Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has unveiled ambitious plans to transform the country’s defence industry, marking a significant step in Turkey’s push for self-sufficiency in military technology. During a ceremony at Aselsan’s Golbasi Campus in Ankara, Erdogan announced a $1.5 billion investment to construct the Ogulbey technology base, a facility poised to become Europe’s largest integrated air defence centre.
The new base, set to begin operations in mid-2026, will more than double Aselsan’s production capacity, solidifying Turkey’s position as a regional leader in defence innovation. “The Ogulbey technology base will be one of the region’s most advanced defence technology centres,” Erdogan declared, underscoring the strategic importance of the project.
The announcement comes as Turkey accelerates its efforts to reduce reliance on foreign defence suppliers, a shift that has already seen the country emerge as a global leader in armed drone manufacturing. The Ogulbey base will play a pivotal role in this transformation, serving as a hub for cutting-edge air defence systems, including the recently unveiled Steel Dome.
First announced in July 2024, the Steel Dome is Turkey’s answer to Israel’s Iron Dome, designed to provide a multi-layered air defence network capable of countering a range of aerial threats. During Wednesday’s ceremony, Erdogan highlighted Aselsan’s delivery of key components for the Steel Dome system, a testament to the company’s growing capabilities in advanced defence technology.
The Ogulbey base will also serve as a catalyst for further innovation in Turkey’s defence sector, fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government. By investing in state-of-the-art research and development facilities, Turkey aims to not only meet its own defence needs but also position itself as a key player in the global defence market.
Erdogan’s announcement underscores Turkey’s determination to strengthen its military capabilities amid evolving regional security challenges. As NATO’s second-largest standing army, Turkey’s push for self-sufficiency in defence technology will have far-reaching implications for the alliance’s collective security.
The Ogulbey technology base is expected to create high-skilled jobs and stimulate economic growth, further cementing Turkey’s role as a regional powerhouse. As the project takes shape, it will be closely watched by defence analysts and industry experts, who see it as a potential game-changer in the global defence landscape.
In a region where geopolitical tensions continue to rise, Turkey’s investment in advanced air defence systems is a strategic necessity. The Ogulbey base, with its focus on innovation and self-sufficiency, will be a cornerstone of Turkey’s defence strategy for years to come.