Turkey initiates terrifying DEFENCE strategy making Erdogan’s army … – Express.co.uk

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The huge machine has been created almost entirely using Turkish parts and signals the start of a major push for domestically-sourced military equipment.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced his intention to make the countrys army completely self-sufficient by 2023.

This date marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of modern Turkey and will be marked by huge celebrations and ceremonies.

Currently the Turkish army is largely made up of second-hand equipment and parts, something Erdogan is keen to bring an end to.

The drone, which has been nicknamed the Turkish word for National, is the first of a huge order by Mr Erdogan.

READ MORE: Will Turkey join the European Union (EU)?

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Another 24 drones have been ordered for construction by the Turkish firm Bayraktar, who have close links to the controversial Turkish leader after the son of its founder married Mr Erdogans daughter last year.

The drones construction comes at a time of heightening tensions in the country as President Erdogan continues to crackdown on opponents and perceived enemies of the state.

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A police officer talks with the soldiers involved in the coup attempt after they surrendered

Following last years bloody failed military coup the Turkish leader has arrested thousands of teachers, lawyers, police officers, soldiers, professors and journalists.

Now an MEP has declared the country is acting in too authoritarian a manner to be accepted as a member of the European Union.

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Gianni Pittella, leader of the Socialists and Democrats group in the European Parliament, said: We cannot accept an authoritarian country ever being a member of the EU.

We would have liked to keep Europes doors to Turkey open.

Unfortunately, the referendum called by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoan has forced us to request the suspension of the accession negotiations.

The way the amendments to the constitution will be now implemented will turn out to be crucial for the future of the EU-Turkey relations.

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Turkey initiates terrifying DEFENCE strategy making Erdogan's army ... - Express.co.uk

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