Turkey’s defense industry impressed at IDEF with new weapons and international deals, but many key systems like the Altay tank and Kaan fighter are still in testing and not fully proven, reports Foreign Policy. Despite growth, challenges remain around readiness and foreign dependencies, raising questions about Turkey’s military capabilities amid regional tensions. The FP writes:

Turkey’s defense industry just enjoyed a banner week on the international stage. Representatives from more than a 100 countries descended upon Istanbul at the end of July to partake in what was billed as the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF). […]

Turkish firms unveiled several prototypes that are under development, including new cruise missiles, fast-attack boats, and an array of unmanned systems. Adding to the excitement, representatives from Indonesia declared their intention to buy 48 of Turkey’s forthcoming fifth-generation fighter, the Kaan, and two of its indigenously built Istif-class frigates. […]

A quick look at the numbers seems to tell a clear story of the country’s upward trajectory. Turkish drone producers now account for 65 percent of sales in the world market. The country’s defense industry as a whole ranks 11th in the world in terms of exports. […]

However, a closer look at Turkey’s security sector offers a somewhat different picture. Much of what promises to be at the forefront of Turkish defense capability is still in development, meaning that it is too soon to say how sophisticated or dependable Turkey’s growing arsenal will be. […]

Whatever Israel throws at Turkey, the argument goes, Turkish-made aircraft, missiles, and tanks will strike back still harder.

If these opinions indeed reflect thinking among Erdogan and his advisors, then the Turkish commentariat may be in for a rude awakening.

Read more here.