Antalya:Trkiye is making significant strides in developing its independent space infrastructure by initiating a domestic positioning satellite constellation comprising more than 100 satellites. This effort aims to secure the country's sovereignty in orbit, as revealed by a sector representative.

According to Anadolu Agency, Haluk Bayraktar, chair of the SAHA Istanbul defense cluster, highlighted Trkiye's transformation from a technology importer in 2002 to an influential global aerospace producer. Over the past two decades, the country's domestic manufacturing rates have increased from 20% to 80%.

Speaking at the opening of the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026) in Antalya, Bayraktar noted that Trkiye's annual defense and aerospace exports have grown from $250 million to $11 billion during the same period. He emphasized that the export volume achieved in a week now equals what was once accomplished in a year back in 2002.

Bayraktar detailed the evolution from small-scale beginnings involving young engineers to the design and production of critical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) components. Trkiye now leads in the field, accounting for 65% of the global UAV export market and exporting technology to over 40 countries.

The country's agile development strategy is now extending to space, reducing its reliance on foreign space technology. As part of this initiative, Trkiye is establishing a robust space infrastructure through a communications satellite and a positioning constellation of 100 satellites to create an independent navigation system. Trkiye has also developed technologies ranging from sounding rockets reaching altitudes over 100 kilometers to indigenous hybrid orbital transfer vehicles.

Bayraktar mentioned that the theme of this year's IAC, "The World Needs More Space," signifies both greater access to orbit for more countries at a lower cost and increased opportunities for small businesses and young engineers. He noted Trkiye's investment in young talent through initiatives like TEKNOFEST, a premier defense and aviation event that recently held its first event in the nation's southeast, attracting 1.6 million student applications for its engineering and rocketry competition.