Stories from Ankara · Turkey

TUSAŞ has delivered the jet-powered 'Super Lightning' Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to the Turkish Armed Forces last month. The system is designed to operate with high maneuverability to evade detection. The aircraft utilizes variable radar speeds to maneuver like a chameleon in flight. The platform is designed for training air force personnel, producing decoy targets, and executing various mission scenarios. It features a multi-role structure suitable for modern aerial warfare. The platform can be deployed from ground-based rocket-assisted systems or launched from unmanned aerial vehicles such as Anka, Anka-3, and Aksungur. The system supports swarm flight concepts, allowing multiple units to perform coordinated missions simultaneously. The delivery follows preparations for upcoming mass events and union celebrations.

Mustafa Varank, Chairman of the Industry Commission of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, criticized recent changes to unlicensed electricity production regulations. The new application implemented by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority in April replaced monthly offsetting with hourly calculations for production and consumption balances. Varank stated that these changes could undermine the feasibility of projects for businesses that have already secured credits and completed feasibility studies. He called for a review of the system to prevent economic disruption for energy producers. The energy market regulatory body in Ankara implemented a new application that shifts unlicensed electricity production offsetting to hourly calculations. There are concerns that existing feasibility studies and loans for these projects may be invalidated by the change.

Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu announced plans to implement proton therapy treatments in Turkey. The first center is scheduled to begin treating patients at Etlik City Hospital starting in December 2026. The initiative follows discussions regarding free cancer screenings for bowel, breast, and uterine cancers at existing health centers. The minister stated that work on the project is currently underway and planned for rapid implementation. Turkey has completed the formulation and filling stages of the Hepatitis A vaccine locally for the first time. The vaccine is now being made available for use in all provinces across the country. This development follows the localization of Hepatitis A and chickenpox vaccines through technology transfers over the last year. Efforts continue to localize all vaccines in the national program, including the rabies vaccine.

Basketball Federation President Hidayet Türkoğlu has been included in the FIBA Honor Roll. He is the first Turkish individual to receive this recognition. The announcement was discussed regarding the significance of the achievement within international basketball. The announcement was confirmed by TRT Radyo 1 in Ankara. The recognition follows developments in Turkish sports culture and increasing interest in disciplines outside of football. The recognition highlights his contributions to the sport within Turkey. Broadcasters noted that interest in sports disciplines outside of football is gradually increasing in the country.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has proposed a 20-year tax exemption for new residents in Turkey. The proposal applies to both individuals and companies that have not been tax residents of Turkey for the last three years. Income earned within Turkey will continue to be taxed under a progressive scale. The measure aims to attract foreign residents and businesses to the country. The plan aims to leverage the diaspora, estimated at 30-40 million people globally, who actively invest in Turkey. Economic authorities believe this will capture billions of dollars in capital from regions like Russia and Iran. Turkey has become a key destination for Russian business relocation, with over 10,000 Russian companies opening in the country during 2023. Proposals are being discussed to reduce inheritance and gift taxes to 1% from the current 30%.

Turkey's first domestic high-speed train successfully completed dynamic brake testing. Testing is currently being conducted on the Mithat Paşa to Bilecik route. Officials are analyzing data to ensure the train complies with all operational conditions. The project is being developed using entirely domestic resources. Detailed analysis of the obtained data is currently underway. This development is expected to significantly increase Turkey's domestic production capacity for rail systems. The Ankara-Sivas high-speed train line has transported 2.3 million passengers since its launch on April 26, 2023. Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdülkadir Ural provided the figures regarding the 405-kilometer long line. The service connects Ankara and Sivas via high-speed rail infrastructure.

The Grand National Assembly of Turkey is expected to hold its first commission meeting next week regarding recent school attacks in Kahramanmaraş and Şahin Nurfada. An akran nezakete education program, focusing on kindness over bullying, will be expanded nationwide from 25 pilot schools in Istanbul. AI-supported early warning systems will be implemented, and parents will receive practical training through the Veli Akademisi model. The academy is involving families in the process to address youth issues. A Turkish House Committee on Planning and Budget is scheduled to review a bill regarding website taxation next week. The proposed legislation includes regulations for taxing digital platforms. If a budget is not approved for a specific site, taxes will be determined based on a new assessment process.

The Turkish Ministry has granted foreign trade capital company status to 10 additional firms. This move follows diplomatic efforts at the WTO summit to reach a $140 billion trade target. This designation brings the total number of companies holding this status to 103.

Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu announced that 42 million people have been screened for chronic diseases via family physicians. Approximately 10.6 million individuals were identified as being at risk. Currently, 5 million people are under active monitoring and treatment by family physicians. Patients are referred to hospitals for specialized care when necessary. The initiative aims to expand cancer treatment capabilities, with progress expected by the end of 2026. Current medical centers in the country provide free screenings for colorectal, breast, and uterine cancers. The minister said the importance of early detection over fear of the disease.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held phone calls with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The discussions focused on the current status of negotiations between Iran and the United States. Turkey is continuing its diplomatic initiatives to facilitate the process. According to diplomatic sources, Iran has conveyed its latest proposal to the US via Malaysia. The discussion centered on a previously discussed three-stage negotiation formula. Meetings regarding negotiations between the United States and Iran are scheduled to be held at the Turkish President's office in Beştepe. The discussions will focus on diplomatic exchange results. The meeting will also address the final status of energy shortages and the economic impacts of the ongoing war on Turkey.