Murat İkinci

Managers of Turkey's largest defense companies underlined the importance of research and development activities during a panel in Turkey's major defense event.

Speaking at SAHA EXPO, managers said their firms allocate a significant amount of budget for R&D activities.

The four-day event kicked off on Nov. 10. 

Pakistan wants to enhance its defense cooperation with Turkey, said the general manager of STM, a leading Turkish defense firm.

The firm has developed several projects for Pakistan in the last decade with a special focus on its navy, Murat İkinci said.

It has pioneered many projects for Turkey and its projects in Pakistan have created export opportunities for many companies.

Turkey has nearly completed a project to make the country's first frigate as part of its national warship program MİLGEM.

MİLGEM's fifth vessel is being built under the Defense Industries Presidency and the prime contracting of leading defense company STM.