Signatures were made for TURKSAT 7A

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu delivered the opening speech of the "New Era of Connectivity Forum" organized under the leadership of TÜRKSAT. In his speech, Minister Uraloğlu emphasized that space has become an arena where not only scientific discoveries but also global balances of power and strategic superiorities are redefined.

Uraloğlu, who drew attention to the fact that satellite technologies have emerged as a critical element that has changed the course of modern wars, said, "Wars are now being won not only on land, in the air or at sea, but also in space. Satellites provide states with an unparalleled advantage in areas such as intelligence gathering, real-time communication, target detection and logistics coordination."

"Having a strong presence in space is a requirement of our national security and global competitiveness"

Speaking by giving an example from the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, Uraloğlu drew attention to the vital role that satellite-based surveillance and communication systems play in strategic decision-making processes. Stating that data collected via satellites offers a decisive advantage at every stage of the war, from precise target detection to the coordination of air defense systems, Uraloğlu continued his words as follows:

"This clearly shows us how critical space technologies are in terms of national security and defense. For this reason, as Turkey, having a strong presence in space is not only a technological goal, but also a requirement of our national security and global competitiveness."

Minister Uraloğlu added that in this era of increasing cybersecurity threats, secure data transfer and uninterrupted communication have become indispensable elements for national security, and said, "As Turkey, we are developing a comprehensive infrastructure from fiber optic networks to satellite technologies in order to evaluate the opportunities of this new era and to be prepared for its risks. This is not only a technological investment, but also the cornerstone of our social justice, economic growth and global competitiveness."

Next is TURKSAT 7A

Uraloğlui, who gave news about a new satellite after TÜRKSAT 6A, which was last put into service, said, "Today, following this meaningful forum, we will also sign a protocol covering the financial support for the construction process of our next generation communication satellite TÜRKSAT 7A between the Center for Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications (UDHAM) affiliated to our Ministry and TÜRKSAT. This protocol will outline the contribution that our Ministry will provide in the development of TÜRKSAT 7A and ensure that the project progresses on solid ground." Minister Uraloğlu stated that the TÜRKSAT 7A project started due to the approaching end of the design life of the TÜRKSAT 3A satellite operating in the 42 degree East orbit, and said, "This satellite, which we plan to put into service in 2029, will be the carrier of Türkiye's digital future vision with its higher data capacity, stronger coverage area and flexible resource management capability. After it is put into service, it will continue its existence as a strong symbol of our country's independence in space."

"We aim for a Türkiye that takes global competition to the highest level"

Underlining that Türkiye has to be a country that has a say not only in its own region but also in the world's communication map, Minister Uraloğlu said, "We aim for a Turkey that carries global competition to the highest level with the technologies we produce, the collaborations we establish and the infrastructures we develop, acting with the principle of 'Those who have a mark in space have a say in the world'. We will always continue to work towards this goal."

Following the opening speeches, the TÜRKSAT 7A Project Cooperation Protocol Signing Ceremony was held by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, UDHAM Presidency and TÜRKSAT Inc.

UAV

Reporter: News Center