Istanbul: Trkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the Steel Dome air defense system as a historic milestone in the nation's defense industry. Comprising 47 vehicles, the system was highlighted during TEKNOFEST, Trkiye's premier aviation, space, and technology event. Erdogan emphasized the beginning of a new chapter in the country's defense industry history.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan spoke at TEKNOFEST, organized by the Industry and Technology Ministry and the T3 Foundation. The event, recognized as the world's largest technology festival, is open to visitors at Istanbul Atatrk Airport from September 17-21. Erdogan underscored Trkiye's achievements in producing its own systems for air, land, and sea, and noted the nation's position as the 11th largest country in defense exports.

Erdogan stated that Trkiye is among the top three globally in UAV and combat UAV technologies and is one of 10 countries capable of producing warships from design to mass production. The country is also advancing in the skies with domestically produced aircraft and helicopters and is enhancing capabilities on land and at sea with various unmanned and combat vehicles.

He revealed that Trkiye is also making strides in artificial intelligence and digital platforms, mentioning the launch of Trkiye's social media platform, NSosyal, which has surpassed 1.3 million users. Erdogan views NSosyal as a countermeasure against digital monopolization.

Erdogan invoked the vision of notable figures in Trkiye's history, such as Nuri Killigil Pasha and Nuri Demirag, emphasizing the importance of national production for independence and the contributions of the defense industry pioneers like Ozdemir Bayraktar. He highlighted the rapid growth of Trkiye's defense industry, attributing success to perseverance despite facing embargoes.

Erdogan also noted the significance of TEKNOFEST, revealing that in 2025, 1.2 million competitors from 96 countries applied for the festival's competitions. As an international brand, TEKNOFEST has attracted around 11 million visitors, particularly young people, showing its global appeal.