Stating that a major breakthrough is being carried out with the ideal of full independence in the defense industry, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler said that projects such as KAAN, ALTAY, KIZILELMA, and MİLDEN are the cornerstones of our Türkiye Century vision.
Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler met with Ankara representatives of press and media organizations and held an Annual Evaluation Meeting. Providing comprehensive information about the activities carried out throughout the year, Minister Güler shared the level reached in the defense industry and future goals.
“The Name of Our Vision Is KAAN, It Is ALTAY”
Minister Güler stated that critical projects are being implemented with determination under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, emphasizing that Türkiye displays a pioneering stance rather than being merely an observer in the face of increasing threat types and changing paradigms. He noted that the vision they have adopted consists of projects such as KAAN, ALTAY, KIZILELMA, GÖKTÜRK, ANKA, SİPER, SUNGUR, KORKUT, MİLGEM, and MİLDEN, and that the fundamental name of this vision is the “Türkiye Century.”
Export Drive in Indigenous Systems
Stating that Türkiye has now become a power capable of designing and producing its own weapon systems, Minister Güler reported that indigenous platforms—ranging from unmanned land, sea, and aerial vehicles to electronic warfare systems—are being exported to more than 60 countries from Asia to Europe, and from Africa to the Gulf. Summarizing the latest developments in the defense industry, Güler recalled that agreements were signed with Spain for HÜRJET and with Indonesia for KAAN, that the Akhisar Offshore Patrol Vessel was sold to Romania—marking the first export of a combat ship to a NATO and EU member country—and that mass production of the ALTAY tank has begun.
A World First with KIZILELMA
Referring to the firing test conducted by Bayraktar KIZILELMA on November 29, Minister Güler stated that the unmanned combat aircraft successfully destroyed an aerial target with a GÖKDOĞAN missile using the ASELSAN-produced MURAD AESA radar. He emphasized that this achievement is a world first and has attracted significant global attention, adding that for this reason there has been strong demand from friendly and allied countries for KAAN, HÜRJET, and KIZILELMA.
New Strategic Steps at Sea
Providing information on future naval projects, Minister Güler announced that production work for the national aircraft carrier has begun. He also stated that, as part of the “Steel Dome” system, construction of the first test blocks of the TF-2000 Air Defense Warfare Destroyer—which will significantly enhance air defense capabilities—and the National Submarine (MİLDEN) projects has started. Concluding his remarks, Minister Güler said that the successes of institutions such as ASFAT and MKE in domestic ammunition production, modernization, and maintenance-repair activities will continue to reinforce the effective and deterrent power of the Turkish Armed Forces.
Source: C4Defence
