Turkish President Erdogan vows to build fully independent defense industry amid ongoing regional tensions

• Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vows to achieve 100 percent self-sufficiency in military production (warplanes, drones, warships, etc.), significantly reducing foreign reliance. Recent advancements include locally made drones, missiles and air defense systems.
• Turkey is preparing for potential spillover effects due to its proximity to Syria and Iraq. Erdogan condemns Israel’s strikes as “state terrorism” but defends Iran’s right to retaliate.
• Iran supplies 16 percent of Turkey’s natural gas, and Israeli attacks on Iranian infrastructure threaten shortages. Rising oil prices and inflation could worsen Turkey’s struggling economy.
• Erdogan also talked with the U.S., Russia and Iran, urging mediation while positioning Turkey as neutral. Turkey seeks to maintain ties with both Western allies and regional powers without direct conflict.
• While pushing for military independence, Turkey faces economic risks from regional instability. Erdogan warns that the Israel-Iran conflict could spiral into a wider crisis, destabilizing the Middle East and beyond. Diplomacy and self-reliance are Erdogan’s priorities.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pledged to achieve full self-sufficiency in the country’s defense industry, emphasizing domestic production of advanced military equipment – including warplanes, tanks, drones and warships – amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.

Speaking at a parliamentary meeting of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on June 18, Erdogan outlined Turkey’s progress in reducing foreign dependency. He highlighted the increase in domestic defense production from 20 percent to 80 percent over the past few years. “We will continue with patience, determination and firm steps until we achieve our goal of full independence in the defense industry,” promised Erdogan.

The Turkish leader’s announcement comes as Israel and Iran continue to exchange strikes, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. Turkey, which shares borders with both Syria and Iraq, has intensified security preparations, with officials assessing potential spillover risks.

The Turkish leader stressed that boosting defense capabilities would serve as a deterrent against external threats. “We will raise our deterrence to such a level that no one will dare attack us,” or even consider it, declared Erdogan.

Recent milestones in Turkey’s defense sector include the development of indigenous air defense systems, warships, cruise missiles, armed drones and helicopters. Ankara has also accelerated plans to expand its stockpile of medium- and long-range missiles.

Erdogan condemns Israel’s actions, defends Iran’s response

Erdogan sharply criticized Israel’s military actions against Iran, labeling them “state terrorism.” He also accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of violating international law.

According to Erdogan, Iran had a legitimate right to defend itself against Israel’s aggression. He also said that the strikes occurred while Tehran was engaged in nuclear negotiations. (Related: Escalating conflict: Israel and Iran on the brink of full-scale war.)

Since the conflict began, Erdogan has held urgent discussions with regional leaders, including the presidents of Iran, Russia and the U.S., advocating for diplomatic solutions. The Turkish leader urged U.S. President Donald Trump to mediate, offering Turkey’s assistance in facilitating peace talks.

The Israel-Iran conflict poses immediate challenges for Turkey, particularly in energy security and economic stability. Iran supplies 16 percent of Turkey’s natural gas, and recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian energy infrastructure have raised concerns about potential shortages.

Global oil price surges further strain Turkey’s fragile economy, which is already grappling with high inflation and a widening account deficit. Analysts warn that prolonged instability could derail Ankara’s economic recovery plans.

Despite these pressures, Erdogan has sought to reassure allies that Turkey has no territorial ambitions in the region. He said that it respects “the sovereignty of any country.” However, Erdogan also warned those who would try to challenge or push Turkey’s patience.

Ankara’s position in the conflict reflects its broader geopolitical strategy, which involves maintaining ties with both Western allies and regional powers while asserting its autonomy. Erdogan’s nationalist coalition partner, Devlet Bahceli, has accused Israel of attempting to encircle Turkey strategically, underscoring the country’s wariness of escalating hostilities.

As tensions mount, Erdogan warned that the conflict risks reaching “the point of no return,” with consequences that could destabilize the Middle East, Europe and Asia for the years to come.

Visit WWIII.news for more updates about the Israel-Iran war and other ongoing armed conflicts across the globe.

The Health Ranger Mike Adams talked about the U.S. bombing Iran soon during the June 20 edition of the “Brighteon Broadcast News.” Two days later, it happened.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

U.S. poised to strike Iran amid escalating conflict, intelligence chief faces crossroads in White House.

Deterrence or death: Israel is making the case for a nuclear-armed Iran.

India joins global rush to evacuate citizens as Israel-Iran conflict spirals out of control.

Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net

X.com

MEI.edu

TimesOfIsrael.com

Brighteon.com