"We aim to reduce Azerbaijan's external dependence in the defense industry, provide access to critical technologies through technology transfer projects, and strengthen the sector by creating local employment possibilities," Haluk Gorgun, CEO of ASELSAN company (Turkish defense corporation), in an interview with state media, Report informs.
"Our president has shown incredible will in this work for the last 20 years. 20 years ago, the ratio of domestic products to foreign products in the defense industry was 20%, but today this ratio is the opposite. Today, 80% of the Turkish military's defense products are domestic. Cooperation between the two brotherly countries continues in all areas. Joint production and development issues are also a priority in the defense industry. As I mentioned earlier, ASELSAN's ASELSAN-Baku company has been operating in Azerbaijan since 1998. The Ministry of Defense Industry of Azerbaijan and ASELSAN carry out joint production activities, especially in electro-optics and night vision systems. We have also had some joint activities related to guide kits in recent years," he said.
Gorgun believes that in the future, the production of joint products will be realized through the organization of joint ventures in the defense industry.
"I would also like to note that in this field, there is a need for technology-loving, creative, innovative university graduates, brain capital. Therefore, next year we will organize the Technofest in Azerbaijan. We aim to reduce Azerbaijan's external dependence in the defense industry, provide access to critical technologies through technology transfer projects, and strengthen the sector by creating local employment possibilities," he added.