Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that Turkish defense industry companies have achieved a record number of exports of their products to 178 countries since the beginning of this year.
This came in a speech at the “Saha Expo 2024” exhibition for defense and aviation industries, held in Istanbul between 22 and 26 October.
Erdogan added, “The Saha Expo for defense industries will witness the signing of agreements worth 6.2 billion dollars, including 4.6 billion export contracts.”
The Turkish President stated that his country will use the capabilities it acquired in the “Turksat A6” and “Imge” satellite projects in the preparation and implementation of the mission to send the first Turkish astronaut to the moon.
He said that the Turkish companies participating in the exhibition achieved great success for Turkey, and that his country is taking firm steps to become a strong player in the defense industry sector in the world.
Erdogan pointed out that Turkish drones such as “Bayraktar TB2”, “Akinji”, “Phoenix” and “Aq Songur” have made a huge impact in the world and changed the rules of the game.
He pointed out that the rate of localization of industry in the defense sector has risen to more than 80%.
He added that Türkiye not only meets its needs, but also provides strong support for the security of friendly and allied countries.
Erdogan stressed that, thanks to the development of the local defense sector, Türkiye has largely dispensed with its need for weapons, vehicles and equipment from other countries in carrying out its operations.
He added, “Some may have an iron dome, and we also have a steel dome.”
Erdogan explained that the sensitive developments in the region remind them of the need not to neglect any field in defense, aviation and space technologies.
He added, “It is necessary for our deterrence to reach its peak, not only for the security of our citizens, but also for the sake of ensuring peace and stability in the region.”
He continued, “Today we are showing the strongest response to the oppressors, without hesitation or asking permission from anyone, and this is due to the amazing successes we have achieved in our defense industries over the course of 22 years.”
He continued, “Türkiye’s independence march in the field of defense industries heralds a new era for our country, for the oppressed, and for the entire world.”
