Mersin University (MEU) has taken a significant step toward strengthening Türkiye's defense industry with the launch of a new domestic production project. Carried out within the Faculty of Engineering, Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, and supported by TÜBİTAK, the initiative focuses on producing high-strength steel fasteners specifically designed for defense applications. The project is led by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Taşkın, with the contribution of prominent researchers such as Dr. Umut Önen and Dr. Öyküm Başgöz.

The project, planned to last 18 months, aims to provide indigenous solutions for the growing needs of Türkiye's defense sector. By adding new alloying elements to domestic steel materials and applying advanced thermomechanical treatments, the research team has been able to enhance the durability and performance of these fasteners. With these improvements, the materials are expected to meet the demanding standards of military use, particularly in armored personnel carriers, combat vehicles, and tanks.

One of the key benefits of this initiative lies in reducing both production costs and foreign dependency. Until now, similar steel fasteners were imported from abroad, leading to higher expenses and reliance on external suppliers. By shifting to domestic production, Türkiye seeks not only to achieve significant cost efficiency but also to bolster its defense autonomy and industrial independence.

The project team plans to deliver the newly developed products to defense industry companies in the near future. Once integrated, these components will further strengthen Türkiye's defense capabilities, support domestic production, and contribute to the country’s strategic resilience in critical sectors.