Turkey’s Minister of Industry and Technology, Mustafa Varank, delivered an important speech during the first-ever Turkish Defense Industry Summit organized under the auspices of the Presidency and hosted by the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB). He began his remarks by expressing condolences to those who lost their lives in the Ankara high-speed train accident, wishing a swift recovery to the injured. Varank underlined that just as economic strength cannot exist without industrial development, political and economic independence cannot be achieved without a strong, national defense industry.

Highlighting the transformative impact of defense technologies, Varank noted that innovations developed for military use often become the driving force behind advancements in electronics, control systems, avionics, metallurgy, petrochemicals and software. He stressed that Turkey’s goal has never been to remain a subcontractor to international defense companies. Instead, the aim is to build a fully independent Turkish defense industry through strategic planning, indigenous design, infrastructure development, technology production and commercialization.

Varank detailed the extensive support provided to Turkey’s innovation ecosystem, including assistance to 1,059 R&D centers and robust support for young entrepreneurs through KOSGEB and TÜBİTAK programs. Emphasizing that Turkey’s greatest strength is its young population, he stated: “Whether they work in high-tech companies, the defense industry, or as technical specialists in manufacturing — we want young people who invent. We stand behind every young person who generates ideas, develops solutions and commercializes projects.”

He noted that the domestic production rate in Turkey’s defense industry has surpassed 65 percent. Over the last 16 years, 700 domestic patent applications were filed in the defense sector, with 63 percent of them submitted in the last five years — a strong indicator of growing awareness and innovation. Varank reaffirmed that Turkey will continue working closely with public and private stakeholders to produce technologies that win global recognition.

One of the most notable highlights of Varank’s speech was Turkey’s establishment of the long-awaited Turkish Space Agency. Calling it a “20-year dream come true,” Varank stated that the agency will shape space-related strategies and policies, strengthening Turkey’s competitive industrial ecosystem. He reiterated that Turkey aims to become a global actor in space technologies through its “National Technology, Strong Industry” vision.

Varank also delivered a heartfelt message to young people, stating that Turkey is undergoing a major technological transformation, especially in the defense sector, and that this transformation will accelerate through the energy, creativity and innovative perspective of the youth. He expressed confidence that Turkey’s path toward full independence in high-value production and advanced technologies will be built together with the younger generation.

At the end of the summit, SSB President İsmail Demir presented Minister Varank with a model of the Bora missile, symbolizing Turkey’s commitment to strengthening its indigenous defense capabilities.