Türkiye aims to boost naval capabilities: Defense minister

National Defense Minister Yasar Guler said on Thursday that Türkiye aims to further strengthen the capabilities of its armed forces including the navy, speaking at the opening of TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland at the Golcuk Naval Shipyard Command in northwestern Türkiye.

Blue Homeland capabilities

Guler stated that the country is working to build on its deep-rooted maritime heritage. "Today, our heroic naval forces continue to serve as an effective, deterrent, and respected force in protecting our rights and interests in the Blue Homeland, with their qualified personnel, modern force structure, domestically produced ships, submarines, unmanned systems, and continuously developing technological capabilities," he said. He noted that the forces maintain readiness through domestically produced platforms and continuous technological development.

Youth innovation drive

"The goal of the National Defense Ministry is to take the capabilities of our heroic army, including our naval forces, to higher levels," Guler added. He said Türkiye must rapidly adapt to emerging technologies and build on progress achieved in its domestic defense industry through effective resource use. The minister highlighted TEKNOFEST's role in bringing young people together with science and promoting a culture of innovation.

Naval platforms on display

Guler told participants that 1.6 million people applied to take part in TEKNOFEST competitions this year, adding: "A project you develop today, a piece of software you design, or an innovative idea you put forward may become one of tomorrow's strategic capabilities." "Türkiye's true strength in technology will grow further through your curiosity, determination, courage, and willingness to think big," he said, noting that the ministry strongly supports youth projects and seeks to create an ecosystem capable of transforming ideas into technologies. The Blue Homeland event allows young people to observe leading platforms ranging from the TCG Anadolu amphibious assault ship to submarines, and is co-organized by the Turkish Defense Ministry and the Turkish Technology Team Foundation with Anadolu as the global communications partner.