Turkey Aims to be one of the Leading Nations in Defence Exports till 2023
Defence Turkey: Could you please inform us about SSI and its mission?
SSI was established on October 22nd 2011 in order to improve exports of Turkish defence and aerospace industry. SSI is the sole sectoral association of the Turkish Defence and Aerospace Industry working under the auspices of Ministry of Economy. SSI is also cooperating with Ministry of National Defence. Being the Exporter Association in the Turkish defence and aerospace industry and in accordance with our legislation, all exporter companies in the sector must be a member of our Association.
SSI has 190 members as of July 2013 and has tripled the number of its members since its establishment. The number of our members is increasing day-by-day rapidly. SSI’s main mission is to support the exporters of Turkish Defence and Aerospace Industry both financially and morally.
Defence Turkey: Could you please assess the year 2012 for Turkish Defence and Aerospace Industry especially in terms of export?
We could say that 2012 was a year in which a move for a “coordinated breakthrough” in the defense, aerospace, and security industry began. This is an advent of sorts. There is actually constant development and progress in the industry. But, as of 2012, together with the support of our state/government, the targets became even more distinct. It became clearer what steps will be taken after this. At the Search Conference hosted in Sapanca by SSI on December 11 and 12, the things to be done for the 2023 vision were listed one by one. The conference brought together the industry leaders—we practically assembled the industry’s “national team.” We solidified the strategy, and now we can say that we’re ready for the “champions’ league.” Our path is difficult but our targets our clear.
At the latest meeting, it was once again confirmed that the matters critical for our industry are R&D-based production, a high level of coordination among actors, support to SMEs, inventory-based efforts, the development of financing and credit models, and exports.
Defence Turkey: How do you evaluate the status of your industry in Turkey?
For a country to be among the countries that have a say in the world, it must have a say in two critical industries, or at least be competent in them: the defence industry and energy.
Our state/government approaches our industry strategically. Our Minister of National Defence, Deputy Minister of Economy, and Undersecretary of Defence Industries delivered very important messages at the latest search conference. They underlined the state’s position of absolute support. As inter institutional coordination is increased, it will become easier to meet the industry’s expectations and reach targets.
The defence and aerospace industry is ahead of other industries in the rate of export increases, meaning that as of 2012, we have attained significant momentum. And, for 2023, we wish to be the industry that most increased its exports. We have a target of being a leader in the “proportional” sense.
It’s not that there aren’t problems and inadequacies—but we want to talk not of problems but of solutions and opportunities. We are looking forward.
Defence Turkey: Could you please give some information about the global market place of the sector?
This is an important question. The figures I mentioned above show that we can actually export to some “exporter” countries. But there is much more distance to be covered. What’s important is to present the “final product,” the “actual solution,” with a wide range of possibilities and varieties. We repeat this from time to time: there is a system that has been established globally and even trying to challenge this requires much effort.
Countries that use advanced technology, facilitate sustainability, and possess product diversity and means for credit and financing will continue to preserve their existing markets.
We, as the Association, view bringing proposed solutions to systematic financial and political support as a priority matter.
Defence Turkey: What are your expectations and evaluations about the year 2013?
As the Association, we are working actively to achieve the targets in 2013 and the years to follow.
Our Minister of National Defence always emphatically states, we will bring our export to the targeted levels through advanced-technology-based products that possess high value added. There is something I wish to emphasize here—it is important for industry representatives to regularly convene to plan strategic steps. I would like to state that we, as the SSI, will continue our search conferences. Such meetings should be held at least twice a year. For us to enter the ranks of the top-six exporting countries by a time that’s not so far away is dependent on us working very hard.
Defence Turkey: What is your opinion on fair organizations or participations? As SSI, do you organize such events for representing your members & your sector?
SSI acts as a bridge between private sector and the governmental bodies, especially with Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Defence. SSI provides information about target markets and offers practical advises to members on export, logistics, banking, customs regulations etc.
SSI also communicates and cooperates with other national and international organizations.
In this context, organizing national participation to the main international defence exhibitions around the world or participating to the important international fairs both in Turkey and abroad with info-stands are among the main activities of SSI.
