TUSAŞ General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu delivered remarkable messages in Berlin regarding the progress of the KAAN project, space investments, and reverse brain drain.
The rise of the Turkish defense and aviation industry in recent years continues to attract attention on international platforms. Turkish Aerospace Industries General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu drew attention with his statements at the “Rising Türkiye’s Aviation and Defense Technology” conference held in Berlin, the capital of Germany.
While evaluating the point Türkiye has reached in the defense industry, the latest developments in the national fighter jet KAAN, the country’s space vision, and the reverse brain drain process, Demiroğlu delivered important messages regarding TUSAŞ’s growing role on a global scale.
TUSAŞ Underwent a Major Transformation in the Last 20 Years
Demiroğlu stated that TUSAŞ was founded in 1973 with modest resources and became fully national after the purchase of foreign shares in 2005.
Today, the company has developed a total of 13 original platforms, including:
- Manned and unmanned aerial vehicles,
- Helicopters,
- Satellite and space systems.
Demiroğlu stated that the company operates in a massive 4 million square meter campus located in Ankara Kahramankazan.
Expert Staff of 16,000 People
Demiroğlu stated that the company employs an expert staff of 16,300 people and announced that the average age of employees is 34.
Stating that TUSAŞ has offices in different parts of the world, Demiroğlu noted that the company especially aims to grow in the African market and that Nigeria holds strategic importance.
Produces Critical Components for Airbus and Boeing
Demiroğlu stated that TUSAŞ is not only a key player in the defense industry but also in civil aviation, adding that the company manufactures strategic parts for Airbus and Boeing.
Emphasizing that TUSAŞ is the sole manufacturer of some critical aviation components in the world, Demiroğlu highlighted that many Airbus aircraft currently in operation contain parts produced by TUSAŞ.
KAAN Carried Türkiye into the World’s Elite League
Allocating significant space in his speech to national fighter jet projects, Demiroğlu pointed to the Tempest and FCAS projects being developed in Europe and stated that Türkiye is at a more advanced level in this field.
Demiroğlu stated that the first flight of TAI TF KAAN on February 21, 2024, was a historic turning point and noted that Türkiye became one of the four countries in the world possessing this technology.
F-16 Modernization Also Continues
Demiroğlu also announced that the modernization process of the Turkish Air Force’s F-16 fleet with domestic and national systems is continuing in line with the planned schedule.
Defense experts emphasize that the current level reached in the KAAN program carries strategic importance for Türkiye’s air power.
Space Center and Launch Vision
Demiroğlu also made evaluations regarding Türkiye’s space activities and emphasized the strategic importance of the space center established in Somalia.
Stating that there could be a bottleneck in global rocket and satellite launch capacity in the future, Demiroğlu emphasized that Türkiye’s investments in this field are critical in terms of independent operational capability.
Reverse Brain Drain Accelerated
Demiroğlu stated that the brain drain trend, which accelerated at the beginning of the 2020s, has recently reversed.
Expressing that more employees are returning to Türkiye and joining TUSAŞ than leaving abroad, Demiroğlu invited Turkish engineers living in different countries to take part in Türkiye’s technology projects.
Call to Young Engineers
Drawing attention to internship programs carried out with YTB, Demiroğlu advised young engineers to be courageous and set ambitious goals.
Stating that success in the aviation industry requires patience, discipline, and continuous work, Demiroğlu also emphasized the importance of not being afraid to make mistakes.
Europe’s Second Largest Subsonic Wind Tunnel
Demiroğlu also announced that TUSAŞ possesses Europe’s second largest subsonic wind tunnel.
Stating that this infrastructure enables critical aviation tests to be carried out with domestic capabilities, Demiroğlu called on young people to aim to become one of the first names that come to mind in their own fields.
KAAN and TUSAŞ at the Center of Global Attention
According to experts, the KAAN project and TUSAŞ’s growing production capacity are among the most important factors increasing Türkiye’s global competitiveness in the defense industry.
The steps taken in defense aviation, space technologies, and high-tech production are expected to further strengthen Türkiye’s strategic position in the international arena.
