Berlin (Turkey News Desk): The Chief Executive Officer of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has claimed that Turkey has overtaken European countries in the development of next-generation fighter aircraft, while several European programs are still in early stages.
Speaking at a conference held at the Turkish Embassy in Berlin, Mehmet Demiroğlu said that Europe’s projects such as Tempest and FCAS are facing delays, whereas Turkey’s advanced fighter jet “KAAN” made its first flight in February 2024.
He said that since 2005, the company has developed 13 unique aviation platforms and established a modern 4-million-square-meter campus in Ankara, where more than 16,000 people are employed.
According to him, the company is playing a significant role in the global aviation industry and is supplying structural components for almost all modern passenger aircraft, including Airbus.
He further stated that a new space center established in Somalia will take Turkey towards greater self-reliance in space and strengthen its position in the global space race.
The CEO added that while there was a trend of skilled professionals leaving the country in the early 2020s, the situation has now reversed, with more experts returning to Turkey.
He also mentioned that the company operates Europe’s second-largest subsonic wind tunnel, used for aerospace testing and research.
In conclusion, he urged young Turkish expatriates to return home and contribute to the country’s growing defense and technology industries.
