28.08.2025 21:22
In his speech at the opening ceremony of Teknofest Mavi Vatan, President Erdoğan emphasized the importance of the defense industry. Erdoğan stated, "We will do what is fitting for us. We will build a larger version of TCG Anadolu in our shipyard. In addition to this, our armored vehicles will also be included alongside our drones."
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President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke in Istanbul at the opening ceremony of "Teknofest Blue Homeland." Emphasizing the importance of the defense industry, Erdoğan stated that a larger TCG Anadolu ship will be built.
PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN: WHEN I LOOK AT YOU, I REMEMBER ORUÇ REIS
President Erdoğan said: "Yesterday, we took three prideful steps. We added Steel Dome systems to the inventory at Aselsan's new facilities. We do not pass important days with hollow slogans. We are trying to make them meaningful in every aspect. I congratulate all our youth on the "Victory Week." I remember our martyrs and veterans who made Anatolia our homeland with mercy. This country is a gift from our dear martyrs. Right now, I see a youth that embraces this gift.
When I look at you, I remember Oruç Reis and Piri Reis. I congratulate each of you for the trust you have given to our nation. I thank my Lord for walking with a youth that knows its roots, knows its mission, and is focused on its goals. I express my gratitude to all my brothers who contributed to the TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland Program. I hope the program will be beneficial for our country, our nation, and you young people. I wish success to all our youth who will showcase their skills in the TEKNOFEST competitions.
"THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY IS WRITING EPICS"
Those who want to see what faith and determination can achieve are looking at the Turkish Defense Industry today. The defense industry is writing epics. We are literally writing epics in every field. Our adversaries are trying to catch up with us in anxiety and panic. They will run, but they will not catch us. Just as our War of Independence instilled faith in the oppressed 100 years ago, today our defense industry gives courage to the oppressed.
"WE RENEWED SAVARONA STAYING TRUE TO ITS ORIGINAL"
Wherever a brother of ours is struggling, he is proud of Turkey's achievements. We did not listen to those who said it cannot be done, those who said you cannot do it. Our ships passing through the Bosphorus on Sunday made us all proud. Savarona had been abandoned for years. Unfortunately, this yacht was also used as a casino at one point. We took it, renewed it from top to bottom while staying true to its original, and reunited it with the blue waters. You will be able to see the yacht that Gazi Mustafa Kemal said he waited for "like a child waiting for his toy" up close here.
"WE WILL BUILD A LARGER TCG ANADOLU"
We will not stop there. We will do what befits us. TCG Anadolu will be open for visits. We will not be limited to this; we will build a larger TCG Anadolu in our shipyard. In addition, our armored vehicles will also be included alongside our UAVs.
"TEKNOFEST YOUTH IS COMING IN FULL SWING"
While strengthening our defense industry, we are also trying to increase the interest of the younger generations in technology and innovation. TEKNOFESTs stand out in this regard. In 8 years, we hosted nearly 11 million visitors. In 2025, we organized 2 TEKNOFESTs. Nearly 1.2 million competitors applied for the competitions held. The TEKNOFEST youth is coming in full swing, breaking down barriers one by one. The youth of this country is becoming more curious about technology and research. The bright children of this nation never give up on dreaming.
You are the standard bearers of this blessed march. You are the architects of the Century of Turkey. The future is yours, Turkey is yours. Even those who are incapable of swimming in shallow waters should never be allowed to draw borders for you; think big, set great goals, and continue to walk without tiring. If you want freedom, return to your essence; if you want justice, embrace your civilization. We will realize our greatest work, a Turkey free of terrorism, for you.
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