Türkiye’nin savunma sistemleri ne kadar iyi?

Turkey has undergone a historic transformation in the defense industry since 2020. With local technologies expanding from UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) to SİHA (Armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), from air defense systems to cyber security, and from submarines to national fighter jets, the country has become a regional defense power. The latest documentary-style content on the defense industry highlights this transformation. From Baykar to Bayraktar Kızılelma: UAV-UCAV Power One of the first names that comes to mind when talking about the defense industry is Baykar. The company's Bayraktar TB2, which has attracted worldwide attention with its successes in Syria, Libya, and Karabakh, has been exported to 33 countries. With a daily production capacity that has increased from 1 to over 600, the TB2 was just the beginning. Baykar's Bayraktar Akıncı and Bayraktar Kızılelma, designed according to the future concept of warfare, have taken Turkey's air deterrence to a new level. Kızılelma, Turkey's first unmanned combat aircraft, made its maiden flight in 2022. Aselsan stands out with the systems it has integrated into many platforms, such as the national fighter jet KAAN, Altay Tank, Milgem, and Piri Reis Submarine. With the ASELPOD, Gökdeniz, Serhat, MURAD AESA radar, night vision systems, and optical targeting solutions it has developed, Aselsan is ending Turkey's dependence on foreign defense electronics. Roketsan has also achieved significant success in long-range missiles. The Tayfun Ballistic Missile, with a range of 561 km, increases Turkey's deterrence at the regional level, with a target range of 1,000 km. Missiles with a range of 800 km are already in inventory. With the TF6000 and TF10 jet engines developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), Turkey is now in a position to fly its own fighter jets with domestic engines. The fifth-generation fighter jet KAAN made its first flight on February 21, 2024. Additionally, platforms such as the supersonic Hürjet, ATAK-2 helicopter, and ANKA-Aksungur also bear TUSAŞ's signature. Turkey is effectively building a domestic steel dome with its layered air defense system. The layers of this system are as follows: • Korkut (low-altitude artillery system) • Sungur (shoulder-fired missile) • Hisar A+ and O+ (short- and medium-range missiles) • SİPER (long-range ballistic missile defense system, entering serial production in 2025) • S-400 systems (backup deterrent) The goal is to neutralize any missile, UAV, or jet threat before it reaches the border. HAVELSAN has important responsibilities in software, simulation, and cybersecurity. The company provides software support for the National Combat Aircraft and also protects the country's critical infrastructure against cyberattacks. It is also developing cybersecurity human resources through the training centers it has established. Turkey has transitioned to the AIP (air-independent propulsion) system with Reis-class submarines. TCG Piri Reis is in active service. The goal is the completely domestic National Submarine (MİLDEN) project. Turkey is ahead of Greece in submarine production infrastructure. Turkey has taken a step toward nuclear energy with the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. Although it does not yet have a nuclear weapons program, the American nuclear bombs at Incirlik Air Base provide strategic deterrence within the framework of NATO. Turkey – Israel – Greece Comparison • Air Power: Israel is technologically ahead with its F-35 and F-15 fleets. Turkey is preparing to close this gap with KAAN. Greece is strengthening its capabilities with Rafael and modernized F-16s but remains behind Turkey. • UAVs and SİHA: Turkey is the clear leader. Israel has a strong foundation, while Greece lags far behind. • Missile Systems and Air Defense: While Israel’s “Iron Dome” system is advanced, Turkey’s “SİPER” and other layered systems are rapidly advancing. As of 2024, defense industry exports have reached $7.1 billion. This figure indicates a decrease in technological dependence on foreign countries and an increase in global interest in Turkish defense products. Agreements with countries such as Finland, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom are part of Turkey's international security vision. Turkey is not merely a regional player in the defense industry; it is also emerging as a global technology and export powerhouse. This expanding infrastructure, spanning from artificial intelligence to cybersecurity, ballistic missile technology to fifth-generation fighter jets, is enhancing Turkey's strategic deterrence capabilities year after year.