Erdogan: Turkey seeks no one's land, focuses on peace

WISE NEWS PRESS / ISTANBUL, TÜRKIYE — DEC. 21, 2025

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that Turkey’s defense industry investments are rooted in a doctrine of peace and deterrence, rather than aggression, during a ceremony at the Istanbul Shipyard Command. Speaking at the commissioning and flag-hoisting ceremony for new naval platforms, Erdogan stated that Turkey has no intention of violating the sovereignty or territory of any other nation and seeks to avoid international tension.

The President highlighted that the domestic production rate in the defense sector has surged from 20% to 80% over the last 23 years, making Turkey the 11th largest defense exporter in the world. He reported that defense and aerospace exports reached over $8.6 billion as of this morning, with a strategic target to exceed $11 billion and enter the global top 10 by 2028.

Strategic Naval Platforms and International Cooperation

During the event, several critical naval assets were commissioned, including the TCG Hizirreis submarine, equipped with an air-independent propulsion system for silent deep-sea operations. Other notable platforms included the Ç-159 new type landing craft and the ULAQ armed unmanned surface vehicle (AUSV), which features a 90% indigenous marine engine. Erdogan also performed the first steel cutting for the offshore patrol vessel Seferihisar, scheduled for future deployment.

In a show of international brotherhood, Erdogan delivered the PNS Khaibar, the second of four MİLGEM-class corvettes built for the Pakistan Navy under a 2018 contract. He noted that the project continues with the third ship, PNS Bedir, expected by mid-2026, and the fourth, PNS Tarik, in early 2027, reinforcing the long-standing Turkey-Pakistan strategic partnership.

Holistic Defense and Future Goals

The President underscored that success in defense requires a holistic strategy across air, land, and sea. He praised the recent achievements of the Kizilelma unmanned fighter jet, which successfully neutralized a jet-powered target using a beyond-visual-range missile. Furthermore, Erdogan announced that the construction process for a new 300-meter aircraft carrier—intended to be the "big brother" of the TCG Anadolu—has officially commenced.

Erdogan concluded by urging the defense sector's 3,500 companies and 100,000 employees to ignore "prophets of doom" and remain focused on Turkey's technological independence. He reiterated that the nation's military growth is a safeguard for its independence and a stabilizing force for its allies and neighbors.

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