Turkish defence industry boosts missile shield capacity

[0:00]From ballistic missiles to next-generation air defence systems, Türkiye is fast becoming a global defence powerhouse. At Roketsan's newly inaugurated facilities in Ankara, the scale of that ambition is clear. A multi-billion dollar investment designed to significantly boost production capacity and technological capability. And the goal here is not just about scaling up, it's about self-reliance. We are leaving behind another very important milestone on the path towards a fully independent Türkiye in defence. With these investments, which will turn our defence industry into a stronger axis of development and increase the rate of qualified employment. We will strengthen our layered air defence system, enhance our strategic power, reinforce our cruise and ballistic missile capabilities and make significant contributions to our smart munitions family, our mass production speed and our R&D capacity. As these systems, forming the striking power of the "Steel Dome" reach a higher production pace, we will further fortify our air defence architecture. Steel Dome is Türkiye's integrated layered air defence architecture, designed to detect, track and neutralise threats from multiple ranges and altitudes. The system integrates domestically developed radar, missile and electronic warfare technologies into a single co-ordinated shield. As production ramps up officials say it will strengthen both deterrence and national airspace security. Standing here at ROKETSAN's newly inaugurated facilities, it's clear that Türkiye is not only expanding its defence production capacity but also investing heavily on future technologies, from hypersonic missiles to space launch systems. And with these landmark investments Ankara is taking a decisive step towards strengthening its technological expertise and global competitiveness in high tech sectors. Ankara is also looking outward aiming to secure a larger share of the global defence market. Today is a historical day. We have invested a lot of money for serial production of our products. Currently, we are producing ballistic missiles, air defence missiles, and also many kind of anti-tank missiles and anti-ship missiles. Those are produced in ROKETSAN and for not just only for the Turkish defence industry, but also we are exporting to a lot of countries, more than 50 countries right now, using our products. To meet that international demand, new facilities include one of Europe's largest warhead manufacturing plants, an extended fuel production infrastructure. Key to sustaining high volume output. At the same time increased investment in research and development is paving the way for next-generation systems. It's all part of a broader vision to position Türkiye not just as a defence supplier but as a high tech innovator in an increasingly competitive global industry. Asli Atbas, TRT World, Ankara.