President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a keynote address at the Commencement and Flag Handover Ceremony at the Air War College in Istanbul, congratulating the 198 graduating cadets. He highlighted the remarkable progress made by the Turkish Armed Forces over the past eight years, particularly in overcoming challenges posed by the FETO organization and enhancing military capabilities across various fields.

Erdoğan underlined the importance of the steps taken to fortify Türkiye’s defense forces, stating, “We not only uprooted that treacherous gang called FETO but also strengthened our military in every field.” He expressed gratitude to those contributing to the "Century of Türkiye" and praised the country’s aviators, who play critical roles in national defense, particularly in combating terrorism.

Highlighting Türkiye’s significant achievements in unmanned aerial vehicles (UCAVs), Erdoğan noted: “The momentum we have achieved in unmanned aerial vehicles is admired not only by friendly and brotherly nations but also across the whole world.” He proudly stated that Türkiye is among the top three to four countries globally in this field, with Turkish UCAVs being used in over 50 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

He also mentioned the ongoing tests of Kızılelma and ANKA-3, which will position Türkiye in a new league within the defense industry. Additionally, President Erdoğan spoke of the KAAN national combat aircraft, the modernization of F-16s, and the effective use of ATAK helicopters in anti-terror operations. The development of the GÖKBEY multi-purpose helicopter and the HÜRJET training aircraft were also highlighted, with both systems participating in the EFES-2024 Exercise for the first time.

Erdoğan announced Türkiye’s plans for a new air defense system, the "Steel Dome," which will be developed as an integrated system of systems. He compared this to other nations’ defense systems, stating: “If they have the Iron Dome, we will have the Steel Dome.” This project aims to integrate all sensors and weapons into a cohesive defense network, enhancing Türkiye’s layered air defense capabilities.

Reflecting on Türkiye’s experiences during the Syrian crisis and other regional developments, Erdoğan stressed the importance of self-reliance in defense. He pointed to the challenges faced from international alliances, including the refusal to provide Patriot batteries and the support given to PKK affiliates. “Türkiye is a country that has to take matters into its own hands,” he stated, emphasizing the lessons learned from past experiences.

Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to relying on its own resources and human capital, while remaining open to cooperation with allies who share the nation’s vision. “We will not make the mistake of putting all our eggs in one basket,” he concluded, signaling a continued focus on national independence in defense matters. (ILKHA)