President Abdurrahman Kaan: “Particularly in the recent period, nationalization efforts in the field of the defence industry have accelerated with the aim of reducing foreign dependency. While we find these developments extremely valuable, we also follow every step taken in this field with pride. Today the domestic content of our defence industry stands at 70 percent. Together we must carry it above 70 percent.”

Hosted by MÜSİAD Kayseri, the programme titled “The Future Place of Kayseri Industry in the Defence and Aviation Sector” was organized with the participation of Minister of National Defence Hulusi Akar and President Abdurrahman Kaan. Relatives of martyrs and veterans in particular, along with MÜSİAD members and a large number of participants, were present at the event.

The Spirit of Çanakkale Has Not Died and Will Not Die

Speaking at the meeting, Akar noted that this week is very important and said: "Today a study on the defence industry is being carried out in Kayseri. That is why we are here. The week we are in is a very important week. The spirit of Çanakkale has not died and will not die. The seven great powers came, lined up, received their answer and left. The Turkish nation and its army, which showed the whole world what unity and solidarity mean against all technology and numbers, is conducting its fight against terrorism in full. We see the Turkish Armed Forces as one big family. Studies have been carried out on the defence industry and its future. The development of the defence industry is directly proportional to its development together with Kayseri. Kayseri has a very important past. The 2nd Main Overhaul and Maintenance Centre has a deep-rooted history. Among the 500 industrial enterprises there are 16 Kayseri enterprises, but we wish this number to increase. Kayseri, which is the 7th industrial city, should be in higher ranks. Branding is a must. The work you do on your own may not be sufficient," he said.

Pointing out that the development of domestic and national production in the defence industry is essential, Akar said: “We have built up a serious accumulation of experience and a machine park. Our domestic and national claim in the defence industry is an obligation. We can stand on our feet with an effective, domestic and innovative defence industry. The Turkish Armed Forces must be effective, respected and deterrent. We started domestic and national content at around 20 percent. It has now reached 70 percent. Quality must be increased," he stated.

We Are Witnessing the Establishment of a New World Order

President Abdurrahman Kaan, who spoke at the programme, stated that today they are going through a period in which they are witnessing the establishment of a new world order.

Kaan said: "As countries position themselves in this new world order, they are putting different strategies into play. Every country treats its strongest field as a trump card. Türkiye is one of the most advantageous countries in this respect. Because our fields of competence, and therefore our trump cards, are numerous. We have an advantage owing to our geographical position."

Noting that this advantage has directed them to take precautions against possible disadvantages and thus to grow stronger, Kaan stated the following:

"At this point, the most important force that will strengthen our hand is the defence industry. A national and domestic defence industry. We know that a strong defence industry is one of the guarantees of a country's defence. Particularly in the recent period, nationalization efforts in the field of the defence industry have accelerated with the aim of reducing foreign dependency. While we find these developments extremely valuable, we also follow every step taken in this field with pride. Today the domestic content of our defence industry stands at 70 percent. Together we must carry it above 70 percent. As Türkiye we have the strength, the accumulation and the experience to do this. As MÜSİAD, we are working together with our team in order to contribute more to demonstrating this strength and to revealing our country's potential."

We Must Combine the Existing Forces

Stating that when they wish to produce in a specific field they can start work by combining the existing forces to create a joint force instead of making investments from scratch or waiting for them to develop, Kaan said: "We call this clustering. Clustering is one of the methods that can carry our defence industry further in a short time. For this, we consider it essential to carry out an accurate organization and a solid infrastructure study. We have full belief that we will reach our targets if we spread the culture of working together in this way. We believed in a Türkiye that grows with national and domestic production. We have given our hearts to this cause," he stated.