Small Device, Big Impact: Haluk Bayraktar’s Insights on Deep Technologies at SAHA EXPO
SAHA EXPO International Defense, Aerospace Industry Fair, organized by SAHA Istanbul, Turkey’s and Europe’s largest industrial cluster, under the auspices of the Presidency, supported by 6 ministries and the Presidency of Defense Industries, and with Anadolu Agency as its global communication partner, continues with panels on its 2nd day.
In this context, a panel titled “Leadership of the Deep Technology Revolution in the Field of Defense and Security” was held with the participation of Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır.
In his speech here, Bayraktar stated that today we are on the verge of a new era and said that they are on the verge of changes in the field of defense and security with deep technologies.
Emphasizing that technologies such as quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems not only transform our own military capabilities but also reshape the understanding of global security, Bayraktar continued as follows:
“The responsibility of leading this revolution will not only redefine NATO’s strategic priorities but also the technological capacities of allied states. Turkey is ready to be at the heart of this transformation process with its rapid progress in the defense industry and technology fields. Like NATO DIANA and Innovation Fund, we will advance this potential with these initiatives and show Turkey’s innovative power to the world while meeting the security needs of this alliance. By gathering here today, we will develop solutions that will strengthen the technological superiority of this alliance. I hope this panel will shape security strategies for the future.”
Bayraktar explained that SAHA represents the dynamism of the private sector in Turkey and that it exists to bring SMEs to the stage in the field of defense.
Pointing out that while there were only 17 defense companies 20 years ago, this number has reached 3,500 today, Bayraktar stated that the exports of 250 million dollars have exceeded 5.5 billion dollars, and that they signed contracts worth 6.2 billion dollars only in SAHA EXPO.
Pointing out that 4.6 billion dollars of this is export contracts, Bayraktar said, “We see a sustainable interest and support at the government level. This is of critical importance. You see the war in Ukraine, before the war, no one thought that FPV drones would play such a key role, but things change very quickly. A small device with a very low cost can change the game. We are pursuing these game-changing technologies in our country. We have developed unmanned fighter jets without government support. We have many game-changing initiatives like this.”
Basat Öztürk, General Director of International Security Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that innovative technologies do not only emerge as the fruit of a short period of time, but that there are huge investments and energy behind them.
Emphasizing that behind the innovative and successful Turkish defense industry are the people who work day and night, Öztürk made the following evaluation:
“No technology can be successful on its own. In addition, there must be a strategic and political vision and correct strategies. These must be supported by these strategies, both politically and militarily. There is a war being waged brutally by Israel, 300 kilometers south of our southern border. Israel uses its most advanced technologies here. No strategy, no vision can be successful without being based on a fair and equitable basis. That is why Turkey will continue to invest in defense technologies while investing in defense innovation.”
Jean-Charles Ellermann-Kingombe, NATO Deputy Secretary General for Innovation, Hybrid, and Cyber, stated that it was his first visit to Istanbul as NATO Deputy Secretary General.
Stating that they are working to carry out very effective work in the defense innovation ecosystem, Kingombe explained that they have rapidly developing technologies and security challenges are changing rapidly.
Kingombe pointed out that such platforms are important for cooperation in such an environment and said, “Turkey has always been an actor that affects the future of defense technologies. When we look at the past, technology and security have always moved together. NATO has always relied on new technologies to keep people safe.” In 2021, NATO allies took a step and established DIANA, supporting deep technology innovators to ensure that we are strong enough to advance our alliance’s technological superiority, ecosystem, and advantages in defense and security. We need to ensure that they adopt technologies.
Emphasizing that the public should be encouraged to take risks in this field, Kingombe said: “We should not criticize them for taking risks. NATO is aware of this difficulty. In the work we will do in the coming months, there will be a rapidly taken action plan for the first time. NATO allies will be able to use new strategies more effectively. The challenges we face now require sustainable collaboration and new approaches, and we need to work closely with governments, both traditional and non-traditional actors, and with academia and other partners to ensure a more secure and resilient future. Turkey has important contributions in space and aviation. These studies will make great contributions not only to our collective defense but also to global security.”
