Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that his country has succeeded in raising the percentage of domestic production in defense industries to a level that exceeds 70%, and cited examples related to some areas of military production in which Turkey is making continuous progress.
Akar pointed out, in a recorded message sent to the Turkish Innovation Week event organized by the Exporters Association, that Turkey, while in the past it used to import even an infantry rifle, is today one of the prominent countries that produce and export weapons.
Today, Turkey has become at an advanced level - according to what the minister explained - as it designs, produces and exports various weapons systems, especially infantry rifles, warships, frigates, armed and unarmed marches, cannons, missile launchers, ATAC helicopters, and smart ammunition.
The minister also said that the countries, institutions and armies that keep pace with development and use technology effectively, are gaining the upper hand.
While those that are lagging behind in catching up with technological advancements, they cannot escape being a market for other people's products.
And Abizaid: If you do not possess the technology, you are exposed to various threats and dangers, stressing that the presence of strong armed forces is inevitable to protect national interests.
"You all know that issues related to defense and security are indispensable for the survival of our country and our nation," Akar added. "Preserving the superior qualities of the Turkish armed forces and developing them in order to stay in this geographical spot and live in peace is a duty that falls on our shoulders."
He explained that radar systems, electronic warfare, missiles and missiles, and other munitions, strengthen the army in the operations that are carried out inside and outside the country, noting that Turkey has realized that it cannot take steady steps towards the future without making its systems more efficient or possessing superior technology.
Work related to the manufacture of the national combat aircraft, the "Sibar" air defense system and the Anatolian amphibious assault ship is continuing intensively, says the defense minister.
And he considered that the "important successes" achieved by the army attracted the attention of world public opinion, especially the military operations carried out in northern Syria and Iraq, in addition to cooperation in the field of military training with Libya and Azerbaijan.
He explained that Turkey provides training and advice to the Libyan government forces, which are legitimate and recognized by the United Nations, as well as support in the military, health and humanitarian fields, and the dismantling of explosives.