Erdogan: Türkiye's defence exports record high

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that defence industry exports reached a record of $2.378 million in the first six months of this year.

"As Türkiye, we attach great importance to developing our defence industry, despite the many obstacles, secret and open embargoes that we face," Anadolu quotes Erdogan as saying in a video message to the 16th International Defense Industry Fair 2023 being held in Istanbul on July 25.

One of the largest global defence events, which opened on Tuesday and will continue until Friday, is exhibiting a range of defence products including land vehicles, weapons, simulators, radars, sonars, naval platform solutions, aviation systems, missiles, logistic vehicles, supply equipment, and security systems.

"The Turkish defence industry sector has been writing a success story that has been followed with admiration by the whole world in recent years.

"Our industry has proven its worth with its armoured vehicles, artillery, rockets, air defence systems, and all kinds of weapons and radar systems tested in conflict zones," Erdogan said.

The president hailed Türkiye's capabilities in drone technology, saying it is among the world’s top three countries in the field.

"Türkiye, which is one of the 10 countries that make its own warship, is also an important exporter in this field," he added.

Türkiye is "meticulously" implementing 850 different projects that will leave their mark in the defense industry, Erdogan said, adding: "Last year, we reached an export figure of $4.4 billion. In the first six months of this year, we achieved a record export level of $2.3 billion. Our target in 2023 is $6 billion."

Ankara is not just for selling products, but aims to establish long-term partnerships and develop joint projects, he added.

"We are pleased to present our knowledge and experience in the defence industry to the benefit of our friends," Erdogan said.