Erdogan highlights Steel Dome system as key to Türkiye’s border security

Following a cabinet meeting, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasised the strategic importance of the domestically produced Steel Dome air defence system, saying it would reliably protect the country’s borders.

He noted that the Turkish Armed Forces had received 47 units of the system, worth a total of $460 million, Caliber.Az reports per Anadolu. 

Erdogan also highlighted broader achievements in the defence industry, noting the official opening of 14 key Aselsan facilities valued at $280 million. He added that the foundation had been laid for the Ogulbey Technology Centre, a $1.5 billion project spanning an area larger than 900 football fields, which he said would become one of the region’s most advanced defence technology hubs once completed.

Turning to economic developments, Erdogan said the commissioning of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, with a total installed capacity of 4,800 MW, would allow Türkiye to reduce its annual natural gas imports by 7 billion cubic metres and contribute an estimated $50 billion to the country’s gross domestic product.

By Sabina Mammadli