Critical UAV statement from CHP's Bağcıoğlu: 'Nothing will ever be the same again'

Following the instructions of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the kamikaze UAV that entered our country from the Black Sea, reached as far as Ankara, and was destroyed by F-16s has sparked a broad debate in Turkey regarding the defense industry and security. CHP Deputy Chairman Yankı Bağcıoğlu made critical analyses regarding the downed UAV in a message shared in a friends' WhatsApp group the other day. These messages were carried to his column by journalist Ertuğrul Özkök.

In the message shared by Bağcıoğlu, the first point that drew attention was the assessment that the F-16s made the right move by shooting down the UAV. Stating that "Our F-16s did the right thing," Bağcıoğlu drew attention to the weak points of Turkey's air defense system. He also emphasized that the traditional defense approach remains insufficient against low-altitude flying UAVs.

The following findings stood out in the message shared by Bağcıoğlu:

"Unmanned systems have become important elements that provide tactical advantages, especially in the Russia–Ukraine War."

"The traditional understanding of defense and force protection remains insufficient against UAVs that fly at low altitudes and leave a low signature."

AIRSPACE AND CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE GAP

"The suspension of flights due to unauthorized UAV activities has revealed the vulnerability of civil aviation, critical infrastructure, and military facilities against unmanned threats."

Stating that the Black Sea has now become a very dangerous region, Bağcıoğlu used the expression, "The attack carried out with unmanned underwater vehicles in the Black Sea showed that bases and ports are under serious risk against low-cost autonomous systems."

Another point that drew attention in Bağcıoğlu's analyses was the late start of the Steel Dome project. Retired commander and CHP member Bağcıoğlu stated that the purchase of the S-400, in addition to the sanctions faced, caused delays in Turkey's air defense system projects. However, Bağcıoğlu said that this situation has no direct connection to the recent UAV incident.

THE DELAYED START OF THE STEEL DOME

“Although work is being done on alternative solutions, the most preferred method for now to safely and effectively shoot down a UAV is an air-to-air missile."

“The S-400 purchase, in addition to the sanctions faced, caused delays in national air defense system projects. However, this has no direct effect on the developments in the recent UAV incident."

Bağcıoğlu emphasized that the management approach in Turkey's defense industry needs to be reconsidered. He said that Turkey should adopt a more dynamic management approach, free from political motives, against the evolving threat environment. He also stated that prioritization should be made among the 3,000 projects in Turkey's defense industry.

“The approximately 3,000 ongoing defense projects should be reviewed and prioritized based on real threats. Resource allocation should be made accordingly."

Stating that "Resource allocation to projects serving populist domestic politics should be stopped," Bağcıoğlu argued that resources should be directed toward national security projects.

Bağcıoğlu warned that criticisms should be directed at shortcomings in the defense industry, but that "a tone and attitude that would damage the morale of the Turkish Armed Forces personnel should also be avoided."

Finally, addressing the Ministry of National Defense, Bağcıoğlu requested that such incidents be explained to the public in a transparent manner and that the corrective measures taken be implemented rapidly. Bağcıoğlu warned that otherwise, information pollution and perception management would come into play.