Turkey's Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz pushes defence self‑reliance at National Competence Move anniversary
Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz addressed the second‑year anniversary of the "Milli Yetkinlik Hamlesi" (National Competence Move) at the Presidential Library, emphasizing that producing national technologies and establishing permanent competence are essential for full independence in Turkey's defence industry. He noted a heightened global security environment, rising geopolitical tensions and Europe’s increased investment in defence, describing Europe as having "woken up" to the sector.
Yılmaz highlighted that Turkey now employs roughly 120,000 qualified defence‑industry workers, with an average age of 34—significantly younger than the 50‑plus average in developed nations—providing a demographic advantage for the next two decades. He cited the country's defence exports surpassing $10 billion last year, placing Turkey as the world’s 11th largest exporter.
The programme aims to cut reliance on foreign technology and skills, integrate white‑collar and blue‑collar workforces, and strengthen technical education. Initiatives such as the ELMAS programme link universities, the Ministry of National Education and the Defence Industry Presidency to offer workshops, mentorship and industry‑aligned training, fostering a sustainable talent pipeline for future strategic needs.
Entities: Bursa · Cevdet Yılmaz · Cumhurbaşkanlığı Savunma Sanayii Başkanlığı · Dedublüman · Defence Industry Academy · ELMAS Programı · ELMAS programme · Haluk Görgün · Kahramanmaraş · Milli Yetkinlik Hamlesi · Presidential Library (Cumhurbaşkanlığı Millet Kütüphanesi) · Serkan Keskin
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Europe is increasing investment in its defence sector, described as having 'woken up'. (Yılmaz observed European trends.)
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Defence Industry Academy organized the National Competence Move event under the Presidency of Defence Industry. (Organiser details given in the articles.)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The ELMAS programme links universities, the Ministry of National Education and the Defence Industry Presidency to provide technical training, workshops and mentorship. (Yılmaz mentioned the ELMAS programme.)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Turkey's defence exports exceeded $10 billion last year, ranking 11th globally. (Yılmaz cited export figures.)
- [● 4 SOURCES] The National Competence Move aims to reduce dependence on foreign technology and skills. (Yılmaz described the programme’s goals.)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The event was held at the Presidential Library (Cumhurbaşkanlığı Millet Kütüphanesi). (Event location mentioned in speeches.)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Turkey employs about 120,000 qualified defence‑industry workers with an average age of 34. (Yılmaz provided workforce statistics.)
- [● 4 SOURCES] The National Competence Move celebrated its second anniversary. (Yılmaz's speeches at the event.)