'Turkey to become global player in defense industry'

By Ferdi Turkten

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey is set to become a global player in the defense industry with its unique designs and advanced technology, Turkey's president said on Saturday.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan's remarks came at a joint election rally with Nationalist Movement Party leader Devlet Bahceli in the capital Ankara ahead of the March 31 local elections, now just over a week away.

In 2018, Turkey's aerospace and defense industry exports surged 17 percent.

According to Turkish Exporters Assembly data, the sector's exports topped the target of $2 billion last year, hitting a record high level of $2.035 billion.

With the clock ticking down to local elections set for March 31, Turkey is seeing daily campaign rallies and speeches by candidates and political leaders.

A total of 12 political parties will compete in the local elections.

*Writing by Sibel Morrow