Turkey’s Defense Industry: Innovations and Future Goals
**In a recent episode of the program ‘Görüş Hattı,’ hosted by Fatih Mehmet Küçük, Burak Akbaş, the General Manager of Meteksan Defence, revealed integral insights regarding the current state and prospects of Turkey’s defense industry. Notably, he detailed a recent successful contract with Qatar, marking a significant step forward for the industry. The first unmanned maritime vehicle (UMV), ULAQ, has already been delivered and is currently deployed by Qatar, resulting in valuable feedback for future developments.**
During the discussion, Akbaş emphasized the tremendous growth Turkey’s defense sector has experienced over the past decade, underscoring that maintaining this momentum is critical. He pointed out that, as geopolitical tensions rise globally, many countries are increasing their defense budgets. However, the primary focus needs to shift toward enhancing export capabilities. Akbaş stated, “I believe the most critical issue we need to address, agreed upon by the sector, is exports,” suggesting that securing international sales will be paramount for sustainability.
He elaborated on the advancements within Meteksan Defence, particularly regarding electronic warfare systems, radar technologies, and unmanned systems. Akbaş remarked that projects in land, air, and maritime domains are transitioning into tangible products, and highlighted the necessity of promoting these developments overseas. He further added, “If we can achieve this, we will provide a significant influx of foreign currency to our country, and we will create the resources to sustain the current size of the sector and continue its development.”
Akbaş also delved into the features of the ULAQ unmanned maritime vehicle, produced in collaboration with Ares Shipyard. He discussed the vehicle’s various functions, including border and critical facility security, environmental monitoring, communication integrations, and advanced sensor systems. The engineering efforts behind the ULAQ are significant, indicating a robust commitment to innovation.
In discussing ULAQ variants and their export initiatives, Akbaş noted that multiple models are already contracted, such as ULAQ-11 and ULAQ-12. Specifically addressing the agreement with Qatar, he confirmed that these vehicles have received a warm welcome and are set to impact both domestic and international markets positively. He concluded with optimism, asserting that the ULAQ family is actively contributing to the Turkish defense landscape while exploring export opportunities.
In summary, Turkey is reshaping its defense industry landscape through innovation and strategic partnerships, aiming to secure a prominent place in the global market. With a focus on sustainability, exports, and technological advancement, the sector showcases its potential to positively influence both the national economy and international relations.
