Key Decisions from the Defence Industry Executive Committee Meeting
On 13 May 2025, Türkiye’s Defence Industry Executive Committee (SSİK) convened under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. This pivotal meeting assessed the accomplishments of 2024 and charted the course for 2025, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to advancing its indigenous defence capabilities.
Strategic Projects and Developments
The committee approved several significant projects, underscoring Türkiye’s ambition to bolster its defence industry:
- Swarm-Capable Kamikaze UAVs and USVs: Development of unmanned aerial and surface vehicles with swarm capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Unmanned Combat Aircraft: Initiatives to produce UAVs capable of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air defence suppression missions.
- Air Defence Systems: Serial production plans for low, medium, and high-altitude air defence systems to strengthen national security.
- Long-Range Missile Systems: Projects aimed at increasing the country’s strike capabilities through the development of long-range missiles.
- TF-2000 Air Defence Destroyer: Advancement of the TF-2000 project, designed to provide enhanced air defence capabilities for the navy.
- MİLDEN (National Submarine Project): Progress in designing and producing indigenous submarines, positioning Türkiye among a select group of nations with such capabilities.(en.defence-ua.com)
- Space Access Systems: Efforts to improve independent access to space, reflecting the strategic importance of space technologies.
- T625 Gökbey Helicopter: Plans for the serial production of the T625 Gökbey, a light utility helicopter developed domestically.
- Electronic Warfare Systems: Projects to enhance electronic warfare capabilities, ensuring superiority in the electromagnetic spectrum.
- Critical Infrastructure Protection: Development of solutions to safeguard vital facilities against UAV threats.
- Additional Armed UAVs and Subsystems: Procurement of more armed UAVs and related subsystems to meet operational demands.
- Armoured and Kamikaze Ground Vehicles: Acquisition of various armoured personnel carriers, recovery vehicles, and kamikaze ground vehicles.
- Simulators and Electro-Optical Systems: Procurement of simulators and electro-optical systems to support training and operational readiness.
These initiatives align with Türkiye’s broader strategy to achieve self-sufficiency in defence and reduce reliance on foreign technology.
Vision for 2025 and Beyond
The committee expressed satisfaction with the progress made in 2024 and emphasized the need for increased efforts in 2025. The focus remains on leveraging indigenous technologies to set global benchmarks in defence advancements. The commitment to sustaining and accelerating the growth of the domestic defence industry was reaffirmed, highlighting the strategic importance of self-reliance and innovation.
Further Reading
For more insights into Türkiye’s defence strategies and technological advancements, consider exploring the following resources:
- 2024-2028 Strategic Plan – Defence Industry Presidency
- 2025 Performance Program – Defence Industry Presidency
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