Homeland Security and the "Border is Honor" Concept
The need for security has been a concern since the dawn of humanity, ranking high among fundamental needs. From the earliest times, security has been sought through various methods and strategies, initially achieved through local and national measures. However, as mutual requirements emerged, the concept of security expanded beyond borders, becoming an international concern.
In today's world, the shift from a unipolar world order to a multipolar one has led to the evolution of security threats and risks, which have evolved from being one-dimensional and symmetric to becoming multidimensional, asymmetric, and less predictable. It is crucial to consider the regional and global impacts of security, as it cannot be achieved solely by protecting national borders. The concept of security now encompasses changes in neighboring countries and threats that may arise anywhere in the world.
The advancements in information and technology, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, cyberattacks, international terrorism, and criminal organizations directly shape the overall security environment. Indirect factors include illegal immigration, climate change, and energy security. Recent developments have created a situation where the security of organizations like NATO, the UN, the EU, multinational corporations, civil society organizations, individuals, and the 'global community' have gained significance, in addition to the security of states.
Due to its pivotal geostrategic position, Türkiye is not only influenced by new global formations and changes but also faces a spectrum of risks and threats, ranging from symmetric to asymmetric, with the potential to rapidly escalate into hot conflicts in a remarkably short time.
The evolving perception of security, proximity to energy resources, the presence of energy transmission lines, and vital water sources all contribute to a highly intricate security environment for Türkiye. The importance of controlling energy resources and maintaining stability in countries that possess these resources is becoming increasingly evident. The problems faced by countries with energy resources and transmission lines emerge as integral components of the new security environment.
Moreover, in defining and/or shaping the new security environment, the use of elements perceived as threats by the world to realize specific goals, objectives, and interests should not be overlooked. In this context, the capabilities of contemporary information technologies are being utilized or, in other words, exploited to the fullest extent. These practices reveal the dark side of the current race for dominance.
Given that Türkiye is at the epicenter of these threats and risks, it is of utmost importance that its Armed Forces remain strong, necessitating strategies and structures that are not only appropriate but also agile and adaptable to the ever-evolving threat environment.
In light of this general assessment, regional developments in the Middle East and North Africa make it challenging to make optimistic predictions. The developments in Syria and Iraq, along with the activities of PYD-YPG/PKK and ISIS, as well as other potential terrorist groups that might emerge by taking advantage of the power vacuum in the region, pose a severe threat to Türkiye's security.
Due to the understanding that terrorist groups, which can create asymmetric threats and use excessive force, and states that support terrorism could be a greater threat, concepts such as national defense, security, and public order have become intertwined in many countries. The unprecedented terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in Washington D.C., the center of the United States, introduced the concept of Homeland Security into the international security literature, establishing it as a vital part of national security. This led countries to restructure their security capabilities against these threats, and in this context, the functions within the responsibilities of different units were reconsidered, and an integrated security, intelligence, and precautionary doctrine under the heading of Homeland Security began to be developed.
With this approach, security concepts such as Border Security (including coasts and territorial waters), Transportation and Mass Transit Security, Security of Critical Facilities and Infrastructure, Security of Crowded Areas, and Crisis Management (management of measures that can be taken during natural disasters, sabotages, and terrorist acts) have been gathered under the heading of 'Homeland Security' at the 'system of systems' level in the changing threat environment. In its simplest form, Homeland Security, which we can define as an effort made at both individual and national levels against natural and human-made dangers that could come to our country's territory from inside and outside, has a broad dimension that includes underwater and surface areas, settlement areas and areas outside settlements, and even in some cases, across borders, our airspace, and space.
"Border is Honor" Concept
All nation's security challenges are deeply rooted in its geographical location and its relationships with neighboring countries. This underscores the critical role of border security as the first line of defense. It's an inescapable reality that countries with border security weaknesses also face vulnerabilities in homeland security, leading to significant human and economic losses. Considering this, our topmost priority should be to strengthen our borders. A nation with secure borders not only protects its homeland, population, and economy but also upholds its responsibility towards its citizens and their safety.
Historically, nation-states have tried to control their borders with protective barriers. The Chinese built the Great Wall of China, the Romans constructed Hadrian's Wall, the French erected the Maginot Line, and the Germans built the Berlin Wall. The common feature of all these barriers is that they have been ineffective. Uninvited intruders continued to come by going under, around, or directly over these barriers. The examination of the underlying philosophy of these barriers' failures revealed a fundamental flaw in their construction: barriers alone are not sufficient to keep people out. Border Security can only be achieved through the integration of closely related functions, particularly Protection, Detection, and Reaction.
In Türkiye, the responsibility for national security is shared by several key institutions. The Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) is at the forefront, shouldering the duty of national defense. They are joined by the General Command of Gendarmerie, the Coast Guard Command, the General Directorate of Security, Intelligence Units, and the Undersecretaries of Customs and Maritime Affairs, all operating under the Ministry of Interior. These entities, each with their unique roles and responsibilities, are integral to the preservation of national security.
The protection and security of Türkiye's borders, with a total land border length of 2,949 km, is provided by the personnel assigned to the border units of the Turkish Land Forces Command within the framework of the authority granted by Law No. 3497 on the Protection and Security of Land Borders. In this context, our borders are monitored by our selfless and heroic border units, who operate with the understanding that "Borders is Honor" and use advanced surveillance systems under all weather and terrain conditions to prevent smugglers, terrorists, and illegal entries. These efforts are supported by the most intensive measures in the history of our Republic. For the protection and security of the land borders of the Republic of Türkiye, Border Physical Security System Projects are being carried out by the Ministry of National Defence on the Syrian border and by the Ministry of Interior on the Iranian border. Within the scope of these projects, modular concrete walls, reinforced wire mesh barriers, border lighting, and patrol roads are being constructed, supported by electronic reconnaissance surveillance systems such as CCD cameras, thermal cameras, and radars. The installation of the Border Physical Security System initially started on the Syrian border and has subsequently been extended to include the Iranian and Iraqi borders. In this context, the construction of a concrete wall and the digging of trenches in routes that could be used by irregular migrants have been largely completed on the Iranian border. Additionally, as part of the Counter-Terrorism Operation Zones, the construction of secure/intelligent modern outposts and modular forward operating bases has been initiated to ensure border security, enhance the effectiveness of the fight against terrorism, and prevent smuggling. This construction activity is ongoing.
The Role of SSB and Turkish Defence Industry in Homeland Security Projects
In line with customer demands, global defense sector companies have expanded their product ranges to address security needs, offering solutions that cater to both defense and security sectors. Many new products, which are adapted versions of solutions originally developed for defense needs, have found their place in the market. In parallel with identifying the needs in the fields of defense and security under Homeland Security and implementing various projects to meet these needs in our country, the Turkish Defense Industry has positioned itself to meet these needs with indigenous design solutions bearing the 'Made in Türkiye' label as much as possible and has included Homeland Security solutions in its product range.
The Secretariat of Defence Industries (SSB) provides significant added value in Homeland Security procurement projects with its extensive experience from numerous projects carried out at the industrial level and its detailed knowledge of industry dynamics. Significant benefits have been achieved over the last 20 years through close collaboration with the Turkish Armed Forces and the Ministry of Interior, utilizing the competent design/production capabilities developed in the defence sector. To meet the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces, the SSB has successfully implemented several projects with a maximum domestic contribution that can be associated with Homeland Security, including Long Horizon, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Armed UAV), EO and SAR Ground Observation Satellites, Communication Satellites, Aksaz/Foça Harbor Protection and Defense System, Digital-based Radios (Cryptographic Radio Communication capability), and Satellite Communication (SATCOM) Systems. Additionally, while launching the Gendarmerie Integrated Communication and Information System (JEMUS) for the Gendarmerie General Command and the Coastal Surveillance Radar System (SGRS) Project for the Turkish Coast Guard Command, the SSB has also provided technical support for the Border Security Project conducted under the Ministry of Interior.
During this process, the Secretariat of Defence Industries has aimed to integrate the concept of 'jointness', which refers to the collaborative and coordinated efforts of different branches of the military, into system projects conducted in independent layers and units, moving towards considering 'Homeland Security' at the 'system of systems' level as a whole. This holds particular significance for the creation of Türkiye’s 'National Security Decision Support System' by bringing together highly complex integrations of military and civilian applications.
In this context, a primary goal has been set to reduce the operational area that spans a vast geography by using communication and data-sharing technologies. This includes tracking local incidents, monitoring entries at customs gates (air, sea, or land), protecting critical infrastructures of national importance (such as dams, ports, and administrative buildings), and detecting and tracking illegal activities through the Coast Guard. The need to thoroughly examine this 'Big Picture' is crucial. It encompasses various institutions and efforts, from Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) on ships, Coastal Surveillance Radar Systems (SRGS), protection systems against terrorist attacks on airports and seaports, and passport system integration to matching intelligence from satellites or other sources.
In recent years, we have observed that the security sector has shown technology-focused development both globally and specifically in Türkiye, with satellite communications becoming increasingly prevalent in border security applications. In this context, the SATCOM and radio-based broadband communication infrastructure, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, advanced image collection devices, and autonomous systems (UAVs, autonomous vehicles, and robots) enable Homeland Security institutions to see the 'Big Picture' while technology-driven developments such as big data analysis, artificial intelligence, computer visualization, augmented reality, virtual reality, and other support systems assist decision-makers in creating quick and accurate decision-making mechanisms within Crisis Management.
Homeland Security & SEDEC
The fourth SEDEC Security and Defence Conference, supported by the Ministry of National Defence, the Secretariat of Defence Industries (SSB), and the Defence and Aerospace Industry Exporters' Association (SSI), will be held at the Ankara Congresium on May 21-23, 2024.
Türkiye's first and only Homeland and Border Security Expo, SEDEC, brings together domestic and international players operating in the fields of homeland security, border security, and internal security systems. SEDEC serves as an effective platform that connects procurement authorities such as the Secretariat of Defence Industries, General Directorate of Security, Turkish Land, Air, and Naval Forces, and the Gendarmerie General Command with manufacturers. SEDEC also facilitates supply chain connections at the SME level for major platform manufacturers. One of SEDEC's goals is to introduce the defense and aerospace supply chain to the security field and ensure that this supply chain also works for the security sector.
SEDEC 2024 is set to host a prestigious array of participants, delegations, and delegations from over 50 countries, including senior officials from institutions responsible for Homeland Security in our country, such as the Turkish Armed Forces and the Ministry of Interior, along with the Secretariat of Defence Industries and the National Intelligence Organization. Over the course of the three-day event, sector professionals will conduct conferences and panels covering Homeland Security, Border Security, Internal Security, and Supply Chain topics. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend seminars, workshops, and B2B/B2G meetings that will continue throughout the event
