Erdogan: Our Defense Production Increased by 80% and We Will Manufacture "TCG Anadolu" Ship

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed the country's intention to manufacture an upgraded version of the locally made warship "TCG Anadolu," with the local production rate in defense industries reaching 80%. Erdogan stated today, during a video call addressing the crew and personnel of the warship after it passed through the Bosporus Strait in Istanbul, and congratulated them on Eid al-Fitr, that "the country has raised the local production rate in the defense industry sector to 80% by 2022, up from only 20%," emphasizing their determination to "continue efforts to further increase this rate in the upcoming phase." He revealed that discussions were held in this regard with officials from Spain and the UK, "and we received very positive responses from them." Earlier today, the "TCG ANADOLU" ship departed from the Sarayburnu port in Istanbul, where it had docked on April 16. The carrier "TCG Anadolu" is 231 meters long and 32 meters wide, with a maximum payload of 27,436 tons. Its maximum speed is 20.5 knots, while its economic speed is 16 knots. The ship can carry 13 tanks and 27 armored amphibious vehicles.