[Text/Observer Network Chen Sijia] According to a June 17 report by Bloomberg, Turkish President Erdogan has ordered an increase in the production of medium and long-range missiles due to concerns over the conflict between Iran and Israel, strengthening Turkey's defense industry. Erdogan said he hopes missile production can proceed rapidly, enabling Turkey to have "defensive capabilities that no one dares to challenge."

The report noted that Erdogan has long supported the development of Turkey's independent defense industry, seeking to independently produce fighter jets, tanks, drones, frigates, and missiles for export and domestic use. After the cabinet meeting on June 16, he stated: "In light of recent developments, we are formulating plans to increase our medium and long-range missile inventory to a level with some deterrent power."

Erdogan warned that the Middle East is facing an increasingly serious threat from "Israeli aggression," and "every step taken in our region without considering reality will lead to other disasters in the future."

He expressed his hope that Turkey could quickly increase the production of medium and long-range missiles. "I hope that within not too long a period, we can possess defensive capabilities that no one dares to challenge," he said.

Screenshot of Turkish President Erdogan

In 2022, Erdogan announced that as part of the ballistic missile program, Turkey was committed to increasing the range of its domestically produced Tayfun missile. This missile is a short-range missile developed by Turkey itself, with a range of up to 560 kilometers. In September last year, sources revealed that Turkey was negotiating with Somalia to establish a facility in Somalia for testing ballistic missiles and rockets.

In the current deadlock of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, due to former U.S. President Trump's reluctance to provide "indefinite support" to Ukraine, European countries face pressure to increase defense spending, giving Turkey more opportunities for arms deals. For example, in March this year, Turkey's drone manufacturer Baykar signed a cooperation agreement with Italy's Leonardo to jointly develop drone technology.

Since the new round of Palestinian-Israeli conflict began in October 2023, relations between Turkey and Israel have become increasingly tense, with Erdogan frequently criticizing Israel in public. In April, after Israel's air strike on Syria, Israeli Foreign Minister Sar rejected Turkey's attempt to turn Syria into its "protectorate." The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized Israel's destabilization of Syria as "the biggest threat to regional security."

Bloomberg reported that under the mediation of the Trump administration, Israel and Turkey established a coordination mechanism to avoid confrontation over the Syrian issue, easing tensions between the two countries.

However, Israel's large-scale air strike on Iran on June 13 deepened Turkey's concerns. Erdogan's political ally, Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Turkish Nationalist Movement Party, criticized: "To some extent, the action taken in Iran is a sinister signal sent to Turkey."

According to the Turkish Daily Newspaper, Erdogan warned on June 16 that Israel's attack on Iran might escalate regional instability, and its aggressive posture might have unintended consequences. "Israel, which is destroying Gaza and attacking neighboring countries, does not realize that its actions are causing long-term damage to itself."

"We have informed various countries that Turkey is ready to do everything it can, including acting as a mediator," Erdogan said. Problems that can be solved through negotiation should not be addressed with conflict. "Trying to solve problems with destruction, bloodshed, and chaos without distinguishing between civilians and soldiers is a dangerous path, and no one can predict its outcome."

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