The Ministry of National Defense (MoD) held its Weekly Press Briefing regarding current issues and the Ministry’s activities. During the briefing conducted by Press and Public Relations Advisor and Ministry Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, information was provided on the new domestically produced systems added to the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) inventory and ongoing projects.
Strategic Contribution to Naval Power
One of the key topics of the briefing was the TF-2000 Air Defense Warfare Destroyer Project. Aktürk announced that construction of the first block of the project’s first ship had begun at the Istanbul Shipyard Command. It was stated that the ship would “be built as soon as possible as a part of the steel dome and would significantly contribute to air defense capabilities.”
New Domestic Systems in the Inventory
Deliveries and acceptance processes carried out to enhance the capabilities of the Turkish Armed Forces were also announced:
- The Land Forces Command received various quantities of 17-Person Keel Boats following the completion of inspection and acceptance activities.
- The Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE Inc.) completed the delivery of various weapons and ammunition of different quantities and calibers.
- Under the main contractorship of ASFAT Inc., the first system whose prototype qualification processes were successfully completed within the scope of the “8×8 T-155 Tactical Wheeled Vehicle-Integrated Panther Howitzer Project” was delivered to the Land Forces Command.
- The 9th A400M aircraft, whose retrofit procedures were completed by the 2nd Air Maintenance Factory Directorate operating under the General Directorate of Military Factories, was delivered to the Air Forces on 21 November.
Critical Tests for Bayraktar TB3
In line with the operational needs of the Naval Forces, the test program for the Bayraktar TB3 UCAV and its subsystems—within the scope of the contract signed between the Defense Industry Presidency and Baykar—was announced. Landing/takeoff tests, joint operations with the Albatros-S USV, and guided missile firing rehearsals are planned to take place in Antalya between 1–3 December.
Participation in International Exhibition
The announcement also noted that the Commander of Istanbul Shipyard and the accompanying delegation will participate in the EDEX-2025 Exhibition, which will be held in Egypt between 1–4 December.
SOURCE: C4Defence / MoD
