07.07.2026 15:41
Vice President of Türkiye Cevdet Yılmaz, who answered questions from Haberler.com Editor-in-Chief Attorney Bedia Teymur and Ankara Representative Şerife Güzel at the Defense Industry Forum held during the NATO Summit in Ankara, said, "We had the opportunity to share Türkiye's position in the defense industry through this forum." Yılmaz emphasized that Türkiye's primary goal in the defense industry is to become one of the top 10 exporters.
Vice President of Türkiye Cevdet Yılmaz, who attended the Defense Industry Forum held for the first time within the scope of the NATO Summit in Ankara, stated that they shared Türkiye's achievements in the defense industry with the world public. Yılmaz, who answered journalists' questions after the forum attended by Haberler.com Editor-in-Chief Attorney Bedia Teymur and Haberler.com Ankara Representative Şerife Güzel, stated that their goal is to enter the top 10 in defense industry exports.
VICE PRESIDENT YILMAZ: A VERY NICE FORUM IS TAKING PLACE
Yılmaz said the following: "The defense industry forum has become a part of NATO's official program for the first time. It has started in Türkiye. A very nice forum is taking place. It is a very colorful platform where different perspectives are discussed, with not only state officials but also directly companies from the sector. The working environment is also very nice.
All the guests say they are very pleased and that the next country's job is very difficult. They say, 'We don't know who could organize such a good event.' We thank everyone who contributed. We hope it will produce results oriented towards peace for our country, our region, and all humanity.
"TÜRKİYE SAW THE SPIRIT OF THE ERA VERY EARLY IN THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY"
Through this forum, we had the opportunity to share the point Türkiye has reached in the defense industry. Both where we are now and our future perspective... Türkiye is a country that saw and grasped the spirit of the era very early. Our president started this process at a much earlier stage with a very strong political will. We are at a point in the defense industry that makes us all proud. But this is not enough; we will go further.
"WE HAVE A VERY DYNAMIC HUMAN RESOURCE"
We are the 11th largest exporter in the world. Our primary target is to enter the top 10. There are new technologies. There is a different world brought by these, especially artificial intelligence. We need to follow these innovations quickly. State and companies alone are not enough. An ecosystem involving universities and research institutions is needed: In this regard, we as Türkiye are in a very advantageous position. Because our average age is 34. Other countries are over 50. We have a very dynamic human resource. I believe there is no limit to our success.
"TÜRKİYE EXPERIENCED NOT A CHANGE BUT A REVOLUTION IN THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY"
We will continue to make new products according to the world's priorities. Priorities are very important. The conditions of the past and the conditions of today are not the same. You must develop new products according to new priorities. And you have to do this dynamically. There is no such thing as 'I did it once, and it's done.' You must be in constant effort. We have established that foundation. In the defense industry, Türkiye did not experience a change; it experienced a revolution. We will continue to carry this forward."
ERDOĞAN-TRUMP MEETING
In response to a question about which topics will be on the agenda during the meeting between President Erdoğan and US President Donald Trump, Yılmaz gave the following answer: "Many regional, global, and bilateral issues will be discussed. The South Caucasus is very important. The issues between Armenia and Azerbaijan have significantly decreased. We are now very close to peace. On the other hand, there is the Zangezur Corridor. Its opening, strengthening connectivity between Türkiye and Central Asia, and thereby strengthening the Middle Corridor, from China to Europe.
We all desire this. As Türkiye, we are making great efforts. We are striving for peace and full normalization between Türkiye and Armenia. We have a similar perspective with the US on this issue. I think it is normal for this to be part of our discussions."
"EUROPE IS EXPERIENCING A AWAKENING RECENTLY"
Reminded of Europe's very serious interest in the Turkish defense industry, Yılmaz used the following expressions: "Europe, so to speak, is experiencing an awakening recently. Türkiye started this path very early. It is reaping the advantage of that. We can say 'Europe has just woken up.' Especially after the Ukraine-Russia war and the US's clear policy of 'I can no longer bear the burden alone; we must share it,' has very clearly demonstrated the need to strengthen the European pillar.
"RELATIONS WITH TÜRKİYE ARE VERY IMPORTANT FOR EUROPE'S FUTURE"
Therefore, Europe is currently making great efforts in the defense industry. But these are not things that happen overnight. In this sense, Türkiye-Europe relations must be very strong. Türkiye-Europe relations are very valuable for Europe's future. Unfortunately, we see that some countries and some circles, with a narrow perspective, do not allow these relations to develop sufficiently. I believe that such platforms, discussions, and analyses will move Europe and Türkiye towards much closer cooperation."