Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized Trkiye's strategic advancement towards becoming "one of the poles of the new international system" amid a significant transformation in the global security paradigm. During a speech at the National Defense University graduation ceremony, Erdogan highlighted the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies across various sectors, particularly in defense and security.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan noted that contemporary warfare extends beyond traditional battlefields, encompassing cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. Critical infrastructure, energy lines, and trade routes face threats from kamikaze drones, while unmanned aerial and naval vehicles, along with AI-driven software, increasingly influence military outcomes. He underscored the critical role of real-time intelligence, planning, command, and control in this evolving landscape.

Erdogan also announced that Trkiye's defense industry production has reached an 82% domestic production rate. The products undergo field testing, refinement, and updates based on operational feedback. He commended the achievements of engineers, software developers, technicians, and nearly 4,000 companies in the defense sector, enabling Trkiye to supply its security forces with domestically produced, advanced equipment.

Highlighting the significant growth in defense exports, Erdogan reported that Trkiye exported over $11 billion in defense and aerospace products in the past year, setting a new record. He added that from January to June, defense exports reached $4.665 billion, marking a 30% increase compared to the same period last year, with $803 million exported in June alone.