Altun lauded the successful maiden flight of Türkiye's fifth-generation fighter jet, the "Kaan," as a prime example of the nation's advancements in defense capabilities. He expressed immense pride in the contributions of Turkish military personnel, engineers, programmers, and various professionals within Turkish companies who have made this achievement possible.

Altun emphasized President Erdoğan's vision for the future, stating: "President Erdoğan's vision for our country is propelling us to a future where we will be a lot more self-reliant in defense through indigenous projects." This vision, according to Altun, aims to bolster the nation's ability to deter potential threats, strengthen its defense posture, and become a more reliable security partner to its allies.

While acknowledging the substantial progress made in recent decades across air, sea, and land defense capabilities, Altun recognized the ever-evolving nature of warfare and the continuous need for adaptation and development. "As we march forward in our quest to be a force for peace and stability in our troubled region, we must continue to give our national defense industry the resources they need to succeed," he said.

Altun underlined the critical role of sustained investments in the national defense industry. He argued that such investments are not just essential for maintaining a robust defense posture but also crucial for navigating the complexities of the current geopolitical landscape, ensuring Türkiye's preparedness for any potential eventualities.

Concluding his message, Altun expressed his firm belief in Türkiye's future, highlighting the progress achieved under President Erdoğan's leadership. He credited President Erdoğan for instilling a spirit of self-reliance and determination within the nation, stating: "He has taught us that impossible is just a word." Altun expressed optimism for Türkiye's continued advancement in the defense sector and its pursuit of becoming a major global player in this domain. (ILKHA)