Turkish president highlights defense industry strides in new year's address

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized Türkiye's significant advancements in its national defense industry during a New Year's Eve address to military personnel. Speaking via phone to troops at the Artillery and Missile School Command in Polatli, Ankara, Erdogan framed these developments as crucial for ensuring stability both within the region and beyond.

Indigenous Capabilities and Strategic Autonomy

The president detailed the country's expanding arsenal of domestically produced systems, naming the Altay main battle tank, Firtina howitzer, ATAK helicopters, armed and unarmed drones, long-range missiles, air defense systems, warships, submarines, and unmanned sea vehicles. "We are in a major leap forward across all areas of defense," Erdogan stated, underscoring the nation's drive to build a self-sufficient military infrastructure using its own resources.

Commitment to Peace and Strength

Citing the foundational foreign policy principle of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, "Peace at home, peace in the world," Erdogan connected domestic strength with international stability. He described being in a "vigorous struggle" to ensure this stability and asserted that despite facing "serious challenges and obstacles," Türkiye has seized a "historic opportunity" to solidify its recent gains. The president reiterated his government's commitment to passing on a "new, strong, and great Türkiye" to future generations.