Erdogan boasts about Turkish defense industry and aviation exports, 30 percent growth

(Patria) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Saturday that Turkish exports in the defense and aviation sectors reached 7.445 billion dollars in the last 11 months, which is more than in the same period last year.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of maritime platforms, Erdogan said:

- In the last 11 months, our exports in the defense and aviation sectors increased by 30 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching 7.445 billion dollars.

He emphasized that Turkey is currently the 11th largest exporter in the defense sector in the world.

Expansion of Ecosystem and Capacity

He said that the projects of the Turkish defense industry aim not only to develop products but also to expand the ecosystem and capacity of technology production.

He also underlined that Turkey is among the 10 countries in the world capable of developing and producing its own warships.

- We have launched the construction processes of our 300-meter-long aircraft carrier, which will be the older brother of the TCG Anadolu ship - he said.

Erdogan also emphasized that further projects will be commissioned to improve deterrence on land, at sea, in the air, and in cyberspace, noting that all stages, from research and development to mass production, are carried out with domestic and national resources.

He said that the investments are not aimed at preparing for war.

- All these investments we have implemented are not intended for preparing for war, but for protecting peace, independence, and our future - concluded the Turkish president.

Maritime Cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan At the ceremony, Erdogan welcomed Pakistani guests, emphasizing that the long-standing friendship between Turkey and Pakistan, based on a common history, will continue to develop and strengthen in the coming years.

He recalled that in September 2018, a contract was signed for the construction of four MİLGEM corvettes for the needs of the Pakistan Navy, stating that the first ship, PNS Babur, was delivered to Pakistan on May 24, 2024.

- Today, we are also delivering the ship PNS Khaibar, which has successfully completed all testing and trial activities - said Erdogan.

He added that the third ship, PNS Bedir, is planned for delivery at the end of June 2026, while the delivery of the fourth ship, PNS Tarik, is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.

- I wish these modern ships to be of benefit to the brotherly Pakistan Navy - concluded Erdogan.