President of the Defense Industry Agency (SSB) Haluk Görgün attended the panel titled “From Roots to Horizons: The Rise of the Turkish Defense Industry” held at the Presidential Directorate of Communications. In his address, Görgün described the event as more than just a discussion—it represented Türkiye’s long-term technological vision, deeply rooted in the nation’s historical memory and guided by the founding philosophy of the Republic.

Görgün emphasized that the defense industry today is not only a military domain but also a vital pillar of economic growth, diplomatic influence, and strategic power. He highlighted the direct link between the spirit of resistance during the Turkish War of Independence and the advanced engineering breakthroughs of modern Türkiye, stating: “Türkiye has succeeded in turning its intellect into strategy, its strategy into technology, and its technology into products.”

According to Görgün, the Turkish defense sector has evolved from a country dependent on imported systems to one that designs, develops, and exports its own indigenous technologies. Currently, more than 3,500 companies and nearly 100,000 employees are involved in over 1,380 defense projects, all built on local design, engineering, and production infrastructures. The 83% localization rate, he said, is a testament to the success of the National Technology Initiative launched under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Görgün also noted that Türkiye is now a global defense exporter, selling to 180 countries worldwide. In 2024, the defense and aerospace industry’s exports grew by 29%, reaching $7.1 billion, surpassing the original goal of $6.5 billion. He attributed this success to advances in artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, space technologies, and advanced engineering, which have positioned Türkiye among the key players in global defense production.

He described the defense industry as “Türkiye’s manifesto of independence,” emphasizing that every investment made in the sector represents a strategic commitment to the country’s future. The ongoing panel discussions, he said, would shape not only today’s policies but also Türkiye’s future strategic advantage. Görgün concluded by affirming the SSB’s continued support for companies developing expertise and technology aligned with global trends, ensuring that Turkish defense firms become leading actors on the world stage.