Türkiye is enhancing its naval defense and technological self-sufficiency, as reaffirmed by senior officials at the conclusion of the Teknofest Blue Homeland event. Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz emphasized the growing importance of safeguarding Türkiye’s maritime interests, particularly in light of intensified geopolitical rivalries, security threats, and the race for critical technologies, energy resources, and trade routes.
The Teknofest Blue Homeland, held at the Gölcük Naval Shipyard, featured an impressive lineup of 37 vessels and four aircraft, showcasing Türkiye’s advancing naval capabilities. Among the notable displays were the TCG Anadolu, TCG Istanbul frigate, TCG Derya, and the Murat Reis submarine, alongside domestically produced unmanned maritime systems. This exhibition underscored Türkiye’s commitment to advancing its maritime defense technology.
Yılmaz highlighted Türkiye’s progress in integrating manned and unmanned platforms through the use of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and advanced sensor technologies, ensuring secure communications. He noted the country’s defense industry has achieved a localization rate of over 80%, with ambitions to further bolster its standing as a leading global defense exporter.
The event also served as a platform for competitions centered on unmanned underwater systems, maritime vehicles, and underwater technologies. These contests aim to inspire young engineers and innovators, reflecting Türkiye’s dedication to fostering the next generation of technological expertise in the maritime sector.