Resit Kemal As / Editor-in-Chief, World of Global
The world is changing…
Wars are no longer won only with tanks and rifles. Nations that control energy routes, develop technology, build their own engines, and produce their own missiles are the ones that survive. Because in the modern world, the true name of independence is now “high technology.”
That is exactly why Türkiye’s recent achievements in the defense industry are not just an ordinary success story.
This is the story of a nation rising again after decades of dependency.
There was a time when people said to us:
“If they don’t give you engines, you can’t fly.”
Others threatened:
“We can shut down your software.”
Some even said:
“You cannot launch missiles without our permission.”
Today, the picture is completely different.
Türkiye is no longer just a country producing UAVs.
It is becoming a country that develops its own engines, writes its own warfare concepts, and builds its own doctrine of deterrence.
Especially the recently discussed intercontinental missile projects and indigenous engine technologies are the clearest signs of this transformation.
Because a missile is not just ammunition.
The range of that missile reflects the political reach of the state behind it.
Today, one of the fundamental conditions of being a global power is possessing long-range strike capability. Why are the United States, Russia, and China global powers? Not only because their economies are large, but because they can project power to almost any point in the world when necessary.
Türkiye is now trying to cross that threshold as well.
The new-generation long-range missile projects associated with the “Yıldırım” concept demonstrate that Türkiye’s defense mindset is changing. In the past, we were a country focused mainly on border defense. Now, we are transforming into a nation that seeks to create deterrence before threats even emerge.
That is a massive strategic shift.
And the most critical part of this transformation is this:
Building the missile is important, but building the engine that powers the system is equally vital.
This is where indigenous engine projects such as “Güçhan” come into play.
The engine issue is the heart of the defense industry.
No country that depends on foreign engines can ever be fully independent.
Because in times of war, a supplier that refuses spare parts, shuts down software, or halts maintenance can leave you helpless — even with your own weapons.
Türkiye experienced this reality for years.
It faced embargoes after Cyprus.
It suffered spare-parts crises during counterterrorism operations.
They refused to provide cameras for UAVs.
They refused to provide engines.
But they underestimated one thing:
Turkish engineers.
Today, from ASELSAN to ROKETSAN, from TUSAŞ to TEI, the emerging picture is clear:
The children of this nation are no longer merely assembling systems. They are building systems.
And this is exactly what has captured the world’s attention.
Because the issue is no longer only about the defense industry.
Türkiye is striving to become a next-generation technological power.
From KAAN to AKINCI, from naval platforms to hypersonic projects, every initiative delivers the same message:
“Türkiye is building its own axis.”
This is also why certain circles in the West are uncomfortable with Türkiye’s rise in the defense industry.
Because a dependent Türkiye was easy to manage.
But a Türkiye that produces its own engines, develops its own missiles, and builds its own air defense systems is no longer a country that takes orders — it is becoming a country that creates balance.
And this transformation cannot be explained solely through state policy.
Behind it are engineers working day and night.
People who may never appear on television, yet are writing history.
Today, the young engineers working in the Turkish defense industry are laying the foundations of a new era.
There was once endless talk about brain drain…
Now, it is Turkish youth developing the projects the world is watching closely.
That is why this is not just about missiles.
It is about confidence.
And it is all captured in one sentence:
There is now a Türkiye that is beginning to accomplish everything it was once told it could never do.
And the world is fully aware of it.