Yankı Bağcıoğlu’s ‘air defense’ push: It cannot be delayed

Republican People's Party (CHP) Deputy Chairman responsible for National Defense Policies Yankı Bağcıoğlu drew attention to the delays in the TF-2000 Air Defense Destroyer project at a time when Turkey's air defense capacity needs to be increased. Answering the question, "What is the most priority threat we face in our region today?" with "Air threat," Bağcıoğlu stated that this threat is well known by the relevant parties.

Bağcıoğlu recalled that President of Defense Industries İsmail Demir stated in a 2021 announcement that "they would very soon open the tender for the air defense destroyer (TF-2000) and receive bids." However, he emphasized that almost three years have passed since this statement and the only statement made regarding the project to date has been that "design studies are continuing."

CHP Deputy Chairman responsible for National Defense Policies Bağcıoğlu pointed out that delays in the project could lead to serious security problems, stating that the air defense needs of the Blue Homeland, the Motherland, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) are a reality that cannot be postponed.

(Yankı Bağcıoğlu, Republican People's Party Deputy Chairman responsible for National Defense policies)

Stating that the TF-2000 Air Defense Destroyer project is an important project that will increase Turkey's air defense capacity and consolidate security, Bağcıoğlu noted that it is thought-provoking that the destroyers have not yet entered the inventory, even though a guided missile firing was carried out in 2018 with the ÇAFRAD system, which is one of the main components of the project.

"Why is the realization of this project constantly being pushed back? The public needs to know the answer to this question," said Bağcıoğlu, asking why the Presidency of Defense Industries has not met the urgent operational need determined by the Naval Forces Command years ago. Emphasizing that the security of Turkey and the TRNC is a matter that does not have the luxury of being postponed, Bağcıoğlu stated that the TF-2000 Air Defense Destroyers must be included in the inventory as soon as possible for the peace and security of the nation.

Finally, stating that the reasons for the delays should be explained transparently, Bağcıoğlu called on all authorities to take action for the completion of the project and for the necessary steps to be taken immediately.

News Source: 12punto