850 implemented projects will leave their mark on the country’s defense industry

According to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey is advancing in the defense industry and implementing 850 projects that will leave a mark on the country’s defense industry. Erdogan said this in a video address to the participants of the 16th International Defense Industry IDEF-2023 Exhibition held in Istanbul. Azernews reports.

Defense Industry of Turkey

The projects are part of Turkey’s efforts to strengthen its defense industry, which has a long history dating back to the Ottoman Empire. The Republican Administration during the first planning period supported the direction of the state towards industrialization and therefore the defense industry. In the period after the Second World War, the activities in the defense industry, which began in the early years of the Republic, were insufficient due to the lack of state support, and were stopped as a result of the development of bilateral relations with the United States and foreign military aid received as a result of Turkey’s membership in NATO.

The Turkish Armed Forces Foundation was established in 1974 to address regional issues facing Turkey, such as the Cyprus crisis of 1963 and 1967 and the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. The arms embargo imposed after the occupation necessitated the development of a defense industry based on national capabilities.

At the end of the First World War, the machines, artisans and workers who were discreetly moved from Istanbul and its surroundings played an important role in winning the War of Independence. In Ankara, Konya, Eskhar, Keskin and Erzurum, small and simple workshops not only provide light weapons and ammunition, but also lay the foundation for a healthy local defense industry infrastructure.

Erdogan stated that in the six months of this year, almost 3 billion dollars worth of exports have been achieved in the defense industry. “Our goal is to reach $6 billion in 2023,” the head of state said.

Turkey is also trying to draw refugees back to Syria with plans to house 1 million refugees. Erdogan said the project will provide all the needs of daily life and a self-sustaining economic infrastructure, from schools, hospitals and agriculture to industry.

Turkey is making great strides in its defense industry, and the projects implemented will have a lasting impact on the country’s defense industry.

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