Altınay Defense Highlights Indigenous Technology Vision at Technology Leaders Summit
19.06.2025Enis Ata, Vice Chairman of the Board of Altınay Defense Technologies, took part as a speaker at the Technology Leaders Summit 2025. Speaking at the panel titled “Türkiye’s Industry and Technology Strategies”, Ata emphasized the critical importance of national capability building and the strategic transformation of the defense sector.
“Universities Must Produce, Not Just Consume AI”
In his remarks, Ata addressed the evolving role of universities in artificial intelligence development. He emphasized that critical technologies must be developed not just in private industry but also at the academic level to ensure long-term national sovereignty.
“We must shift from being mere users of AI to becoming producers of it. This requires strong and strategic collaborations between industry and universities. Applied projects, not just academic studies, are what will close the gap between knowledge and real-world innovation.”
From Fundamental Sciences to High-Impact Projects
Pointing to Altınay Defense’s contributions to major national programs like KAAN, HÜRJET, and HÜRKUŞ, Ata underscored that the company’s most valuable output is not only its products, but also the transformation of fundamental scientific disciplines into operational systems through indigenous capabilities. He noted that with platforms like TAAC and DASAL, Altınay continues to contribute to Turkey’s technological independence through smart engineering, innovation, and new-generation manufacturing strategies.
“We Are Building the Ecosystem, Not Just the Product”
Ata explained that the focus on local and national production should not be limited to replicating existing products, but rather be based on solving core technical problems, gaining know-how, and developing a sustainable innovation culture:
“This is not just about localization of a product. It’s about mastering the science behind it and nurturing a generation that leads in innovation.”
He also pointed out the significance of competitions and university-industry initiatives that bring students’ ideas to life, highlighting Turkey’s potential to turn creative thinking into tangible defense technologies.
Human Capital and Digitalization: Twin Engines for the Future
Drawing attention to the need for a broader mobilization of Turkey’s young workforce, Ata stated that the digital transformation, when combined with qualified youth employment, can serve as a multiplier for technological development:
“We must see digitalization not as a replacement for people but as a tool to increase their effectiveness. Used correctly, automation will elevate our capabilities, not diminish them.”
Altınay Defense Technologies, through its visionary projects and long-term investment in talent, continues to play a leading role in shaping Turkey’s high-tech future.
