The 6th Defense Industry Meetings, hosted by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İSO) and SAHA Istanbul, successfully convened key players from the defense sector in Istanbul.
This event aimed to bolster the domestic and national framework of the Turkish defense industry. Key figures, including İSO Board Chairman Erdal Bahçıvan and ROKETSAN General Manager Murat İkinci, presided over the gathering, which also featured notable attendees such as Istanbul’s Deputy Governor Yücel Gemici and Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology Çetin Ali Dönmez. The meetings attracted representatives from 690 companies affiliated with İSO and SAHA Istanbul, culminating in 2,436 bilateral meetings across 70 tables from 18 major contractors.
During the event, Gökhan Uçar, Deputy Head of the Defense Industry Presidency, highlighted a growing interest from European nations in collaborating on Turkish defense projects. He remarked, “Currently, we are in talks for a significant project with Spain, and both Serbia and the UK have shown eagerness to participate in our endeavors.” This reflects a burgeoning international interest in Turkey’s defense capabilities, signaling a shift towards more collaborative projects on a global scale.
Ambitious Export Goals and Production Growth
The Turkish defense industry has set an ambitious target of exceeding 6.5 billion dollars in exports by 2024. Murat İkinci shared insights on the remarkable growth in production volume, which has surged from 1 billion dollars to an impressive 12 billion dollars in recent years. He noted, “Our defense budget has expanded from 5.5 billion dollars to a staggering 90 billion dollars, while exports have risen from 248 million dollars to 5.5 billion dollars, overcoming numerous challenges. Employment within the sector has also seen significant growth, increasing from 9,000 to 100,000 jobs. Furthermore, the number of active projects has dramatically risen from just 62 two decades ago to over 1,000 today. Our indigenization efforts have achieved an impressive rate of over 80%.”
This growth trajectory emphasizes Turkey’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities and achieving self-sufficiency. The data presented by İkinci clearly illustrates the sector’s resilience and potential for further expansion, positioning Turkey as a formidable player in the global defense market.
Focus on Indigenization and Technology Development
Cooperation opportunities were a central theme at the meetings, aligning with Turkey’s goals of indigenization and the advancement of national technology within the defense industry. Discussions centered around innovative projects and strategies aimed at boosting Turkey’s competitiveness on the global stage. During a panel discussion, the importance of inter-sectoral collaboration was underscored, particularly in achieving indigenization not only in defense but also in critical technological fields such as microchips.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology, Dr. Çetin Ali Dönmez, made a poignant appeal to the business community, emphasizing the strategic significance of microchip production. He stated, “Our collective success with TOGG demonstrates the potential of collaboration. We must apply the same approach to microchip technology, which is vital for both defense and health sectors. Addressing the microchip challenge is imperative for our national interests.” This call to action highlights the interconnected nature of technology and defense, reinforcing Turkey’s commitment to innovation.
Showcasing National Production at SAHA EXPO 2024
Looking ahead, the upcoming SAHA EXPO 2024 is poised to showcase Turkey’s production capacity in the defense sector. This exhibition will serve as a platform for demonstrating the advancements and innovations within the industry, further solidifying Turkey’s position as a key player in global defense manufacturing. It is expected to attract international attention, providing opportunities for partnership and investment.
As Turkey continues to enhance its defense capabilities and expand its international collaborations, events like SAHA EXPO will be crucial in promoting the nation’s achievements and fostering new relationships within the global defense community. The synergy between domestic growth and international partnerships will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Turkish defense industry.
