Minister of Industry and Technology Mustafa Varank stated that they managed to reach the level of locality from 25 percent in the defense industry to 75 percent, and said, “Of course, this journey is not over yet. We aim to reach 100 percent locality in critical sectors and critical systems of the defense industry in some areas.” said.
Minister Varank celebrated the Veterans Day of all the heroes who fought for the unity and peace of the homeland at the 4th Ordinary General Meeting of the Defense, Aerospace and Space Clustering Association (SAHA Istanbul) held at the Informatics Valley Conference Hall. Noting that SAHA Istanbul, which was established only 6 years ago, has become Turkey's largest industrial cluster in a short time, Varank noted that they gladly follow this development, which is the product of systematic and devoted work.
Pointing out that SAHA Istanbul is one of the best examples of public university and industry cooperation, Varank said, “While guiding companies on the one hand, on the other hand, it works personally for the national defense, aviation and space industry with its committees. It acts as a catalyst among stakeholders for the development of products and systems needed by our country with domestic and national resources. As the Ministry of Industry and Technology, we are in close dialogue with SAHA Istanbul.” he said.
Explaining that the acceleration in the defense industry has also improved other sectors with the multiplier effect, Minister Varank said, “Our gross domestic product increased by 2021 percent in the second quarter of 21,7. With this successful performance we achieved under the leadership of the manufacturing industry, we ranked second among OECD countries. Again, there is a record increase of 52 percent in our exports on an annual basis. Our exports in the first 8 months have exceeded 140 billion dollars. Hopefully, by the end of the year, we will surpass 200 or even 210 billion dollars, breaking the record in the history of the Republic.” used the phrases.
Saying, “Turkey unfortunately started its defense industry journey very late, apart from a few breakthroughs made in the Republican period,” Varank said, “With the vision of the National Technology Move, which we put forward under the leadership of our President, we have almost entered a period of rearing. We have succeeded in increasing the local rate of 25 percent in the defense industry to 75 percent. Of course, this journey is not over yet. We aim to reach 100 percent locality in critical sectors and critical systems of the defense industry in some areas.” he said.
Minister Varank explained that they have brought dozens of thematic research centers to universities with large-scale government support, and stated that the number of R&D and Design Centers they support within the private sector has reached 1596.
Stating that research institutes such as TÜBİTAK SAGE act as a driving force in the development of defense industry technologies, Varank said, “With the missile and ammunition technologies it has developed, it plays an important role in increasing the combat capabilities of our country. Again, with the support provided by our Ministry to defense industry R&D projects, our private sector develops critical technologies. The amount of support we have provided to these projects in the last 19 years has reached 5,6 billion liras.” said.
Stating that they made a very important contribution to the development of the industrial infrastructure, Varank said, “We signed the contract for our latest project at IDEF Fair. We are establishing Kalecik Air Vehicles Test Center with the support of our Ankara Development Agency. With this project, which has a total budget of 10 million TL, testing services will be provided that will take the competencies of our UAVs and drones to a higher level.” used the phrases.
Explaining that new generation approaches such as TEKNOFEST, Experiap Technology Workshops, and Ekol 42 Schools transform this potential into kinetic, Varank said, “Here's TEKNOFEST, which our young people are eagerly waiting for, has arrived this year as well. We are waiting for all our children and young people with their families to TEKNOFEST, which will take place at Istanbul Atatürk Airport on September 21-26.” said.
Explaining that today's youth will be the architects of 2053 and 2071 goals, Minister Varank said, "Turkey will become an industry and technology country that makes its name more popular with the multiplier effect created by the successes it has achieved in the field of defense, aviation and space." used the phrases.
President of the Presidency of Defense Industry İsmail Demir congratulated the stakeholders of SAHA Istanbul, which came together to develop the defense industry, increase domestic and national production, and strengthen science and technology in our country. Demir said, “I hope that the days are near when we will talk about new inventions, new technologies and products that will change the game, as well as chasing after and localizing something, as well as when people in the world will look and emulate, say, 'These are also being made in Turkey'. he said.
Haluk Bayraktar, General Manager of BAYKAR Defense and Chairman of SAHA Istanbul, said, “We will write new success stories in aviation, defense and space technologies. As SAHA Istanbul, we will continue to work for Turkey with our new projects and strong collaborations, both at home and abroad.” said.
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