President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that Türkiye will "swiftly" advance its national defence projects and deepen defence cooperation with European allies as part of the 'Century of Türkiye' vision, Türkiye Today reported. Speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdoğan said the country would continue "making history in the defence industry, despite all overt and covert attempts at obstruction".
President Erdoğan highlighted the recent opening of the BMC's facility in Ankara, emphasising that it is one of the three largest in Europe and among the five largest in the world for the production of next-generation tanks and armoured vehicles. He said that the first deliveries of the domestically manufactured Altay main battle tanks have been made to the Turkish Armed Forces, adding that the goal is to deliver 250 Altay tanks within six years. Erdoğan thanked BMC, the Secretariat of Defence Industries, and project partners for their contributions to the success of the facility.
Erdoğan also highlighted progress in the field of air defence, stating that his meetings with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have led to new agreements, including the procurement of Eurofighter jets. "As we are rapidly commissioning our indigenous and national defence projects, we will also strengthen our defence cooperation with our European allies on a win-win basis on the other," said Erdoğan.
The President reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to the national combat aircraft project, KAAN, and stated that the aircraft would join the Turkish Air Force on the date they have set. “Just as HÜRJET aims for leadership in its class, KAAN will strive for the top in its category once all processes are completed,” he added. Erdoğan also stated that the Spanish government’s approval for the procurement of 45 HÜRJET Jet Trainer demonstrates growing confidence in the Turkish defence sector on the global market.
Addressing the fight against terrorism, the President stated that Türkiye "does not accept any form of terrorism—neither on its own soil nor in neighbouring countries." Emphasising that the country's growing defence capabilities symbolise national strength and independence, Erdoğan said, "We are advancing not only for ourselves but also for the security and stability of our region."