Page 11 - Global Power Turkish Defence Industry

OUR DEFENCE

INDUSTRY

1923-Before

The first initiative to establish a defence industry in Turkey dates back to the period of the Ottoman
Empire. Standing strong up until the 17th century, defense industry couldn’t keep up with the
technological developments in Europe since the 18th century and totally lost its impact starting from
World War 1.

Thus, there was no significant defence industry infrastructure during the first years of the Republic and
the endeavors were limited to the establishment of a few facilities near Ankara during the Independence
War. Acknowledging that defence industry is a part of the overall industrialization and development,
the government decided to support and guide
defence industry during the first planning period.
However despite some important ventures in
ammunition, weaponry and aircraft production, a
solid infrastructure could not be established due
to adverse internal and external factors.

1923-1950

Machinery, craftsmen and workmen transferred
discretely from İstanbul and its surroundings at
the end of World War 1 played a crucial role in
winning the War of Independence. Small scale
and simple workshops in Ankara and environs
and Erzurum not only provided light weapons and
ammunition but also helped lay the foundation for
a sound local defence industry infrastructure.

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