Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar spoke at th Grand National Assembly of Turkey on various issues, especially the “S-400 and F-35”.
National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, on December 10, 2020, spoke at the General Assembly of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, about the activities of the Ministry as well as 2021 Budget Law Proposal and
In his speech at the General Assembly of the Assembly, Akar touched on various issues such as the S-400 air defense missile system and the F-35 fighter jet, the Blue Homeland, and the coronavirus. Speaking about the S-400s, Minister Akar said:
“S-400 Long-Range Air and Missile Defense System is not a choice but a must for us. The procurement, trial and system controls of S-400 system do not mean for Turkey to shy away from NATO. Trial and system controls are included in every defense procurement program. These procedures are part of the procurement program and are a purely technical activity. S-400 procurement process is followed by taking the political, military, economic and technological dimensions into account and the controls and preparations of the system continue as planned.”
S-400 air defense missile system
Underlining Turkey is ready to engage in joint efforts to reassure US and NATO Akar with regard to F-35 fighter jets, Akar said, “With respect to the F-35 project in which we are a partner, we are ready to address any technical concerns of US regarding F-35s compatibility. In this context, our proposal for joint working group including NATO is still on the table ”.
Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar, in his speech at the General Assembly of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, also touched on various issues other than the “S-400 and F-35 issue”.
Emphasis on “Blue Homeland”
Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar placed the emphasis on the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean issues in his presentation. Underscoring Turkey stand resolutely against confining us to the territorial waters of the Aegean Sea and to Gulf of Antalya in the Eastern Mediterranean, Akar said: “Just as we do not expect any share frıom others’ rights, we do not let anyone’s rights be violated. We become martyrs, we become veterans, but we do not allow any loss od lives, either.”
“We are one of the most successful armies in the fight against coronavirus”
In his speech, Akar also touched on the Ministry’s fight against coronavirus,
“We are also successfully continuing our fight against coronavirus. I would especially like to state that we are one of the most successful armies in the world in this regard. The activities in all our associations and institutions, especially in operation areas, on land, air and at sea continue successfully as planned without being affected by the pandemic and without interruption.”
At the same time, the military factories under the Ministry and MKEK contribute to the production of various health products in the fight against the pandemic. Abroad, 156 friendly and allied countries were dispatched mask, equipment and material support. Aids to 25 countries were sent by military aircraft “
