President Erdogan highlights importance of homegrown air defense systems amid security challenges

By Mucahithan Avcioglu

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed the importance of developing homegrown air defense systems on Wednesday, especially in the face of current security challenges.

"No country that cannot develop its own air defense system can look to the future with confidence in the face of current challenges," Recep Tayyip Erdogan said during defense firm Aselsan's groundbreaking ceremony in Ankara.

He emphasized that with the Steel Dome air defense system, Türkiye will now be in "a different league" in air defense.

The addition of three HISAR medium-range air defense systems and a total of 21 vehicles will further strengthen Türkiye's deterrence at medium range, Erdogan noted.

He also stated that Türkiye is making its defense industry systems available to its friends and allies, and increasing its diplomatic effectiveness.