Erdoğan Highlights Lebanon Attacks as Proof of Urgency for Reducing Foreign Defense Reliance

Istanbul, The Gulf Observer: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the importance of bolstering Türkiye’s defense industry in light of recent cyber-terrorism activities in Lebanon. Speaking at a gendarmerie ceremony in Istanbul on Friday, Erdoğan pointed to the use of pager and walkie-talkie technology in the attacks as a wake-up call for increasing domestic defense production.

“We are making every effort to reduce our foreign dependence in the defense industry and not be reliant on anyone in this field,” Erdoğan said. “With the cyber-terrorist attacks against Lebanon, we have once again seen how vital this is.”

The President also highlighted the urgency of strengthening Türkiye’s technological sector in response to emerging threats. “We realize the value of our domestic and national software development projects, our national technology initiatives, and our investments in electronic warfare systems. We will continue our efforts until we reach the goal of fully independent Türkiye in the defense industry.”

Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to fighting terrorism, stating that 35,500 operations were conducted in 2024 against terrorist groups such as the PKK, FETO, DHKP/C, and Daesh. He underscored the government’s determination to safeguard national security, both inside and outside the country’s borders.

“We cannot make the slightest concession from Türkiye’s peace. We are extremely determined and resilient in this regard,” he added.

Taking aim at international “arms lobbies” and “blood merchants” that he claimed were threatened by Türkiye’s growth, Erdoğan concluded, “Anyone who disturbs the peace of our nation will face the steel fist in the velvet glove of our state.”