'Turkey eyes being top player in global space-tech'

By Tuba Sahin

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey aims to be among top global players in space technologies with its vision of “indigenous technology and strong industry”, the industry and technology minister said on Thursday.

"In line with our national interests, Turkish space agency will pave the way for a competitive industry," Mustafa Varank told Turkish Defense Industry Summit at presidential complex in the capital Ankara.

On early Thursday, Turkey’s official gazette published a presidential decree announcing the establishment of the country’s space agency.

The Turkey Space Agency will prepare and carry out the National Space Program in line with the policies determined by the president of Turkey, according to the decree.

"Our dream of 20 years has come true [by establishing the space agency]," Varank said.

He stated that it is among Turkey’s priorities to establish an indigenous defense industry.

"Our aim was not to become a subcontractor of international defense industry producers but to create a fully independent Turkish defense industry," he said.

Varank added: "We stand on our way with the same discipline and determination at every stage; from strategy to original design, infrastructure establishment to technology development, and final product to commercialization."

An innovative step in defense industries may serves as a locomotive in a number of sectors such as electronics, control systems, avionics, metallurgy, petrochemicals and software, the minister asserted.

"Technologies developed in defense industry also serves for civilian use and contributes to socio-economic development," Varank said.

Mentioning the effect of the defense industry on value added production, Varank said it takes the country to higher levels rapidly in global competition.

"We mobilize all our opportunities for the projects that will bring technological superiority to our country," he said.