Fri Sep 20 12:44:00 UTC 2024: ## Turkey Aims for Full Independence in Defense Industry, Erdoğan Declares
**Istanbul, Turkey:** President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced a bold ambition for Turkey’s defense sector, aiming for complete domestic production. Speaking at an event at Istanbul Airport on September 20th, Erdoğan declared, “We will continue our work until we reach the goal of a fully independent Türkiye in the defense industry.”
The President’s statement was fueled by recent events in Lebanon, where explosions involving electronic devices were linked to Hezbollah. Erdoğan emphasized the importance of Turkey’s national technology initiative, stating that its value has become evident in the face of such threats.
“We will not make the slightest concession to Türkiye’s peace,” Erdoğan asserted, reiterating Turkey’s unwavering commitment to national security. He highlighted the critical role of the state in ensuring the peace and security of its citizens, emphasizing that security is the foundation of a strong nation.
Erdoğan’s remarks come amidst a broader context of Turkey’s efforts to bolster its defense capabilities. The country has recently received its first floating natural gas production platform, set to begin operations in the north next year. Moreover, Turkey’s national football team secured a decisive victory over Iceland in a UEFA Nations League match, fueled by a hat-trick from Benfica winger Kerem Aktürkoğlu.
This latest declaration underlines Turkey’s determination to achieve self-sufficiency in defense, showcasing a strategic shift towards greater independence and resilience in the face of evolving security challenges.
First Piper 