10.07.2026 17:20
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, "As a state, we are progressing towards becoming one of the pillars of the new system in this period when the international security paradigm has undergone a radical transformation."
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke at the National Defense University's Staff Officer Graduation Ceremony.
Highlights from President Erdoğan's statements are as follows:
"I greet the esteemed rector of the National Defense University, honorable guests, with my most sincere feelings. I am delighted to be at the graduation of our officers who have completed their training.
I congratulate each of our officers individually. The officers who received their diplomas moments ago will serve our Turkish Armed Forces and our state with a high sense of duty, holding the title of staff officer. They will make the strongest contributions with their knowledge and abilities to the staff mentality, one of the most powerful attributes of the Turkish army. May God keep them safe from all harm and protect them from every danger. I also wholeheartedly congratulate our guest soldiers and sincerely believe that they will further develop friendship, solidarity, and cooperation. I extend my appreciation and congratulations to our instructors who have trained our officers. I commemorate all our martyrs.
Our revered martyrs, who are monuments of freedom for our nation, will continue to light our path with their epic struggles and memories. I express my gratitude to our veterans who have sacrificed their lives for our national and sacred values.
"NDU HAS BECOME ONE OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN TEN YEARS"
On July 31, we will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the NDU's founding. In ten years, the NDU has become one of the most distinguished educational institutions on a global scale. This institution, where officers and non-commissioned officers who are passionately devoted to their homeland, nation, and state, and who possess self-confidence and responsibility, are trained, is a source of pride. With its solutions aimed at the development of military culture, our university fulfills a vital mission.
On behalf of our esteemed rector and administrators, I congratulate the civilian and military academic staff and all members of this family. Since its establishment, the university has received our support. We have been sensitive to meeting the infrastructure needs so that our officers can receive education at higher standards. We will do whatever is necessary to further strengthen it from now on.
We are living in an era where sharp changes have become commonplace. Artificial intelligence deeply affects every aspect of life. We clearly observe this transformation in defense and security. In classical warfare environments, the determining factors were force density and platform numbers. Rapid decision-making and support mechanisms have been added to these.
Wars are now waged not only on the frontlines but also through cyber attacks and disinformation. We are facing a new equation where UAVs and UCAVs directly impact the outcome. This new environment, where reconnaissance and intelligence are force multipliers, has made command and control more important than ever. Officers trained at the NDU demonstrate unique performance in both planning and command and control. Our commanders continue to write new epics.
"WE WILL WRITE A NEW STORY WITH A TERROR-FREE TURKEY"
We are also advancing with confident steps in this period when the international security paradigm is changing. We have reached a localization rate of 82 percent. Our software developers, engineers, and companies add new successes to their achievements every day. We are equipping our army with our equipment equipped with the latest technologies. In the last 12 months, we set a new record by exporting over 11 billion dollars worth of defense and aerospace products.
We have brought many innovations to the battlefield and the art of war. How beautifully we are embracing the legacy of our ancestors. We are playing a leading role in keeping dialogue channels open. We are pushing every door to ensure lasting peace and tranquility. We have a very strong presence in international alliances. We successfully hosted NATO in Ankara. We discussed the future of the alliance in Turkey.
We shared our assessments on the current agenda with our allies. Regardless of which organization we are members of, we must be strong to hold our head high with honor in the geography we are in. We cannot entrust Turkey's security to anyone, nor can we compromise on our national security. We will keep our inner fortress strong, and as we move toward our Century of Turkey goals, we will not forget that we are brothers and companions in fate. We will write a new story with a Terror-Free Turkey, which we are pursuing to rid our country of a half-century-old problem.
Details are coming...