Turkey initiates terrifying DEFENCE strategy making Erdogan's army self-sufficient by 2023
TURKEY’S aim of a self-sufficient armed forces has been kick-started by a construction of the nation’s first home-grown battle drone.
Erdogan's plans for a home-grown defence has been kick-started
The huge machine has been created almost entirely using Turkish parts and signals the start of a major push for domestically-sourced military equipment.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced his intention to make the country’s army completely self-sufficient by 2023.
This date marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of modern Turkey and will be marked by huge celebrations and ceremonies.
Currently the Turkish army is largely made up of second-hand equipment and parts, something Erdogan is keen to bring an end to.
The drone, which has been nicknamed the Turkish word for ‘National’, is the first of a huge order by Mr Erdogan.
READ MORE: Will Turkey join the European Union (EU)?
Turkey's army is currently largely made up of second-hand equipment
Another 24 drones have been ordered for construction by the Turkish firm Bayraktar, who have close links to the controversial Turkish leader after the son of its founder married Mr Erdogan’s daughter last year.
The drone’s construction comes at a time of heightening tensions in the country as President Erdogan continues to crackdown on opponents and perceived enemies of the state.
Following last year’s bloody failed military coup the Turkish leader has arrested thousands of teachers, lawyers, police officers, soldiers, professors and journalists.
Now an MEP has declared the country is acting in too “authoritarian” a manner to be accepted as a member of the European Union.
The Bayraktar was created almost entirely using Turkish materials
Gianni Pittella, leader of the Socialists and Democrats group in the European Parliament, said: “We cannot accept an authoritarian country ever being a member of the EU.
“We would have liked to keep Europe’s doors to Turkey open.
Erdogan urges EU to cooperate with Turkey's membership bid
Unfortunately, the referendum called by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has forced us to request the suspension of the accession negotiations.
“The way the amendments to the constitution will be now implemented will turn out to be crucial for the future of the EU-Turkey relations.”