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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Türkiye now ranks among the world’s top three countries in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology during a speech at the TEKNOFEST Award Ceremony in Lefkosa on Saturday.
He emphasized that Türkiye would continue advancing in this field “with the same determination and enthusiasm,” highlighting key achievements in the defense aviation sector, including the KAAN national combat aircraft, Bayraktar Kizilelma unmanned fighter jet, ANKA-3 unmanned combat aircraft, Hurjet advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft, Hurkus new-generation basic trainer, and the ATAK-2 heavy-class attack helicopter. He also noted that the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu proudly represents Türkiye’s naval capabilities.
Underscoring the broader vision, Erdogan said Türkiye draws strength from its youth and trust in the technologies they produce. He outlined plans for a stronger Türkiye and a more prosperous Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), stating, “We are laying the foundations of the future today. We stand with you in education, technology, and sports.” He added that new school construction and the retrofitting of existing facilities aim to enhance earthquake resilience.
Erdogan also expressed long-term confidence in the region’s future, remarking, “With the TEKNOFEST youth, the projects rising across TRNC, and our strategic initiatives, we will continue to stand here for centuries to come.”
Türkiye's premier technology, aviation, and space event, TEKNOFEST, had its latest edition in the TRNC and attracted thousands of people in Lefkosa, hosting around 62,000 visitors on the first day of the four-day event. On the festival's second day, Turkish indigenous aerial vehicles SOLOTURK, HURKUS, the Gendarmerie's Steel Wings, Bayraktar TB2, and the T-129 ATAK helicopter performed aerial displays. The shows will continue until Sunday.
Reaffirming strong ties with the TRNC, Erdogan declared, “We, as the Turkish nation and the Turkish Cypriots, are the hosts of these lands. Those who do not know this should know, and those who have not heard should hear.”
TRNC President Ersin Tatar echoed Erdogan’s sentiments, praising Türkiye’s achievements in the national defense industry. “The institutions behind Türkiye’s recent successes in the defense sector are monuments of pride for the entire Turkic world,” he said.
This year’s edition of TEKNOFEST—Türkiye’s premier technology, aviation, and space event—was held in the TRNC and drew tens of thousands to Lefkosa. The event hosted approximately 62,000 visitors on the first day of its four-day schedule.
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