Bilal Topçu, General Manager of the Turkish Armed Forces Strengthening Foundation (TSKGV), met with engineers of future at Near East University, explaining Turkey’s defense industry vision, national production capacity, and high-technology goals. Prior to the program, Topçu and his delegation visited the campus, examining the holistic structure of Near East University, which ranks among the top 500 universities in the world, in the fields of science, art, and technology.

Bilal Topçu, General Manager of the Turkish Armed Forces Strengthening Foundation (TSKGV), which leads Turkey’s defense industry with companies such as ASELSAN, TUSAŞ, ROKETSAN, HAVELSAN, ASPİLSAN, İŞBİR, and many others under its umbrella, met with engineers of future at Near East University. Topçu and his delegation, who delivered important messages regarding high-tech production, national defense capacity, and the future of engineering, met with Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ before the program. The delegation consisted of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation (TSKGV) Deputy General Managers Retired Brigadier General Erhan Sipahioğlu and Osman Urgun, TSKGV Donation Services Director Retired Colonel Murat Dirican, TSKGV Private Secretary Fettah Akdoğan, TSKGV Honorary Promotion Board Chairman Retired Colonel Bülent Meydanlı, TSKGV Senior Specialist Dorukhan Gündür, and TSKGV Deputy Private Secretary Muhammet Enes Takma.

During the visit, Topçu and his delegation toured the Cyprus Car Museum, Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, GÜNSEL Art Museum, the GÜNSEL domestic automobile production facilities, and the Dr. Suat Günsel Mosque on the Near East University campus, gaining a close look at the university’s holistic vision in the fields of science, art, and technology.

Future Engineers Meet Technology!

Near East University, which prepares young people not only for today but also for the world of tomorrow and is among the top 500 universities in the world, hosted another significant event in line with this vision. Bilal Topçu, General Manager of the Turkish Armed Forces Strengthening Foundation (TSKGV), which plays a strategic role in Turkey’s defense industry and high-tech vision, shared his knowledge and experience with young people, inspiring future engineers.

The event, held at the İrfan Günsel Congress Center and attended by numerous academics and students, also included the Rector of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, and a delegation from the Turkish Armed Forces Strengthening Foundation.

The event, which covered a broad perspective ranging from the defense industry to high-tech production, engineering, and innovation, included discussions on young people’s technology-focused career planning, national production capacity, and future engineering fields.

TThe Turkish Armed Forces Strengthening Foundation’s Founding Roots goes back to Cyprus!

In his presentation at the event, TSKGV General Manager Bilal Topçu comprehensively recounted the foundation’s founding story and its journey to the present-day defense industry. Topçu, touching upon the historical background of the Turkish Armed Forces Strengthening Foundation (TSKGV), reminded that it was the first foundation established by law in Turkey, adding, “The foundation’s establishment actually dates back to Cyprus.” He stated that the processes before and after the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation were decisive in the emergence of this structure, emphasizing the embargoes and restrictions experienced at that time.

Topçu explained the conditions of the period, saying, “At that time, the capabilities of the Turkish Armed Forces were insufficient at a certain point; the use of vehicles, equipment, and ammunition we received from Western countries was not permitted to be used in a war. An embargo was in effect.” He also noted that the communication and equipment shortages experienced during the Cyprus Peace Operation accelerated this process, stating, “We didn’t even have a proper radio.” Topçu said that these needs mobilized the Turkish nation, creating a great spirit of mobilization with the understanding of “Build your own aircraft, enhance your own strength.” In this context, he stated that the foundations of companies such as ASELSAN, Roketsan, and TUSAŞ were laid and that they began operating under the umbrella of the Turkish Armed Forces Strengthening Foundation (TSKGV).

Topçu, noting that recounting this historical process in Cyprus held special significance for him, said, “I have lectured on this topic at many universities from Istanbul to Rize, but sharing it here in Cyprus has a much different meaning for us.” Emphasizing the importance of passing this story on to future generations, Topçu stated that this process must be well understood so that the difficulties experienced in the past are not repeated.

We are Working to Strengthen Our Defense Capabilities!

Touching upon the current global security environment, Topçu assessed that the international system and institutions are failing to establish peace. “The order established after the Second World War has moved away from serving peace.” said Topçu, adding that countries are now taking steps to strengthen their own defense capabilities.

Topçu emphasized that Turkey has also established a strong defense industry ecosystem in this direction, stating that the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces are met through technology and engineering projects developed within the TSKGV (Turkish Armed Forces Strengthening Foundation). “We are working to increase our defense capabilities and deterrence with many platforms offered to our army.” Topçu said, adding that these efforts will continue resolutely for the security of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot people.

Stating that the world is going through a difficult period, Topçu said, “We are in the middle of a ring of fire, but we can sleep peacefully. Looking back, we need to be strong to avoid reliving the same suffering.” Topçu stated that Turkey has reached a significant point in the defense industry, exporting products to many countries, and that Turkish engineers have developed groundbreaking projects, with these technologies finding their place in the global market.