Türkiye won’t compromise on its defence industry, VP Yılmaz says

Türkiye will not make any compromises regarding its defence industry, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz said, underscoring that national strength rather than reliance on others is crucial for survival in today’s world.

Speaking at the Turkish Parliament, Yılmaz said Türkiye would continue to prioritise its defence capabilities, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“Türkiye must be a deterrent force and further develop its defence industry in a world where NATO members have committed to invest 5% of GDP annually on core defence requirements, the European Union has announced its Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme, and where geopolitical risks are rising,” he said.

Yılmaz added that Türkiye has long been a country that “prioritises diplomacy and peace.”

“A concrete example of this is that it is a country that has prioritised diplomacy and peace on many issues, from Gaza to Karabakh, from Ukraine to Somalia and Ethiopia,” he said.

“But we have also learned this: no matter how right you are, if you are not strong, you cannot live in this world relying on the mercy of others,” he added.

“We saw this in Gaza. We will be both strong and right. We must do both, and as the Republic of Türkiye, we will do so.”

On economic issues, Yılmaz said that September inflation exceeded expectations, shaping a more cautious outlook for the year-end forecast.

He noted that October’s inflation data would offer a clearer picture, with expectations for year-end inflation to be slightly below or above 30%.

“September was an unusual month. Therefore, I am among those who believe that things will return to normal in October,” he said.

Recalling that inflation had fallen from around 65% in 2023 to 44% in 2024, Yılmaz reaffirmed the government’s roadmap to reduce it further.

“This year, our programme target is to see it below 30%. Next year, below 20%, and the following year, single digits. This is our roadmap,” he stressed.

Türkiye’s extensive investments over the past two decades have transformed it from a nation reliant on imported defence equipment to one where domestic systems meet most of its needs.

Ankara has long expressed frustration with its Western allies for failing to provide sufficient missile defence despite Türkiye’s NATO membership.

Today, locally developed air, land, and naval platforms — led by the country’s combat drones — have reduced foreign dependency in the defence sector from about 80% in the early 2000s to below 20%, supporting billions of dollars in exports.

More than 3,500 firms now operate in the sector, employing a skilled workforce of around 100,000.

By Aghakazim Guliyev