SAHA Istanbul’s: Haluk Bayraktar Opens SAHA EXPO 2024

SAHA Istanbul Chairman of the Board Haluk Bayraktar delivered a compelling address at the SAHA EXPO 2024 Opening Program, highlighting Turkey’s evolving position in the global defense sector while emphasizing the nation’s humanitarian stance on international issues.

In his keynote speech, Bayraktar revealed that Turkey currently ranks 22nd globally with a defense expenditure of 15.8 billion dollars as of 2023. He addressed the notable -6.2% compound growth rate over the past five years, explaining that this figure actually represents a positive development. “This decline does not indicate a decrease in our defense capacity,” Bayraktar clarified. “Rather, it demonstrates our reduced external dependency through enhanced national production capabilities.”

The chairman presented impressive export figures, noting the substantial increase from 1.3 billion dollars in 2012 to 5.5 billion dollars in 2023. While imports also rose from 1.4 billion dollars to 6.2 billion dollars during this period, Bayraktar explained that recent import increases primarily stem from passenger aircraft and equipment acquisitions.

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Particularly noteworthy is Baykar’s contribution to these figures, with exports exceeding 1.7 billion dollars, which Bayraktar cited as clear evidence of Turkey’s global leadership in unmanned aerial vehicle technology. He also acknowledged the sector’s depth, highlighting the contributions of established institutions like TUSAŞ, MKE, TEI, alongside technological powerhouses Roketsan and Aselsan.

Bayraktar’s address took a profound turn as he emphasized the moral imperatives that should guide technological advancement. “Using our technological power for peace and justice is our greatest responsibility,” he stated, drawing attention to ongoing global humanitarian concerns.

The chairman stressed that Turkey’s technological achievements must be viewed within a broader context of global responsibility and humanitarian values. He emphasized that true power lies in construction rather than destruction, in preserving life rather than ending it. This philosophy, he suggested, should guide the application of defense technologies worldwide.

Concluding his address, Bayraktar reinforced Turkey’s commitment to standing with those in need and called for broader international engagement in addressing humanitarian crises. His message resonated with the core principle that technological advancement should serve human welfare and peace rather than destruction.

This powerful address at SAHA EXPO 2024 effectively balanced Turkey’s technological achievements with a strong message about responsible innovation and global humanitarian obligations. Bayraktar’s speech underscored that as Turkey continues its ascent in the global defense industry, it remains committed to using its growing technological capabilities in service of peace and human dignity.

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