more than 3,500 companies in the [defense] sector successfully continue their operations with a qualified staff of 100,000 people,” Erdogan stated. „Today, the Turkish defense industry is writing epics with its wide product range, with over 1,380 projects and a turnover exceeding $20 billion.”
Meeting Security Needs with Domestic Resources
Erdogan highlighted that the Turkish defense industry effectively meets almost „all the needs of our security units in the most effective way with our own resources.”
UAV Powerhouse: Global Leader in Drone Tech
Turkey has become a leader in UAV and UCAV technology, supplying 65% of globally sold UAVs last year, Erdogan said. Turkish drones, particularly Baykar’s Bayraktar TB2, have gained prominence after the war in Ukraine.
Shipbuilding Prowess: Exporting Corvettes and Warships
Turkey, among the top 10 countries designing and building its own warships, has secured export contracts for ADA-class anti-submarine warfare corvettes and Babur Class Milgem corvettes.
11th Largest Defense Exporter
Overall, Turkey has ascended to become the 11th largest defense exporter worldwide, according to Erdogan.
Condemnation of Israeli Actions in Gaza
Beyond defense achievements, Erdogan strongly condemned Israeli actions in Gaza and urged the international community to pursue a ceasefire.
