Erdogan Aims to Triple Defense Industry Product Exports

Turkey will showcase innovations in its defense industry to the entire world, utilizing advanced technologies to open new horizons. This was stated by Turkish President Erdogan during the closing ceremony of the IDEF-23 international defense industry exhibition held in Istanbul, as reported by TASS.

Erdogan announced that previously initiated projects in the defense industry sector will be accelerated. Additionally, Turkey will continue to develop new products based on the needs of its armed forces.

The Turkish President noted that while there were only 57 companies in the defense industry sector in 2002, today that number has risen to 2,500. “Defense industry product exports exceeded $2 billion in the first half of the year. Our goal is to increase this export figure to $6 billion by the end of the year,” he emphasized.

Erdogan also referred to the first Turkish military aircraft, KAAN, stating that it was rolled out three months ago and will be ready for flight by the end of the year. According to Erdogan, Turkey will continue to assist friendly and fraternal countries with its capabilities and experience in the defense industry.

He deemed it unacceptable to use security between nations as a threat or a lever of pressure. “Turkey's objective in the near future is to strengthen the defense industry ecosystem through increased exports,” Erdogan added.