Defense Minister Yaşar Güler spoke at the opening ceremony of TEKNOFEST Mavi Vatan 2026, held at the Naval Shipyard Command in Gölcük district of Kocaeli, outlining the goals for developing the technological capacity of the Turkish Armed Forces.
Güler said the event, organized under the leadership of the Ministry of National Defense and the Türkiye Technology Team Foundation, was bringing Türkiye’s National Technology Initiative to the seas. He expressed his hope that the program would open new horizons for young people and advance Türkiye’s technology and maritime vision.
Emphasizing that maritime affairs had an important place in Türkiye’s long history, Güler said one of the most significant reflections of the transformation in the defense industry and high-technology fields in recent years could be seen in the Naval Forces.
“Our Naval Forces are an effective and deterrent force”
Güler said the Turkish Naval Forces were carrying out their duties today with qualified personnel, a modern force structure, domestically produced ships, submarines, unmanned systems and continually developing technological capabilities. He stated that the navy was an effective, deterrent and respected force in protecting Türkiye’s rights and interests in the Blue Homeland.
Güler said one of the Ministry of National Defense’s main goals was to further advance the capacity of the armed forces, adding, “As the Ministry of National Defense, our goal is to further enhance the capabilities and capacity of our heroic armed forces, including our Naval Forces.”
Emphasizing that Türkiye needed to adapt rapidly to the technologies of today and tomorrow, Güler highlighted the importance of further advancing the level reached in the domestic and national defense industry.
He said this required accurately identifying needs, using resources efficiently and making the best use of young people’s potential.
From TCG Anadolu to unmanned maritime vehicles
Güler said TEKNOFEST Mavi Vatan would bring young people together with important platforms of the Turkish navy, adding that various maritime assets, from TCG Anadolu to submarines, would meet young people as part of the event.
Güler also drew attention to the Unmanned Underwater Systems, Underwater Rocket and Unmanned Maritime Vehicle competitions to be held at the event. He said every idea and project developed there would represent a new step toward the maritime technologies of the future.
Güler also said that 1.6 million contestants had applied to the TEKNOFEST competitions this year, adding that the strong interest shown by young people in technology, engineering and production had strengthened confidence in Türkiye’s future.
Defense Minister Güler emphasized that Türkiye would continue its efforts in line with its goals of domestic production and technological independence in the defense industry, and that advancing the capabilities and capacity of the Turkish Armed Forces through new technologies would remain one of its main priorities.
