Hulusi Akar: Each new defense project contributes to Türkiye's power

Every step taken in the field of defense and security, every project implemented, is associated with the growth of the power of Türkiye, and the country has established itself as a major international player, Turkish National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said at the ceremony of handing over the 4th modernized A400M military transport aircraft to the command of the Turkish Air Force, Report informs via Anadolu.

The minister recalled that the agreement on the modernization of aircraft was signed in October 2019.

According to him, three similar aircraft, modernized in the province of Kayseri, have already been transferred to the command of the Turkish Air Force.

The minister noted that the modernization of one of the most modern military transport vessels - A400M, can only be carried out today in 4 locations in the world, and the fact that this process is also carried out at the aircraft maintenance facility in the province of Kayseri is a matter of pride for Türkiye.

"Thanks to the agreement with Airbus, the capabilities of the Kayseri plant have expanded. Kayseri, Türkiye's leading industrial center, has taken another important step towards becoming an important technology and manufacturing center. We hope that in the coming years, work on the modernization of friendly and allied countries’ aircraft will also be carried out at our facility," Akar said.

He stressed that A400M military transport aircraft are widely used in the world, including in the provision of assistance, evacuation, military operations, transportation of personnel and equipment. This type of aircraft demonstrated particular efficiency during the latest earthquakes of February 6.

"Our goal within the framework of the ‘Türkiye Centenary’ concept is to bring the military-industrial complex to the highest possible level. Thanks to the steps taken, our country has become a production base, not a market for critical technologies. Today, we are successfully implementing many important projects, such as the production of precision-guided munitions, strike and civilian UAVs, warships and helicopters," Akar said.