„Today, we meet up to 80% of the needs of our heroic army through local systems. In this way, we keep a significant resource in the country that would otherwise go abroad. We also provide our systems to our friends and allies, increasing our diplomatic effectiveness". This was said at the Steel Dome delivery ceremony, the opening of the facilities and the groundbreaking ceremony of Ogulbey, Turkish President Erdogan.
The President delivered a speech at the Steel Dome delivery ceremony, the opening of the facilities and the groundbreaking ceremony of Ogulbey in Ankara.
„Today, we are also laying the foundations for a gigantic investment that will shape our future“
Emphasizing that The “Steel Dome“ system will take Turkey to a whole new level in air defense, President Erdogan said: “Today we are delivering the “Gök Kubbe“ systems, consisting of a total of 47 machines worth 460 million USD, to our heroic army, which will inspire confidence in our friends and instill fear in our enemies. The recent hot conflicts around us testify to the importance of air defense and radar systems. We are aware of the fact that we cannot afford to leave everything to chance. No country that cannot develop its own radar, air defense system and electronic warfare capabilities can look to the future with confidence in the face of current challenges, especially in our region. We have come a long way in a short period of time despite all the obstacles. Today's deliveries are the clearest proof that our struggle is not was in vain.
Turkey is also starting construction on a gigantic investment that will shape its future. The first concrete has been laid for a campus worthy of ASELSAN's second 50 years. With an investment of 1.5 billion USD, the Ogulbey Technology Base stands out as one of the largest industrial investments in recent years. More importantly, this investment marks the largest investment in the defense industry ever made at one time in Turkey's history. It is also the largest integrated air defense facility in Europe. This investment is an important milestone for Turkey, as ASELSAN is the engine of the Turkish defense industry.
„We provide our systems to our friends and allies“
President Erdogan noted: „Currently, we meet up to 80% of the needs of our heroic army through domestic systems. In this way, we save a significant resource that would otherwise go abroad. We also provide our systems to friends and allies, increasing our diplomatic effectiveness. The sector's exports exceeded 7 billion USD last year. And this year we are doing quite well. In July, our exports in the field of defense and aerospace reached 989.6 million USD, which is an increase of 128.9% in compared to the same month of the previous year. Total exports for the period January-July increased by 38.6% to 4.591 billion USD. These figures are a great source of pride. Given the momentum we have accumulated, I believe we will reach the 20 billion USD level in a few years.“