The Turkish defense industry has taken another significant step in line with its technology-driven growth objectives. Under the coordination of the Presidency of Defence Industries, a signing ceremony was held in Ankara for 14 new research and development (R&D) projects whose planning activities were completed as of 2025. Speaking at the ceremony, Defence Industries President Haluk Görgün emphasized that global competition in the defense sector has moved beyond a race of platforms and systems, with algorithms, data, materials science, microelectronics, and quantum technologies now at the core of military superiority.

Görgün stated that the signatures represent more than the launch of new projects, highlighting Turkey’s determination to strengthen its technological independence and to shape the future operational environment. Noting that global R&D spending surpassed 130 billion dollars in 2023, he underlined that deterrence in modern warfare is directly linked to dominance in critical technologies. According to Görgün, superiority today lies in sensors that detect, networks that transmit, and software that makes rapid decisions.

The scale of commitment by Turkish defense companies was also reflected in the figures shared during the ceremony. Foundation-owned companies such as ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, HAVELSAN, and TUSAŞ have collectively reached an R&D budget of approximately 3.34 billion dollars. The total number of ongoing R&D projects has exceeded 1,600, covering a wide range of areas including AI-enabled systems, autonomous air, land, and naval platforms, hypersonic capabilities, and advanced energy storage technologies.

The 14 newly signed projects involve 13 companies, 5 universities, and 5 research institutions, with an estimated total budget of around 44 million dollars. A significant portion of this funding will be allocated to projects conducted jointly with universities and research institutes, ensuring that academic expertise is effectively transferred to industry. Ranging from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to advanced propulsion, materials, and quantum technologies, these projects are aligned with Turkey’s 12th Development Plan and the National Technology Initiative, reinforcing the country’s goal of building a sustainable, high-value, and globally competitive defense ecosystem.