Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz underlined the strategic importance of the defense industry for an independent foreign policy in an exclusive statement to Turkish Defense Hub during SAHA EXPO 2026 in Istanbul.
Speaking to Turkish Defense Hub at the SAHA International Defence, Aerospace and Space Industry Exhibition, Yılmaz said Türkiye has achieved a major transformation in its defense industry over the last two decades.
Yılmaz emphasized that Türkiye, which was once more than 80 percent dependent on foreign suppliers in defense technologies, has now reached a level where more than 80 percent of its defense industry capabilities are based on domestic and national resources.
“Defense Industry Is Critical for Independent Foreign Policy”
Yılmaz stated that the defense industry is not only important for national security, but also for Türkiye’s ability to pursue an independent foreign policy.
According to Yılmaz, a country that lacks a strong defense industry cannot fully protect its strategic autonomy. He noted that Türkiye’s growing domestic defense capacity directly strengthens the country’s diplomatic room for maneuver and its role in regional and global security.
His remarks also align with his broader public comments at SAHA EXPO 2026, where he described Türkiye’s defense industry progress as a “revolution” and pointed to the sector’s rising export capacity.
Cooperation with Friendly and Allied Countries
Yılmaz also highlighted the importance of international cooperation, stating that Türkiye will continue to strengthen defense industry partnerships with friendly and brotherly countries.
He said the progress achieved under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, together with the efforts of Turkish engineers and entrepreneurs, will carry the country’s defense industry even further.
Türkiye’s rising domestic production capacity is also creating new opportunities for international cooperation. As Turkish defense products gain more visibility in global markets, the country is increasingly positioning itself not only as a producer, but also as a strategic partner for allied countries.
Strategic Importance of SAHA EXPO 2026
SAHA EXPO 2026 provides a major platform for Türkiye to present its defense, aerospace and space technologies to international delegations and industry representatives.
The exhibition brings together more than 1,700 exhibitors from over 120 countries across more than 100,000 square meters of exhibition space. The event includes product launches, signing ceremonies, panels, B2B/G2B/G2G meetings and international cooperation opportunities.
Yılmaz’s statements at the exhibition reflect Türkiye’s broader defense industry vision: reducing foreign dependency, expanding domestic production, increasing exports and developing strategic cooperation with friendly and allied countries.
With its growing domestic capabilities and expanding international partnerships, Türkiye’s defense industry continues to strengthen its position as one of the country’s most strategic high-technology sectors.
