Great nations have great responsibilities. Having great responsibilities undoubtedly requires great power. It is not possible to be great power without military power.
Abdullah GÜL
President of the Republic
On Friday, August 22, 2014, it was reported on the Republic of Turkey Presidency Corporate Website that the Defense Reform Working Group has completed its report.[1]
Defense Reform is of serious importance in terms of Turkey's efforts to become a regional and global power with its 2023 goals. In this context, it is important to make technological reforms in weapons and command control systems, as well as structural reforms in the Ministry of National Defense and Turkish Armed Forces. The integration of defense systems into NATO defense systems should not mean NATO dependency. In accordance with the principle of full independence, unique defense systems should be produced and command and control systems should be designed to be integrated into different pacts when necessary. Therefore, the modernization work being carried out in Turkish Armed Forces currently and the need for reform of the defense systems of the Turkish Armed Forces should not be confused with each other. Otherwise, we will continue to stand by the events happening in our borders in the Middle East for a longer time and remain tied to form permanent solutions that will not only send humanitarian aid but prevent bloodshed.
1, Defense Reform Working Group Completed its Report, http://www.tccb.gov.tr/haberler/170/90779/savunma-reformu-calisma-grubu-raporunu-tamamladi.html (Access Date: August 22, 2014)