With the adoption of the presidential system of government in Turkey, the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM) changed into Presidency for Defense Industries. Following this development, an oft-repeated question has been whether the change involved not only the name but also the substance.

Although the natural inclination of the public was to look for systemic change behind the new facade, in fact, the first stage of this transformation took place back in 2017. On December 24, 2017, against the backdrop of the state of emergency (OHAL), the Statutory Decree No. 696 tied the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM) to the Presidency of Turkey. With this emergency decree, SSM personnel is to be appointed upon approval by the President.