Türkiye's defense minister pledges enhanced support for veterans, families of martyrs

Defense Minister Yasar Guler visited Kirsehir, where he joined an iftar dinner with families of martyrs and veterans, according to a statement from the National Defense Ministry.

"Intense efforts are underway with all relevant institutions to make the lives of our heroic veterans and the families of martyrs and veterans easier and to improve their living standards," Minister Guler said.

Addressing the gathering, Guler highlighted the sensitive developments occurring globally, particularly in neighboring regions, emphasizing that Türkiye, given its geopolitical position, is affected by these developments, especially in defense and security.

Guler pointed out Türkiye's exposure to various threats, including terrorism, saying: "Türkiye possesses the necessary political, military, economic, and other national power elements to ensure its defense and security as well as to safeguard its rights and interests in all areas. Türkiye has the capability to eliminate any potential danger directed toward it. In this context, our glorious army is conducting the most intense and effective activities of the past century. Thanks to the superior sacrifices and efforts of our heroic soldiers and security forces, significant successes have been achieved in the fight against terrorism in recent years.

Effective operations conducted both domestically and across borders have dealt severe blows to terrorist organizations. We will drain the swamp of terrorism. Through operations aimed at eliminating terrorism at its source, we have now ensured our security beyond our borders. Our fight against terrorism will continue decisively and effectively, without even allowing the organization to breathe."

Guler emphasized that the Turkish Armed Forces not only combat terrorism but also ensure border security, protect rights and interests in the Blue and Sky Homeland, contribute to regional and global peace, and develop the domestic defense industry.

He noted the significant successes Türkiye has achieved in the defense industry, mentioning: "The Turkish defense industry, possessing local, national, and modern technology, has strengthened our country's and our heroic army's power with the weapon systems it has produced. In this context, critical products such as our Firtina self-propelled howitzers, (unarmed aerial vehicles) UAVs, attack helicopters, TCG Anadolu amphibious assault ships, and air defense systems have been put into service for the benefit of our heroic army. Finally, our domestically developed and national combat aircraft, KAAN, successfully completed its maiden flight on Feb. 21."

"Advancing toward Türkiye's century goals'

"Under the leadership of our esteemed president, we are working with all our might to produce new and advanced systems. We are advancing toward Türkiye's century goals with great belief and determination," Guler added.

Highlighting Türkiye's capabilities and talents across various fields, along with the effective political and military policies under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Guler said, "Our country is one of the main actors in the world. Preserving and raising the success achieved in all areas until now to higher levels is our top priority."

Guler emphasized that the credit for Türkiye's strong, stable, secure, and peaceful environment today primarily belongs to the martyrs and veterans, stating: "The immense sacrifice and bravery displayed by our immortal representatives of patriotism, our martyrs, and veterans, are the guarantee of our country's unity and solidarity, the symbol of the noble Turkish nation's freedom."

Continuing his remarks, Minister Guler stated: "We know very well that we can never repay the debt we owe to our esteemed martyrs, our heroic veterans, and your esteemed families. Nevertheless, we are intensively working with all relevant institutions to make the lives of our heroic veterans and the families of martyrs and veterans easier and to improve their living standards."

Source: Newsroom