'Turkey is a key actor in the defense industry'

By Ugur Aslanhan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkey has become a key player in the defense industry as it develops and exports products for the global market, said Science, Industry and Technology Minister Faruk Ozlu Sunday.

Speaking at a panel discussion at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Istanbul, Ozlu spoke on Turkey’s research and development programs and developments in the defense industry.

Ozlu said developments include the ANKA unmanned aerial system developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries for the Turkish Armed Forces, the Hurkus basic trainer aircraft, the Altay main battle tank, and the MILGEM corvette ships.

Stating that threats grow more and more diverse each day, Ozlu said that new technologies and practices are also being developed in the defense industry.

He pointed to the autonomous systems used in the military, as well as combat drones, and the use of nanotechnology for army equipment.

Ozlu said that Turkey supports international cooperation and that there should be more technological collaboration among NATO nations.

"Are we really open to share technology among NATO members? Are we ready and eager to support each other in the field of technology?" he asked.

Stressing that cyber security is a global problem, he said:

"We believe that NATO members should share more technology, including in cybersecurity."