Ankara: Turkish firm Altinay Defense sets its sights on the EU market as the bloc increases its defense budget to export critical subsystems and other innovative products they developed, the firm's general manager told Anadolu.

According to Anadolu Agency, Burak Mercan, the general manager of Altinay Defense, highlighted the rising domestic and international demand for the Turkish defense industry. He emphasized that Altinay Defense aims to become one of the top 100 defense firms within the next decade. The firm plans to adopt an export-oriented approach to enhance its growth trajectory.

Mercan noted that Europe was not traditionally a target market for the Turkish defense industry. However, with recent security concerns, the EU announced a substantial budget for its defense industry last year. He pointed out that, despite the EU's technical capabilities being on par with or surpassing those of Turkey in some areas, their industrial capacities fall short of their financial commitments.

Altinay Defense sees an opportunity to capture a significant portion of the European market, in addition to continuing its exports to regions such as the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Turkic states, South America, and North Africa. The company intends to invest in human resources and new technologies, focusing on developing micro-class and heavy-lift air vehicles, military robot technologies, and autonomous recycling systems.

Mercan shared that the firm invested approximately $50 million last year to establish production facilities and technological infrastructure. This year, another $50 million has been allocated to implement an Engineering Center of Excellence and an Aerospace Center of Excellence in Ankara. He stressed the importance of expanding human resources and identifying technological areas needing investment to achieve their export potential.

Addressing concerns about international embargoes, Mercan asserted that Turkey's defense industry has built a robust structure capable of overcoming such challenges. He expressed confidence that tariffs or embargoes would not impede the industry's progress, as they have developed numerous systems for export through domestic production efforts.