Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27
By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:
Turkey intends to develop its defense industry, said the country's prime minister, Ahmet Davutoglu, the TRT Haber news channel reported May 27.
He said Turkey is planning to start the production of domestic fighter aircraft, adding that no doubt, Ankara will be able to realize the project.
PM Davutoglu also said the domestic fighter will be put into operation in 2023.
He added that Turkey should become fully independent in the defense industry.
In recent years, Turkey's defense industry has been focused on developing and manufacturing its own products. The country succeeded to reach 54-percent self-sufficiency in this area.
Previous reports said Turkey aims to produce a laser weapon, the prototype of which is ready. The proposal to create such a weapon was put forward by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) in May 2013. Turkish navy will be equipped with these weapons.
Reportedly, Turkish government has allocated 120 million liras to produce the weapon.
The project was approved by Turkey's defense industry ministry.
The work within the project will last six years. Two models of the laser weapon will be created at the first stage. The weapon will be tested in the Black Sea.
Edited by CN
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