Why Türkiye's defense industry revolution is being met with excitement across the region

Turkish modernization began with a process born from the needs of the defense industry. First, the modernization or procurement of military equipment from the West led, step by step over time, to the alignment of all institutions with the Western axis.

Türkiye's relationship with the West is not very similar to that of other countries. Ottoman modernization was a sophisticated process in its own right. However, the hegemony that the West established across the entire world after the First World War, while strengthening its own existence and prosperity, also planned the misery of the remaining nations.

The renewal and production of military equipment, which once caused modernization, has today directly become a symbol of the nationalization of mentality. The defense industry is no longer merely a technical matter; it is also an expression of self-confidence, independence, and the will to emerge powerfully onto the stage of history once again.

Today, all of these technologies exist in countries such as Germany, England, France, and Belgium. However, I do not think that the Turkish defense industry revolution that has taken shape at SAHA Expo would create the same excitement in those countries.

The rise and decline of civilizations are like destiny. When a civilization is on the rise, the climate favors it. Western states, after long periods of prosperity, have become unable to produce leaders or take the lead in world politics.

Türkiye's defense industry revolution is not a coincidence.

When the AK Party governments came to power, they addressed the country's issues in accordance with the principles of rational management. Whatever the country's basic need was at that time, they prioritized it. This approach is something that can be explained by the leadership style of the President.

When natural gas distribution was being carried out in Istanbul, the question was asked, "Why are you prioritizing wealthy neighborhoods?" The answer given was a rational one: "They have purchasing power today." Today, leaving Istanbul aside, all the provinces, towns, and villages of Türkiye have the purchasing power to use natural gas.

The rational management approach that began during the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality period continued later with government policies. The transportation ecosystem, the healthcare ecosystem, urban infrastructure investments, the energy ecosystem, economic management, industrial clusters, and the organized industrial zones established in all four corners of the country formed the cornerstones of this process.

Why did the defense industry develop in the last decade? This year is the tenth anniversary of July 15th. We used to hear certain reports; it was said that ASELSAN engineers committed suicide. Today, we better understand why ASELSAN engineers, from one of the main carrier companies of the defense industry, were murdered by the FETÖ terror group. We see more clearly today how these structures, serving the interests of the state of Israel, betrayed this nation by using its smartest children and billions of dollars' worth of wealth.

We know that it takes decades for an effort to turn into an ecosystem. Many European states that did not make an effort in this regard for a long time have today fallen behind Türkiye.

Why does Türkiye's existence and its defense industry revolution create excitement all over the world?

The leadership effect: Today, the President represents the most experienced and rational leadership in the world.

The second element reinforcing this effect is that Türkiye has largely completed its development without Western support. This gives hope to all underdeveloped countries.

The fact that Türkiye establishes relationships not for profit but on the basis of mutual benefit with many countries, especially its own hinterland, creates significant trust. The will to develop relations even with Armenia, which lost the war, is one notable example of this.

Strong infrastructure prepares the ground for strong diplomacy.

Türkiye's stance in favor of the oppressed and in defense of the climate of peace creates a very powerful impact. The genocide in Gaza has wounded the conscience of the majority of people living on earth. The President's vocal opposition to this genocide, his defiance, and his keeping the issue on the agenda in many international platforms have paved the way for the issue to be discussed more on a global scale.

Today, Spain, Canada, and many European countries; especially Indonesia, Malaysia, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt, the Gulf countries, Azerbaijan, Somalia, the countries of the Organization of Turkic States, Ukraine, and many African countries standing against French colonialism, led by Algeria, as well as Morocco, Tunisia, and Sudan, are experiencing this excitement together with Türkiye.

The expensive defense industry products of Western states are struggling to compete with Türkiye. At the same time, they do not engage in technology transfer. Türkiye, on the other hand, sees many countries as stakeholders in this context.

Many countries from different parts of the world see their dialogue with Türkiye as a shared destiny. After the colonial Western invasion, they carry this partnership as a hope for liberation.

In this context, Türkiye's defense industry revolution does not only excite Turks; it creates hope for the entire region.

A sentence from Ibn Khaldun describes today:

"Just as water resembles water, the future of nations resembles their past."