Turkey's defense sector is penning history, according to Erdogan's claims
In a remarkable display of growth and innovation, Turkey's defense industry has seen a significant surge in recent years. The sector peaked at $7.15 billion in 2024, marking a significant increase from $5.5 billion in 2023 and $4.4 billion in 2022.
One of the key contributors to this growth is the delivery of components for Turkey's multilayered air defense system, known as "Steel Dome." Worth $460 million, these components have been delivered to the military, providing integrated protection against low, medium, and high-altitude threats.
The "Steel Dome" is just one of the many defense platforms that will be showcased at Teknofest, an aerospace and technology festival that kicked off in Istanbul on September 17 and runs through September 21. This year, two editions of Teknofest are being held, with the first having been held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in May.
Teknofest has become a symbol of Turkey's technological ambitions, attracting over 11 million visitors since its first edition in 2018. Beyond competitions, the festival hosts exhibitions, air shows, workshops, and panels that bring together students, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts.
Visitors to Teknofest will have the opportunity to see various defense platforms, including Bayraktar TB2 and TB3 drones, Kızılelma unmanned fighter jet, and armored vehicles like Zaha, Vuran, and Kobra. The TCG Anadolu, the flagship of the Turkish Navy and the world's first drone carrier, will also be open to visitors.
In addition to defense platforms, Teknofest features competitions in rocket design, unmanned aerial vehicles, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and underwater technologies. These competitions serve as a platform for young innovators to showcase their ideas and contribute to Turkey's technological advancement.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has praised Turkey's defense industry as a symbol of resilience and innovation. He stated that Turkey's progress inspires oppressed communities worldwide, citing countries such as Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, and Libya as examples.
Erdogan also announced the construction of an even bigger drone carrier ship, further solidifying Turkey's position as a global player in the defense industry. Despite years of obstacles, the defense industry has achieved global recognition, with Turkey's homegrown systems now meeting almost all of its defense industry needs.
The organization of Teknofest 2025 in Istanbul has been taken over by the Turkish Technology Team Foundation (T3 Foundation) and the Ministry of Industry and Technology. Since its inception in 2018, Teknofest has been held in Istanbul and attracted nearly 11 million visitors across its editions, with expansions including events like Teknofest TRNC and Teknofest Blue Homeland held in different locations like the Istanbul Naval Shipyard.
As Turkey continues to invest in its defense industry, it is clear that the country is on a path towards technological self-sufficiency and global recognition. The success of Teknofest serves as a testament to this ambition and the innovative spirit of the Turkish people.
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