At the conclusion of Teknofest Blue Homeland, senior Turkish officials reiterated their dedication to enhancing maritime security and boosting the nation’s defense capabilities and technological self-reliance. The Vice President of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz, emphasized the growing significance of safeguarding Türkiye’s maritime interests, referred to as the “Blue Homeland,” in the face of escalating geopolitical competition, security challenges, and rivalry over critical technologies, energy resources, and trade routes.
The closing ceremony, held at the Gölcük Naval Shipyard, featured an impressive display of 37 vessels and four aircraft, including notable assets such as the TCG Anadolu, the TCG Istanbul frigate, the TCG Derya, and the Murat Reis submarine. Also on display were domestically developed unmanned maritime systems, showcasing Türkiye’s advancements in naval technology.
Yılmaz highlighted Türkiye’s efforts to enhance its capabilities by integrating manned and unmanned platforms, utilizing artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, advanced sensors, and secure communication technologies. He pointed out that the localization rate in the country’s defense industry has surpassed 80%, underscoring Türkiye’s goal to strengthen its position among the world’s foremost defense exporters.
Teknofest Blue Homeland also served as a platform for competitions that focused on unmanned underwater systems, maritime vehicles, and underwater technologies. These events aimed to inspire young engineers and innovators, reflecting Türkiye’s commitment to fostering the next generation of technological talent in the defense sector.