By Necva Tastan
ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday said Türkiye's defense industry is making history, with Turkish UAVs and drones safeguarding the skies of 34 nations.
"We will build a higher segment of our aircraft carrier. Our navy is leading the effort," Erdogan said at a rally in Türkiye's southern province of Adana.
He stressed that Türkiye's increased international reputation in foreign policy is backed by a "strong defense industry."
"As our dependence on foreign defense decreases, our influence on the international stage grows," he added.
Blasting those who are criticizing KAAN, Erdogan said: "From Asia to Africa, tens of millions see a strengthened Türkiye."
KAAN, a fighter jet made in Türkiye, successfully carried out its maiden test flight on Wednesday, Turkish Aerospace Industries said.
The first fifth-generation fighter jet manufactured domestically aims to replace the Turkish army's aging fleet.
The latest development makes Türkiye one of only a few countries to own this technology.
The aircraft, under a project that began in 2016, was rolled out in March 2023.