President Gül opens international defense fair in İstanbul

10 May 2011, Tuesday

President Abdullah Gül officially opened the 10th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF'11) at İstanbul's Tüyap Convention Center in Büyükçekmece on Tuesday.

During his remarks Gül emphasized the significance of hosting this fair in a city that connects two continents and has become an important center in its geographic region. “Especially in recent years, Turkey has placed greater importance on its national defense industry. Designing our own defense products and producing them using only domestic resources are big steps towards the development of this sector in Turkey,” Gül noted.

The fair, which will run May 10-13, will host many chiefs of general staff, defense ministers and military authorities from around the world. High-level military staff will have the opportunity to exchange views during their visit to IDEF'11, while foreign arms manufacturers and other defense contractors will also have the opportunity to establish important business contacts.

A total of 575 domestic and foreign companies from 44 countries -- including Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TAI), Aselsan, Roketsan, FNSS Defense Systems, Otokar and more -- have gathered for the defense fair. Turkey's Tusaş Engine Industries (TIE) will present its unmanned aerial vehicle, while Aselsan will participate with its 60-ton Leopard 2A4 tank. An active remote controlled defense and surveillance system called Nöbetçi, which is aimed at replacing sentries at military bunkers and outposts, will also be exhibited.

The Turkish president also shared his views on rising tensions in the Middle East and North Africa, saying that maintaining peace, stability and security in the world should be a priority for all countries. “In order to achieve this [peace, stability and security] it is certain that appropriate policies, politics and other tools are necessary. We need to understand that the defense industry is indispensable for preventing wars around the world, not to get involved in wars,” Gül said. “A country which does not have sufficient preparations to dissuade threats will be an open target.”

After the fair opening, Gül, Defense Minister Vecdi Gönül and Chief of General Staff Gen. Işık Koşaner also opened the booth for Turkey's first national tank, the Altay, which is being presented to the public for the first time.

Source: Today's Zaman.
Link: http://www.todayszaman.com/news-243462-president-gul-opens-international-defense-fair-in-istanbul.html.