Türkiye has joined an elite group of just 11 countries capable of producing their own communications satellites, marking a major milestone with the launch of TÜRKSAT 6A. This landmark achievement highlights Türkiye's growing technological independence and its ambition to be a global leader in high-value industries.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the strategic importance of the project: “With TÜRKSAT 6A, we are taking a historic step in our national technology initiative. Türkiye now possesses the capability to design, produce, and operate its own communication satellites — a competence held by only a handful of countries worldwide."
Developed predominantly with domestic resources and technology, TÜRKSAT 6A was produced through the collaboration of Türkiye's leading institutions, including TÜBİTAK, Turkish Aerospace Industries, ASELSAN, and CTech. The satellite is scheduled for launch in June 2024 from SpaceX's launch base in the United States.
Once in orbit, TÜRKSAT 6A will expand Türkiye's satellite coverage area significantly, reaching over 5 billion people across 118 countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa. This will enhance Türkiye's communication infrastructure, ensure data security, and reduce dependency on non-domestic technologies.
“This project not only strengthens our presence in space but also showcases Türkiye's determination to lead in critical technologies. We are no longer just a technology market—we are producers, developers, and exporters," President Erdoğan further noted.
"We will keep supporting high-tech industries and empower future generations to take Türkiye to even greater heights in space, defense, and digital technologies," President Erdoğan added.
The TÜRKSAT 6A initiative aligns with Türkiye's broader vision to boost its competitiveness in the global technology and aerospace sectors. By investing in R&D, innovation, and domestic production capabilities, Türkiye continues to position itself as a resilient and self-reliant economy.