Today marks great achievements by two key companies in our national and indigenous defense industry, Aselsan and Roketsan. Especially notable are Aselsan’s collaboration with TÜBİTAK SAGE and Roketsan’s recent advancements, which are a source of pride for Türkiye.
Recent developments have allowed Türkiye to better understand the dynamics of the international defense industry. The embargoes Germany imposed on Türkiye in the past, particularly its refusal to supply us with torpedoes and air defense systems 23 years ago, highlight the significant transformation we are experiencing today. Germany has now quietly approved an arms package worth 336 million euros, which includes equipment for the modernization of Türkiye’s submarines and frigates, RAM air defense missiles, and DM2 A4 torpedoes.
The crucial point is that we can now produce the DM2 A4 torpedoes, which were denied to us for years, domestically. The AKYA torpedo, produced by Roketsan, is now being used by the Turkish Naval Forces, which marks a significant milestone for us. In our national defense industry, we first produce equivalents of foreign products, and then aim to further develop them.
Moreover, the RAM missile project is progressing rapidly through the collaboration of Aselsan and TÜBİTAK SAGE. This close-in air defense system, known as GÖKS, is being developed to protect against both naval and aerial threats. Testing of this system is ongoing, and it is expected to become operational within the next six months.
The embargoes imposed on Türkiye by countries such as the United States, Germany, Sweden, and Norway have presented us with a great opportunity. These restrictions have accelerated the independence of our national defense industry, allowing us to move towards becoming a more self-sufficient and independent state.
In conclusion, the achievements of the engineers at Aselsan, TÜBİTAK SAGE, and Roketsan are of immense importance for the security and independence of our nation. Türkiye will continue on this path.
