(MENAFN- AzerNews) Turkiye is making strides in its defense industry, with 850
projects implemented that will leave their mark in the country's
defense industry, according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan. Erdogan made the announcement in a video address to the
participants of the 16th International Defense Industry Exhibition
IDEF-2023 in Istanbul, Azernews reports.
The Defense Industry of Turkiye
The projects are part of Turkish efforts to strengthen its
defense industry, which has a long history dating back to the
Ottoman Empire. The Republican Administration supported the State's
guidance in industrialization and therefore the defense industry
during the first planning period. In the post-World War II Period,
activities in the defense industry initiated during the first years
of the Republic were not sufficient due to lack of State support,
which came to a halt as a result of the foreign military aid
received upon promotion of bilateral relations with the United
States and Turkish membership of NATO.
The Turkish Armed Forces Foundation was established in 1974 to
address the regional problems Turkiye faced, such as the Cyprus
crises in 1963 and 1967, and the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in
1974. The arms embargo following the invasion necessitated the
development of a defense industry based on national resources.
The machinery, craftsmen, and workmen transferred discreetly
from Istanbul and its surroundings at the end of the First World
War and played a crucial role in winning the War of Independence.
Small-scale and simple workshops in Ankara, Konya, Eskişehir,
Keskin, and Erzurum not only provided light weapons and ammunition
but also lay the foundation for a sound local defense industry
infrastructure.
Erdogan reported the achievement of a record volume of export in
the defense industry of almost $3 billion in six months of this
year. "Our goal in 2023 is to achieve the indicator of $6 billion,"
the head of state said.
Turkiye is also looking to draw refugees back to Syria, with
plans to build homes for 1 million refugees. The project will
provide schools, hospitals, and“all the needs of daily life and
self-sufficient economic infrastructure, from agriculture to
industry,” Erdogan said.
Turkiye 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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