Turkish Vestel to produce domestic armed drone

Turkey-based Vestel has already manufactured a drone while it prepares to introduce and fly an armed drone by the end of May, according to remarks from the Zorlu Holding Chairman Ahmet Nazif Zorlu to the "Success Story" panel at Pamukkale University.

In response to a question regarding whether the domestically produced drones will only be used in Turkey, Zorlu said Vestel and Zorlu Holding always have the target of exporting all the goods they manufacture. Zorlu said that after the first stage of reaching success in Turkey, including in the manufacturing and selling of the drones, for the next stage, Vestel will take the necessary steps in terms of achievement on the global scale. Zorlu emphasized that rather than simple talk, as the manufacturer, they initially prefer to focus on their work, adding that the software and hardware for the drone belongs to Vestel Defense Industry.

Vestel Group, the manufacturer of the domestically produced armed drone, has 29 companies operating in manufacturing, software and technology development, marketing and distribution in consumer electronics, household appliances, multimedia communication, LED lighting and defense industries with an annual turnover of 5 billion euros. Vestel was founded and started its operations in 1984 and joined the Zorlu Group in 1994. It has been continuously operating with the aim of increasing its production capacity, export activity and market share, according to information on the company's official website.

While giving entrepreneurship and leadership lessons to youth at the panel, Zorlu emphasized the importance of producing and adding high value-added goods to the economy. In addition, Zorlu said it is very important for Turkey to produce high-value goods rather than relying on importing. Along with the armed drone, which is planned to be released and flown in May, Zorlu said that Vestel exports 80 percent of its electronics to developed countries, adding that among Vestel's plans, producing 5 million cellphones is an initial stage goal, followed by 30 million cellphones in the long run. Zorlu further touched on the company's energy investments, saying the construction work of the third geothermal plant has been started.