Erdogan Leads Strategic Discussion on Pioneering Defence Projects at Presidential Complex

Ankara, The Gulf Observer: The Defence Industry Executive Committee of Türkiye convened on Tuesday at the presidential complex in Ankara to discuss its future goals, top projects, and the remarkable advancements achieved by the domestic defence industry in recent years.

Chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the committee assessed the progress of Türkiye’s defence industry, outlining future objectives and critical projects. According to a statement from the country’s Communications Directorate on X, the commitment to supporting the domestic and national defence industry was strongly emphasized.

A key focus of the meeting was the Steel Dome project, which aims to integrate layered air defence systems, sensors, and weapons into a unified network. This project seeks to provide a common air picture in real time, utilizing artificial intelligence to assist decision-makers.

The discussions also covered various high-profile defence projects, including air defence and missile systems, the indigenous Kaan fighter jet, and several UAVs (drones) such as the Bayraktar TB3, Akinci, and Aksungur. Turkish UAVs have gained international recognition in conflicts like Ukraine and have secured contracts from countries worldwide. A growing percentage of the weapons and vehicles used by the Turkish Armed Forces are now domestically produced.

The meeting also addressed initiatives to enhance Türkiye’s space access capabilities, systems for improving situational awareness across land, air, and sea, as well as electronic warfare systems. Additionally, the committee discussed defence systems against mini/micro UAVs and swarm-capable kamikaze unmanned maritime vehicles.

Further topics included the modernization of tanks and fighter jets, the development of engines and power systems for various vehicles, and the procurement of advanced command, control, and communication systems.

The committee expressed satisfaction with the significant progress made in Türkiye’s defence industry and underscored the importance of continuing this trajectory with increased determination, leveraging domestic technologies.

The meeting was also attended by Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Salami, the deputy speaker of the Shoura Council, and other key officials.