Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler delivered a comprehensive presentation before the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) Planning and Budget Committee as part of the Ministry’s 2025 budget discussions. Stating that the defense budget is a guarantee of the nation’s survival and secure future, Minister Güler emphasized that the deterrence capacity of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) has been strengthened.
“We Have Locked It Down” in the Fight Against Terrorism
Minister Güler reported that Türkiye continues to maintain a strong defense posture against all threats, announcing that 2,564 terrorists have been neutralized in operations carried out since the beginning of the year. Highlighting that the “lock has been closed” particularly in the Zap region, Güler noted that utmost sensitivity toward civilian safety is observed during the operations.
Regarding border security, he stated that measures aimed at preventing illegal crossings are continuously being improved and that layered and technological solutions are being implemented along the border line.
Strategic Moves in the Defense Industry
Emphasizing that Türkiye has made significant progress in the defense industry over the last 20 years, Güler noted that domestic and national projects contribute to the economy through exports.
The key points highlighted in this context were as follows:
- The Bayraktar TB3 successfully carried out its first flights from TCG Anadolu.
- National Ship and National Submarine projects are underway in shipyards.
- Production and modernization of Fırtına Howitzers continue in Military Factories.
- It was noted that MKE and ASFAT have implemented important projects and that the defense ecosystem is supported as a whole.
Turkish Presence and Diplomacy Across a Wide Geography
Güler stated that the TAF undertakes responsibilities across a wide geography, particularly in missions of NATO, the UN, the EU, and the OSCE. He referred to military training, advisory, and capacity-building activities in Azerbaijan, Libya, Somalia, and Qatar.
He recalled that the Oruç Reis vessel was sent to the region within the scope of the defense and economic cooperation agreement signed with Somalia.
In the field of diplomacy, Güler noted that dialogue channels with Greece have become functional again and that Confidence-Building Measures meetings are ongoing. He reiterated that Türkiye will not step back from the “sovereign equality and equal international status” rights of the Turkish Cypriot people regarding the Cyprus issue.
NATO and Montreux Emphasis
Güler stated that Türkiye makes high-level contributions to NATO missions and that the country has exceeded NATO’s 2% target for defense expenditures. He added that the Montreux Convention will continue to be implemented in the Black Sea in a “responsible, impartial, and uncompromising” manner.
Institutional Structuring and Personnel
It was announced that 23,879 personnel have been dismissed from the TAF since July 15, 2016, as part of the fight against FETÖ. It was emphasized that personnel recruitment processes are carried out with transparency and meticulousness. Additionally, the establishment of the Disaster and Emergency Management Department was highlighted as a step that strengthened coordination during emergencies.
SOURCE: C4Defence
