Hakan Altınay, Board Member of SAHA Istanbul and Chairman of the Board of Altınay Defense Technologies, evaluated the 50-year development of the Turkish defense industry. Altınay stated that the strategies implemented with determination especially over the last 20 years have made Turkey a part of global competition in the fields of unmanned systems, air defense, and space technologies.
Altınay noted that Turkey’s journey in the defense industry has been shaped by critical stages. He recalled that the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation revealed the consequences of foreign dependency and that the first domestic electronic defense move was made with the establishment of ASELSAN in 1975. He then stated that the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM), established in 1985, formed the backbone that would transform scientific knowledge into technology. Emphasizing that the post-2000 period was a phase of implementation in which strategic decisions were put into practice, Altınay said that major platform projects such as the Altay Tank, ATAK helicopter, and national ships emerged during this process.
Technological Sovereignty: Air Defense and Unmanned Systems
Altınay stated that Turkey has now achieved significant technological sovereignty. He expressed that instead of air defense systems that were difficult to procure in the past, the “Steel Dome” concept, which will provide protection at every layer, is now being developed.
In the field of unmanned systems, Altınay stated that DASAL, a subsidiary of Altınay Defense, is developing UAVs capable of carrying a 150 kg payload. He explained that in the next stage, with the completion of civil aviation regulations, the capability to carry humans will be achieved.
Altınay added that today the defense industry has transformed into a structure that contributes to the country’s prosperity with export revenues approaching 7 billion dollars and employs more than 100,000 qualified personnel. He also stated that SAHA Istanbul provides critical contributions to the ecosystem by bringing SMEs together with universities and integrating companies into national and international networks.
Source: C4Defence
