'Turkey eyes being top player in global space-tech'

By Tuba Sahin</p> <p>ANKARA (AA) – Turkey aims to be among top global players in space technologies with its vision of “indigenous technology and strong industry”, the industry and technology minister said on Thursday. </p> <p>&quot;In line with our national interests, Turkish space agency will pave the way for a competitive industry,&quot; Mustafa Varank told Turkish Defense Industry Summit at presidential complex in the capital Ankara.</p> <p>On early Thursday, Turkey’s official gazette published a presidential decree announcing the establishment of the country’s space agency.</p> <p>The Turkey Space Agency will prepare and carry out the National Space Program in line with the policies determined by the president of Turkey, according to the decree.</p> <p>&quot;Our dream of 20 years has come true [by establishing the space agency],&quot; Varank said. </p> <p>He stated that it is among Turkey’s priorities to establish an indigenous defense industry.</p> <p>&quot;Our aim was not to become a subcontractor of international defense industry producers but to create a fully independent Turkish defense industry,&quot; he said.</p> <p>Varank added: &quot;We stand on our way with the same discipline and determination at every stage; from strategy to original design, infrastructure establishment to technology development, and final product to commercialization.&quot; </p> <p>An innovative step in defense industries may serves as a locomotive in a number of sectors such as electronics, control systems, avionics, metallurgy, petrochemicals and software, the minister asserted.</p> <p>&quot;Technologies developed in defense industry also serves for civilian use and contributes to socio-economic development,&quot; Varank said. </p> <p>Mentioning the effect of the defense industry on value added production, Varank said it takes the country to higher levels rapidly in global competition. </p> <p>&quot;We mobilize all our opportunities for the projects that will bring technological superiority to our country,&quot; he said.