The forum, which brought together commercial delegations from across Africa with Türkiye’s leading manufacturers and exporters, served as a platform to deepen economic partnerships and chart a shared roadmap for the future.

On the closing day, participants reflected on key outcomes, including a surge in bilateral trade, new defense industry agreements, and a shared commitment to sustainable cooperation beyond traditional aid models.

TRADE VOLUME NEARLY SEVEN TIMES HIGHER SINCE 2003

Speaking at the forum, Deputy Minister of Trade Mahmut Gürcan underscored the concrete results of Türkiye’s multi-dimensional engagement with Africa. He noted that trade volume between Türkiye and Africa, which stood at $5.4 billion in 2003, had reached approximately $40 billion by 2025—a nearly sevenfold increase.

“In 2025 alone, bilateral trade volume with African countries increased by 9 percent compared to the previous year,” Gürcan said.

He emphasized that Türkiye is no longer only a recipient of investment but an active investor abroad, deepening economic ties through strategic projects.

“Given the uncertainty and unpredictability in the global economy, we believe it is essential to diversify and deepen the existing technological links between Türkiye and Africa. This will allow us to positively transform our bilateral relations and unlock new opportunities for collaboration.”

Gürcan also stressed the need for an updated roadmap in response to Africa’s growing global significance. “As a ministry, we will proceed with a strategy aimed at advancing trade and economic relations with African countries through a refined vision in the 2025 period. Within this framework, Türkiye is positioned to become a key trade partner of the African Continental Free Trade Area.”

DEFENSE COOPERATION TAKES CENTER STAGE

Deputy Minister of National Defense Salih Ayhan highlighted the expanding role of Türkiye’s defense industry in Africa, moving beyond traditional supplier relationships toward strategic partnership.

“Our Bayraktar TB2 UAVs, ATAK helicopters, and high-tech defense systems are now becoming guarantees of peace across a vast geography—from Somalia to Nigeria, from Libya to Senegal,” Ayhan stated.

“The Türkiye model we present today is not merely about product sales. It is built on comprehensive training support, local capacity building, and most importantly, technology transfer. We see Africa, with its young population and immense potential, as one of the world’s rising stars.”

‘STRATEGIC AND INCLUSIVE COOPERATION IS NEEDED’

Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Gambia’s Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, stressed that in an era of digital transformation, geopolitical fragmentation, and climate crisis, no nation can grow in isolation.

“We need a cooperation model that is intentional, strategic, and inclusive—one that fosters shared values, technology transfer, capacity development, and equitable partnerships. For Gambia, cooperation is not just a slogan; it is a national strategy.”

Ceesay pointed to the $66 million trade volume between Türkiye and Gambia in 2025 as a strong foundation, but noted significant potential for growth through increased exports, greater Turkish investment, upgraded port and logistics infrastructure, and deeper ties in vocational training and value-added production.

Gambia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Badjie, reinforced the continent’s readiness to engage.

“Africa continues to be one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, with a vast population and an expanding market. On behalf of my government and ministry, I say this: Africa is ready—and Gambia is ready to welcome you.”

FORUM WRAPS WITH B2B MEETINGS AND EXHIBITIONS

The final day of the forum featured intensive B2B meetings, sponsor company presentations, and exhibition booths, offering concrete leads for future collaboration.

Organizers noted high levels of participation and optimism, with many delegates describing this year’s forum as a turning point in Türkiye-Africa economic relations.

The 14th WCI Forum officially closes this evening in İstanbul.

With the rapid advancement of AI technologies, the risk of fake and misleading content spreading across digital platforms has significantly increased. AI-powered text generators, widely used in areas ranging from education and academia to the media sector and everyday life, can produce texts nearly indistinguishable from those written by humans. This raises critical concerns regarding information accuracy and ethical standards, making AI detectors indispensable. These tools aim to discern the differences between AI-generated and human-produced content to uphold the integrity of written information.

AI detectors analyze language structure, sentence flow, and linguistic features to identify subtle differences between human and AI-generated writing. For example, AI-generated texts often exhibit repetitive word use, consistent flow, and a monotonous tone, while human writing tends to display slight errors, a unique style, and emotional nuances. Acting as vigilant observers of the digital realm, these detectors meticulously examine the origins of texts, ensuring reliable analysis of their sources.

In academia, AI detectors have gained traction, particularly to ensure originality in university students' assignments and theses. For instance, a student under time pressure might use AI tools to craft a paper that, at first glance, seems academically sound. However, AI detectors can assess the linguistic signatures and patterns within the text to determine whether it was created by a human or an AI. These tools have become invaluable allies for educators striving to promote transparency and ethical practices in student work.

The media sector also benefits from AI detectors, using them as effective tools to combat fake news and misinformation. Particularly in social media platforms and digital publishing, AI detectors play a vital role in identifying fraudulent content. In an era where swift access to information is crucial, ensuring its accuracy and reliability has become equally essential. AI detectors stand out as powerful instruments for safeguarding information security within the media industry.

AI detectors are designed using language models similar to those of AI content generators but with advanced analytical capabilities to distinguish between human and AI writing. By scanning for specific linguistic patterns and structural traits, detectors work to identify content created by AI.

However, keeping up with the evolving capabilities of AI language models poses a challenge to the reliability of AI detectors. Modern, sophisticated AI systems can produce content so complex and human-like that even the best detectors struggle to differentiate. As a result, continuous updates and the integration of new algorithms are necessary for these detectors to remain effective.

It’s also important to acknowledge that AI detectors are not flawless. In some cases, they might mistakenly identify human-authored texts as AI-generated. Such false positives have sparked new debates surrounding the use of detectors in education and media sectors. To enhance their reliability, ongoing efforts are required to refine algorithms and train detectors on extensive datasets.

AI detectors like AI Detector analyze details such as language use, sentence structure, and word choice to distinguish natural, human-created writing from AI-generated content.

In addition to detectors, other technologies are being developed to facilitate the identification of content origins. For instance, digital watermarks can be added to AI-generated content, making it easier to differentiate such material. However, these protective measures are not foolproof, as AI-powered content creators are also devising techniques to bypass these markers. Still, watermarking and similar methods represent a significant step toward enhancing information security and distinguishing AI-generated content.

The evolution of AI detectors is seen as a crucial step in fostering a more transparent and accountable flow of information in the digital world.

These tools align with societal expectations by ensuring academic integrity, preventing misinformation, and promoting information security. AI detectors are increasingly crucial in ensuring the accuracy of digital content and fostering an ethical digital ecosystem.

In the future, AI detectors are expected to evolve further, providing reliable results not only for text but also for audio and visual content. Supporting humanity's pursuit of information security and accuracy, these technologies will contribute significantly to maintaining ethical standards in the digital age.

METU's "Roboroyale Project" was selected among the two best projects out of 13 on Friday for the Edge of Government Award at the World Governments Summit held in the United Arab Emirates.

The three-day summit, which was held last week, brought together 25 world leaders and heads of state.

Speaking to Anadolu, Erol Sahin, director of the Center for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (ROMER) at METU, said the project was initiated two years ago by an international consortium consisting of METU-ROMER, Durham University, Czech Technical University and the University of Graz with a 20-person research and development team.

Sahin said if bees were to disappear, the entire ecosystem would face the threat of collapse.

"With the project, we aim to develop new-generation beehives equipped with the latest technologies," he said.

"As part of the project, we have developed an AI-based system that can monitor the inside of a hive on a 24/7 basis. This allows us to monitor the health of the bees inside the hive, including the queen bee," Sahin noted.

"In addition, we have developed the first prototype of micro-robot bees that mimic worker bees and can externally feed and control the queen bee. With these micro-robot bees, we have succeeded in feeding the queen bee," he said.

“The robot bees also serve the queen bee. Our goal is to eventually have the robots clean, feed and maintain the hive," Sahin said.

He said that with all these systems, their aim is to maintain and even improve the overall health of the hive.

As a result, Dubai will become the world's first city to launch a commercial, city-wide electric aerial taxi service.

The official Emirates News Agency (WAM) announced on X that the Joby Aviation S4 aerial taxi is designed to accommodate a pilot and four passengers and have zero operating emissions.

The taxi, with a maximum flight range of 161 kilometers (100 miles) and maximum speed of 320 kilometers (198 miles) per hour, will be launched at four prime locations: near Dubai International Airport, the downtown area, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah.

The travel time between Dubai International Airport and Palm Jumeirah, which currently takes 45 minutes by car, will be reduced to 10 minutes with the flying taxi, the statement said.

Nationwide encompassment by Trugo

Trugo, acclaimed as Türkiye's premier high-capacity charging network, has established itself as an industry leader in the sector of ultra-fast charging facilities, boasting a remarkable footprint extending to a multitude of locales, a feat highlighted by its omnipresence across all 81 provinces. The crux of this expansion lies in the placement of 272 high-performance charging stations, each boasting an output capacity exceeding 180 kW. This deployment of stations has culminated in a seamless charging experience for the entire cohort of electric vehicle users across the nation, a commitment further bolstered by Trugo's commitment to a continuous expansion of its charging network.

The efficiency of Trugo's high-performance charging infrastructure

Renowned for its capability to rapidly recharge a battery from 20% to 80% in under half an hour, Trugo's advanced charging system showcases the progress in electric vehicle technology. Furthermore, this formidable infrastructure ensures the utilization of energy sourced exclusively from certified, fully renewable resources, thus reinforcing its alignment with sustainable energy principles.

Enhanced user interface and accessibility

Endowing electric vehicle proprietors with enhanced accessibility, Trugo facilitates real-time monitoring of its growing network of charging stations through the integration of its user-friendly mobile application and web-based interface. Locating Trugo's ever-expanding roster of charging stations is conveniently achieved through the dedicated Trugo website, accessible at trugo.com.tr.

Affordable ultra-fast charging

Trugo's charging facilities, operational at output levels spanning 180 kW to 300 kW, offer an economical charging solution to users, with a nominal fee of 7.99 TL being levied for utilization.

Translated by: Khan Muhammad An Nazmus Saqib

The festival features numerous events such as technology competitions, air shows, concerts, and seminars.

TEKNOFEST aims to boost interest in technology in Türkiye. The inaugural fair attracted some half a million visitors while the 2019 fair welcomed 1.72 million, which is a world record for an aviation-themed event.

Held in Istanbul in 2018 and 2019, the first TEKNOFEST outside of Istanbul was hosted by Türkiye’s southeastern province of Gaziantep in 2020, but it was held virtually due to pandemic restrictions.

In 2021, TEKNOFEST returned to the Turkish commercial capital of Istanbul.

Last year, hosted by the Black Sea province of Samsun, it was visited by 1.25 million people.

The event's first international version was also held last year in Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital.

Tens of thousands of competitors and teams have been applying to the event since 2018 in dozens of categories.

As part of the Turkish Republic's centenary celebrations this year, Teknofest was planned for Izmir, Istanbul, and the capital Ankara.

The event in Izmir, slated for March, however, was canceled due to the devastating Feb. 6 earthquakes.

While the Istanbul edition will kick off on Thursday, it will open its doors in the capital Ankara on Aug. 30.

This year, over one million competitors applied to take part.

In 2023, the organizers, the Turkish Technology Team Foundation (T3 Foundation) and Türkiye's Industry and Technology Ministry, will distribute monetary prizes totaling 13 million Turkish liras ($670,000) to winners.

It will also provide material support worth over 30 million Turkish liras ($1.55 million) to the participants.

The five-day event, introducing cutting-edge technologies and the latest defense products including drones, will also feature dazzling airshows.

*Writing by Gokhan Ergocun

The patch will be worn by the pilots, who are set to operate the seven Bayraktar Akıncı combat drones recently purchased from Türkiye. The first drone has already been delivered to Pakistan, and the rest are expected to soon follow.

According to defense news website MilDefin, the patch depicts Kashmir as part of Pakistan, despite it still being under Indian control. Pakistan is shown in green and Türkiye in red, and a large crescent and star is placed between the maps of the two countries.

The patch features the slogan “Game of Drones,” inspired by the popular TV series Game of Thrones. Another memorable quote from the series, “Fear cuts deeper than swords,” is also included on the patch.

The Akıncı drone is currently being used by the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) and the Turkish Armed Forces, including the Turkish Air Force and the Turkish Land Forces.

To date, the Akıncı has been exported to five countries, including Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan. The Akıncı Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle can carry Göktuğ air-to-air missiles, miniature bombs, SOM cruise missiles, Micro Intelligent Munitions, and Cirit missiles.

The MAV is the latest technology amphibious vehicle designed by FNSS Defense Systems to meet amphibious operational requirements.

A total of 27 vehicles are expected to be put into use as part of the project. Of these, 23 will be personnel, two will be command, and two will be rescue vehicles.

During the beach landing phase of an amphibious operation, these vehicles are launched from landing helicopter docks and can rapidly cover the distance between the vessel and the shore, allowing marine units to land under armor protection.

Armored amphibious assault vehicles are required to show superior performance both at sea and on land as dual-nature vehicles, in line with their job descriptions. Very few countries in the world have such vehicles in their inventory. In NATO and its allies, there is only one company other than FNSS which makes vehicles in this class.​​​​​​​

FNSS also engages in export-oriented negotiations with many countries interested in the MAV. As part of promotional and marketing activities, the MAV was exhibited abroad for the first time at last November’s Indo Defense Expo & Forum 2022 Fair in Indonesia.

The diesel locomotive engine was made in a project by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK), said the Industry and Technology Ministry.

Designed and produced in just four years, the engine is able to produce up to 2,700 horsepower and has three different models.

The engine family, which can also run on biofuels, will feature competitive fuel consumption that does not exceed global emission limits.

Its unique design, which could potentially use hydrogen as fuel, according to TUBITAK chief Hasan Mandal.

Minister Mustafa Varank said the first type of engine, is capable of 1,200 horsepower and can be used in land vehicles, railway cars, marine vessels, and power generators.

He said all parts of the engine were developed in Türkiye and that 90% of the parts manufactured domestically.

Speaking to Türkiye Innovation Week, organized by the Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TIM) in Istanbul, Haluk Bayraktar said the aircraft, with low detectability and hypersonic speed, is a very critical and strategic project.

The dependence on foreign countries in the defense sector is a problem, he said, adding that technologies such as Kizilelma will ensure self-sufficiency.

He further said the project is a private project being developed with support from Baykar's export revenue.

According to a press release from Airbus on Wednesday, the partnership aims to develop technologies for long-range electric vehicles.

"The cooperation agreement will notably cover technology bricks related to energy management optimisation and battery weight improvement," it said.

Firms will also work for the full lifecycle of future batteries, it added.

Gilles Le Borgne, Renault's official for engineering, said: "For the first time, two European leaders from different industries are sharing engineering knowledge to shape the future of hybrid-electric aircraft."

Sabine Klauke, Airbus chief technical officer, also said that bringing together Renault’s knowledge in electric vehicles with Airbus' experience in electric flight demonstrators will accelerate the development of the disruptive technologies required for future hybrid aircraft architectures in the 2030s and beyond.

The Bayraktar Kizilelma "came one step closer to its first flight" after the domestically developed jet's first test runs were conducted without safety ties, the statement said on Sunday. The trials were directed by Baykar's chief technology officer Selcuk Bayraktar at the Akinci Flight Testing and Test Center in northwestern Türkiye, it added.

Known for developing the internationally widely used Bayraktar TB2 drone, Baykar said the Kizilelma would "revolutionize" the battlefield with its key landing and take-off capabilities on ships with short runways.

The unmanned jet was developed to operate from the TCG Anadolu amphibious assault vessel of the Turkish Navy and will play an important role in overseas missions, it added.

Featuring a low radar signature thanks to its design, the Kizilelma will be able to perform the most challenging missions. It will also be capable of flying with a payload of up to 1,500 kilograms (3,300 pounds), equipped with Turkish-made munitions and a high situational awareness with the active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, also developed domestically.

"The Bayraktar KIZILELMA will also be effective against air targets with its domestic air-to-air munitions. With these capabilities, it will shift the balance on the battlefield," the statement also said, adding its first flight was "planned for the near future."

Currently under development by Turkish defense firms Havelsan and Yonca-Onuk, the Sancar USV will meet many of the Turkish military's requirements, including against foes that are not easily recognizable and are capable of unconventional operations, Ismail Demir told Anadolu Agency on Sunday.

Asymmetric threats have the potential to seriously harm national security and international balances, Demir stressed, adding that security forces would need to "identify and eliminate these threats while continuing to carry out traditional defense activities."

Successful USV projects have been conducted by companies with different capabilities for this purpose, Demir noted, underlining that Türkiye was working to add USVs to its naval forces.

"We can proudly say that the best-in-class vehicles will soon be able to meet the needs of Türkiye and friendly-allied nations."

Demir also highlighted that when unmanned systems are produced at affordable costs, they have the potential to reduce risk for manned systems, support defense activities, and perform tasks that manned systems cannot.

Sancar, with a third-level autonomous system, was developed as part of a contract signed on April 8, Demir noted.

Havelsan is developing and manufacturing the platform, as well as the system software, ground control station, mini-Ship Data Distribution System, anti-jamming global navigation satellite system, and satellite communication system.

Yonca-Onuk, on the other hand is carrying out the production of the boat with the armed USV platform and supply and integration of parts of the vessel's useful load.

When developed, the Sancar will be Havelsan's first autonomous USV and will be capable of navigating and conducting missions autonomously, integrated with the next-generation Advent command and control system and controlled via a ground control station.

Weighing 9 tons and measuring over 12 meters long, the Sancar is being developed with technologies that include artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, big data, and data fusion.

Sancar can reach speeds of over 40 knots and travel within a range of more than 740 kilometers (460 miles).

Remotely controlled, Sancar will also be able to autonomously perform port/base protection operations, as well as search and rescue, intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance, patrol, surface warfare, and mine countermeasures missions.

Citing official weather forecasts, Jim Free, NASA's associate administrator for exploration systems development, tweeted that they are “standing down from our Sept 27 Artemis launch attempt."

Ian is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by Monday, so NASA officials decided to scrap its third blastoff attempt due to safety.

"NASA is foregoing a launch opportunity Tuesday, Sept. 27, and preparing for rollback, while continuing to watch the weather forecast associated with Tropical Storm Ian," tweeted the US space agency.

NASA is now taking steps to return the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft to the vehicle assembly building at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

"To protect our employees and the integrated stack, we will begin configuring the vehicle to roll back," said Free.

The two previous launch attempts were scrapped on Aug. 29 and Sept. 3 due to fueling and engine issues.

During the Sept. 3 cancellation, engineers had to address a relatively large leak of hydrogen that emerged during fueling, in addition to straightening out the chilling process for the engines which were also a concern during the Aug. 29 scratch.

The next backup date for a potential takeoff is Oct. 2. If that attempt is scrubbed, the next window for a possible launch is between Oct. 17 and Oct. 31.

The Artemis I mission is the first of three space flights in NASA's space exploration project.

In a 42-day uncrewed mission, Artemis I is expected to explore the integration of NASA’s deep space exploration systems involving the Orion spacecraft and SLS rocket. The massive 322-foot (98-meter) rocket is the most powerful ever built by NASA and is the only one built to send a payload of over 59,525 pounds (27,000 kilograms) into space.

Artemis II and Artemis III will aim to return humans to the moon with the eventual goal of carrying out missions to Mars.

Mahmut Faruk Aksit, CEO of the Tusas Engine Industries, told Anadolu Agency the engine will have a 6,000 pound-force dry thrust, equivalent to around 6,000 horsepower.

Speaking at the country's largest technology fair Teknofest in the Black Sea province of Samsun, he said the engine is being showcased for the first time.

Two years after conceiving the project, the design phase is over and the manufacturing phase is underway, he said.

The target is to launch the product in the first quarter of 2023, he added.

The engine is compatible with assault boats, pipelines for pumping natural gas, or the newly designed Turkish fighter drone Kizil Elma.

After the completion of this project, the company will design and produce another engine for the national combat aircraft, he said.

Touching on another ongoing engine project, TS1400, which will be used in the Turkish-made helicopter Gokbey, the CEO said it will probably be completed before the end of this year.

SAHA EXPO, which will be held between 25 - 28 October 2022, SAHA MBA training, which started its third term within the SAHA Academy and prepared the sector for the growth process of management, branding, and becoming a world brand, SAHA Startup, which supports entrepreneurial companies who want to realize new projects in the sector, and SAHA Istanbul, which has implemented many projects to contribute to the rise of the sector with its 816 members, supports the rise of the Turkish defense industry. Established in 2015, SAHA Istanbul has grown 35-fold in 7 years and continues to grow by rising to the position of Europe's largest industrial cluster.

SAHA Istanbul Industrial cluster, which includes 816 companies and 22 universities in the Defense and Aerospace Technologies industry, is preparing to become the largest industrial cluster in Europe. İlhami Keleş, General Secretary of SAHA Istanbul, said; “We were the second largest cluster after Airbus in the European Clusters Union, our SAHA Istanbul Cluster, together with the companies accepted in our Board of Directors this month, has reached a size even greater than Airbus's "Aerospace Valley" in Toulouse. We are now the largest cluster in Europe. The domestic defense industry is rapidly gaining importance in the international arena and as SAHA Istanbul, we contribute greatly to this development. The fact that SAHA Istanbul is the largest industrial cluster in Europe will put Türkiye in a stronger position in the field of Defense and Aerospace Technologies”.

Explaining that taking part in the global competition in the field of defense and aerospace has become very important for Türkiye, İlhami Keleş said; "We create this synergy with new talents, consortia, and similar structures by combining the capabilities of companies to eliminate foreign dependency. The Russia-Ukraine war showed that the self-power and self-defense capabilities of the countries are at the forefront of everything. "

Stating that the defense industry for Türkiye is a matter of life and death when the geographical position of the country is considered, SAHA Istanbul Secretary General İlhami Keleş said, “Our domestic defense industry products, used in Syria, Iraq, Libya, the Eastern Mediterranean, Karabakh, and Ukraine, are subjects of news articles and are followed by the world right now. The success of our unmanned aerial vehicles is indisputable, but all SAHA Istanbul members we support carry out successful projects at global standards. The Turkish defense industry is developing rapidly and developing crucial projects in areas such as ammunition technologies, electronic warfare, software technologies and similar industrial capabilities to land vehicles, and naval platforms.”

Ilhami Keleş underlined that the fact that SAHA Istanbul is the largest industrial cluster in Europe is a critical development for Türkiye that will put the proverbial wind behind it and said, “We will be holding the SAHA EXPO Defense and Aerospace Technologies Fair between October 25-28. We'll see your talents showcased to the world. Both the world's most important defense industry representatives and Türki's successful companies will meet at SAHA Expo. We will bring together the successful rise of Türkiye in the world, especially in Europe, with very important events at SAHA Expo.”

Ilhami Keleş also gave information about the important structures of SAHA Istanbul that contribute to the sector and said, “We are carrying out technical committee studies under 10 different titles in order to develop projects in the areas needed by the defense industry, aviation, and space sectors, to contribute to localization studies and to form opinions for the development of the sector. These technical committees work like project kitchens in coordination with other public institutions and organizations, R&D centers, and our universities. The committees are;

• Technical Committee on Material and Material Forming

• Technical Committee on Machinery and Other Manufacturing Equipment

• Technical Committee on Electrical and Electronics

• Technical Committee on Testing and Certification

• Technical Committee on Software Automation and Digital Transformation

• MİHENK National Aviation Industry Committee

• In addition to the Technical Committee on Subsystems, the following committees have recently been established, based on need:

• Logistics and Supply Chain Technical Committee

• Space Technical Committee

• Education Technical Committee

National ERP system development, 5 Axis CNC Machine Production (MILTEKSAN), development of cabin air conditioning system for aircraft (TASECS), rare earth elements, magnet production, technical textiles, PCB card production, the establishment of overseas joint service centers within the scope of Technical Committee studies, In logistics and supply chain management, projects have been implemented or continue to be developed on many different topics such as ensuring the digital transformation of companies, artificial intelligence applications, and the development of autonomous underwater vehicles.”

In a press release issued late Wednesday, the manufacturer said its total output was around 700,000 units in May, 9% fewer than in the same month last year.

Toyota's automotive sales also dropped by 9.5% over the same period to 818,972 units.

"In May, both sales and production fell below the previous year's level due to impact from the global spread of COVID-19, as well as the parts supply shortage caused by the increased demand for semiconductors," it said.

"Production was lower than planned due to the impact from the lockdown in Shanghai, China and other factors."

From January to May, the firm's production and sales dropped by 3.5% and 6.5% on an annual basis to 4.17 million and 4.24 million, respectively.

Production and sales figures also included Toyota's brands Hino and Daihatsu.

The Take Off Startup Summit will bring together stakeholders of the startup ecosystem, technology leaders, and multinational companies, according to a statement issued by Teknofest.

Organized by the Turkish Technology Team Foundation, Türkiye's Industry and Technology Ministry, and Presidential Investment Office, it will be the second summit in 2022 after the one held in Azerbaijan's capital Baku.

Also, accepting applications both from Türkiye and abroad, the summit will provide entrepreneurs with monetary prize, B2B and investment meetings, as well as many special opportunities.

From Türkiye and foreign countries, famous entrepreneurs will give speeches during the summit.

Additionally, the summit will receive internationally influential startups, mentors and corporate firms in İstanbul.

Besides, Teknofest Azerbaijan, the 2022 edition of Turkiye’s major technology and aviation fair, was held in Baku.

The event, first held in Turkiye in 2018, has officially expanded to neighboring Azerbaijan this year and was carried out in May.

The action started at 9:25 a.m. EDT (1325 GMT), when Blue Origin's New Shepard vehicle lifted off from Launch Site One, the company's facility in West Texas, according to Space.com.

The New Shepard spacecraft, named after the eldest daughter of pioneering astronaut Alan Shepard, blasted off from Blue Origin’s US headquarters located near Van Horn.

Blue Origin sent six people, including engineer Katya Echazarreta, who at 26 became the youngest American woman in space and she also became the first Mexican-born woman to go into space.

The other five people were Evan Dick, Hamish Harding, Victor Correa Hespanha, Jaison Robinson, and Victor Vescovo.

"It was an honor to fly this special crew of explorers and true pioneers today," Phil Joyce, senior vice president of the Blue Origin, said in a statement released by the space tourism company.

The launch of a Zero Emission Development Centre (ZEDC) in Filton, Bristol will aim to develop a cost-competitive cryogenic fuel system by 2035, the firm said in a statement on Thursday.

The activities at Airbus' Filton facility, where 3,000 people work, include the design, engineering, and support for Airbus aircrafts' wings, fuel systems, and landing gears.

The UK government has committed on March 29 to guarantee £685 million ($863.8 million) of funding over the next three years to the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), which provides research for the UK aerospace sector, to support the development of zero-carbon and ultra-low-emission aircraft technologies.

"Establishing the ZEDC in the UK expands Airbus’ in-house industrial capabilities to design, develop, test and manufacture cryogenic hydrogen storage tanks and related systems for the ZEROe project across Airbus’ four home countries," Airbus Chief Technical Officer Sabine Klauke said in the statement.

Airbus had unveiled in September 2020 three liquid hydrogen-fueled concept aircraft named "ZEROe" that could become the first commercial zero-emission airplane by 2035.

Turkish military land vehicle producer Nurol Makina introduced Yoruk 4X4 for the first time at the International Defense Industry Fair in 2017, with the slogan that it "will open a new era in its class."

During the development, testing, and production preparation activities for the vehicle, the company received requests from many countries.

Nurol Makina signed the first export contract for Yoruk 4X4 before the serial production preparations were completed. The company in a short time signed contracts with a total of four countries, with Chad becoming the first African country to export the vehicle.

Chad had recently added the Ejder Yalcin 4X4 armored combat vehicles, also produced by Nurol Makina, to its inventory.

Designed for the use of security forces and military units, Yoruk 4x4 offers its users the highest level of mobility and protection performance in the light armored vehicle class.

The vehicle provides high-level protection against ballistic and mine/hand-made explosives and it can also be customized based on user preferences.

Transport amp; Environment (Tamp;E), which carried out the study, calls on European governments to do more to shore up access to key metals to ensure its green energy security.

The study shows that in 2025, even if raw material supplies tighten and remain below battery factory capacity, 21 million BEVs could still be produced - almost 50% more than market estimates.

"However, this does not guarantee Europe's supply as the world's leading EV market," the report warned, adding that growing electric car sales in China and the US mean competition for critical raw materials, with both countries introducing measures to ensure access to these.

- Concern over battery prices

The report also demonstrates genuine concern over the effect of a tight commodities market on battery prices.

"Structurally, a long period of low commodity prices has seen underinvestment in new metal mining, while short-term COVID-19-induced disruptions in supply chains and the war in Ukraine have added to pressure on prices," the report explained.

Nonetheless, the report stated that mining and recycling companies are already reacting to high prices by announcing expansions, which should lead to prices stabilizing in the next few years.

Commenting on the report, Julia Poliscanova, a senior director at Tamp;E, said: "War in Ukraine has shown that we must wean ourselves off oil. The best way to do this is to go electric."

"While China and the US are flexing their policy muscle to secure supplies of critical metals, European leaders are scouring the globe for more oil. Now is the time to focus on sourcing the sustainable raw materials the continent needs for our energy independence and a green future," she said.

Due to the problems in global chip supply, there are disruptions in the production of many electronic products such as automobiles, computers, mobile phones and electrical household appliances.

The crisis deepened with Russia's war on Ukraine, which is a prominent producer of neon gas used in the chip industry.

Last year, global semiconductor sales rose 26.2% year-on-year to reach at $555.9 billion.

In 2021-2023, global chip investments are forecast to hit $112 billion in the US, $89 billion in Taiwan, $65 billion in Korea, $64 billion in China, $49 billion in Japan and $56 billion in Europe and Middle Eastern countries.

The chip industry is projected to realize an investment of $190 billion this year.

Meanwhile, the US-based investments constituted one fourth of all global investments in semiconductor industry, with nearly $112 billion.

Semiconductors ranked as the world’s fourth most-traded product after crude oil, refined oil and passenger cars, with the US and China accounted for 25% of global consumption.

“Given the rapid daily increase in cross sanctions and logistical difficulties, Stellantis has suspended its manufacturing operations in Kaluga to ensure full compliance with all cross sanctions and to protect its employees,” a company statement said.

Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, which Russia began on Feb. 24, several foreign companies have suspended manufacturing activities in Russia, including carmakers Renault, Mitsubishi and Toyota.

Stellantis was operating the plant in Kaluga, about 200 kilometers southwest of Moscow, in partnership with Mitsubishi. Last month, Stellantis had suspended exports and imports to and from Russia, but kept its Russian factory going.

The Franco-Italian company is the world’s fourth-largest carmaker, formed after the merger of Italy’s Fiat Chrysler and France’s PSA. Its portfolio of brands includes Peugeot, Opel, Citroen, Alfa Romeo and Maserati.

To this end, new weapons and military equipment were purchased last year and the technical base of the Azerbaijani army was strengthened, Asadov said during a parliament plenary session.

Important measures were taken to increase the sophistication of the army, particularly the creation of a command unit, he added.

Azerbaijan had previously purchased Turkish-made combat drones in 2020, further strengthening its army’s offensive capabilities.

The Bayraktar TB2 armed UAV, which was developed and manufactured by Turkish defense company Baykar Technologies, has been used by the Turkish Armed Forces and the country’s Security Directorate since 2015, most recently credited for Azerbaijan’s military success in the Karabakh conflict.

Turkish drones cost between $1 million to 2$ million each, while the British army is said to spend over $20 million on one drone alone, according to a report by the Guardian.

Developed by Turkish major unmanned aerial vehicle producer Baykar, the company said it opened an important stage in its unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) works.

Bayraktar Kizilelma is aimed at having a take-off weight of 6 tons.

The aircraft will be a major power factor with a planned useful load-carrying capacity of 1,500 kilograms (3,306 pounds).

Bayraktar Kızılelma is intended to stay in the air for five hours with a 500-nautical mile (575-mile) mission radius.

Baykar’s chief technology officer Selcuk Bayraktar said it will always carry us forward and into the future.

What started out as a budding idea just a few days ago (on March 9) is slowly starting to take shape as Avory diligently shares progress on her Twitter account, which has a following of over 10,000 social media users.

Twitter Embed Migrated From Frola

Avory said that the game will comprise of destroying tanks and air defense systems with the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicle, according to a tweet she re-shared after reportedly speaking to the Turkish platform Gundeme Dair Her Sey.

Twitter Embed Migrated From Frola

The Bayraktar TB2 entered the Turkish army’s inventory in 2014 and is currently used by several other countries, including Qatar and Azerbaijan.

Turkey has used its cutting-edge drones effectively over the years in cross-border anti-terror military operations such as Euphrates Shield, Olive Branch, and Spring Shield to liberate areas near the Syrian border from terrorist groups.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces purchased six Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and three ground control stations from Turkey in 2019, which were delivered in two months.

In 2021, the first batch of TB2s was delivered to the Ukrainian Naval Forces.

Turkish drones are also said to have played a crucial role in last year's six-week war between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

During a press conference entitled "New Generation Digital Signature," Aliyev noted that authorization and transactions through biometric data and cloud technologies have been integrated into new-generation digital signatures.

“Any citizen can receive a digital signature without leaving the house, as well as use services of banking and non-banking organizations through this mobile application,” the chief commercial officer said.

Aliyev also stressed that work is underway with several financial structures to integrate banking services into the application, with pilot projects having already been launched.

“The Face to Pay project is planned for this year,” he added.

The first concept of a digital signature was introduced globally in 1976. The digital signature was introduced in Azerbaijan in 2011.

The presentation ceremony for a new generation digital signature was held in Azerbaijan on February 11.

Tolga Varol and Roman Prytkov received $1.5 million of EU funding for their invention, according to a statement by the Izmir University of Economics, where Varol pursued his undergraduate degree in Turkey.

Varol said in the statement that a majority of the car accidents were the result of driver error and the camera system sought to remedy that problem.

According to Varol, facial expressions and gestures, or the length of time that a driver's eyes are closed may vary while traveling, reflecting fatigue. The camera system observes such variance and warns the driver.

While in use, the system accumulates a significant database on a driver's common driving habits, to help reduce the risk of human errors, he said.

Turkey's globally lauded Bayraktar TB2 drone set a new national aviation record by successfully completing 400,000 hours of operational flight hours, Turkish drone maker Baykar said on Friday.

"The #BayraktarTB2 fleet broke its own national aviation record AGAIN!," Selcuk Bayraktar,  Baykar’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), said on his Twitter account, retweeting the company’s recent post.

Developed and produced locally, the cutting-edge unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), Bayraktar TB-2, has reached a milestone as the first indigenous aerial vehicle to record such extensive flight time in the country’s aviation history.

Bayraktar TB-2 is a medium altitude long endurance (MALE) and a tactical unmanned aerial vehicle capable of conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as armed attack missions, according to the company’s website.

The entire system is produced domestically thanks to Baykar's technological accumulation and capabilities, while Bayraktar TB-2 is also the first-ever aircraft in its category to be exported.

An onboard avionic suite with a triple-redundant avionic system encompasses units, enabling a fully autonomous taxiing, takeoff, landing and cruise.

Since 2014, it has successfully been carrying out missions within the Turkish Armed Forces, gendarme and police.

The drone killer known as Fedai was developed for neutralizing combat drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

It is being showcased as part of SAHA Expo, a major Turkish defense event which began on Wednesday in Istanbul.

The four-day expo is showcasing Turkish defense products including UAVs, weapons, radar systems, and land and naval vehicles.

Guray Ali Canli, the head of the firm Transvaro, which makes Fedai, said it took its first flight this October.

He stressed that there is a strong foreign demand for the product and that they are preparing to meet this demand.

The first 10 specimens of the carbon-made drone-killer were manufactured through mass production, he said.

The firm prepared a five-vehicle concept for the product, including one vehicle for the control system, other one for radar, thermal camera, and jammer, and three vehicles for multi-launchers.

The firm developed two types of the product, Fedai 101 and Fedai 102, the latter – created at the request of a Southeast Asian country – able to fly at an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,400 feet).

The 102 is longer and heavier than the 101 but has more flight time capacity and explosive material, he said.

In fact, customers see Fedai as a low-altitude air defense system, not just a drone-killer, he said.

Unique design

He also stressed that the product is equipped with a camera, lidar, and thermal camera.

“It’s 100% carbon, a feature that’s unique in the world,” he added.

Canli explained that the anti-drone can currently be launched from multi-launcher and launcher tubes and that they are working on a shoulder-launched version which does not require a radar system for short-range operations.

Fedai will soon be one of the Turkish defense industry’s most important export products, he said.

Canli also said that first deliveries of Fedai are expected early next year, January and February.

He stressed that the firm not only sells Fedai but also a complete system including radar, thermal cameras, jammers, and other unites.

On the global shortage of semiconductors, he said this situation along with rising raw material prices are causing problems for his firm.

The firm also established a radar manufacturer facility in central Turkey which will be operational as of January, he added.

In recent years, Turkey has become a rising star in the global defense and aviation industry.

Especially in aviation and UAVs, Turkey has several companies and brands such as Baykar and TAI which produce aerial vehicles using mostly local resources. Contract for UAV sales have been signed with countries such as NATO member Poland.

After attaching a 5.56-milimeter gun, the firm took the drone, called Songar, a step further, Baris Duzgun, the firm’s general manager told Anadolu Agency during the SAHA Expo, a major defense event in the Turkish metropolis Istanbul.

After opening its doors on Wednesday, the four-day event is showcasing Turkey's defense products including UAVs, weapons, radar systems, and land and naval vehicles.

There are also panels on various topics such as the space program, defense industry cooperation, and engine development.

Duzgun said his firm aims to provide a single type of drone with various payloads instead of designing different drone types.

For next steps, he said the firm plan to equip the drone with smoke bombs so it can help stop riots.

Work to equip the drone with a high-power laser system is ongoing, and during the expo a protocol will be signed by Asisguard, Turkish defense firm Havelsan, and the Informatics and Information Security Research Center of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK BILGEM), he told Anadolu Agency.

In addition, work on a missile option is proceeding rapidly, he added.

“Ramp;D is like planting seeds, you have to continue for a long time,” he stressed.

On exports, he said the drone has been exported to two countries so far and that talks with three countries came to the signing phase.

He stressed that the firm first tries new payloads in Turkey and then offers them to other countries.

In recent years, Turkey has become a rising star in the global defense and aviation industry.

Especially in aviation and UAVs, Turkey has several companies and brands such as Baykar and TAI which produce aerial vehicles using mostly local resources.

In preparing the roadmap, under which numerous projects are being conducted to end the foreign dependence of Turkey's homegrown ground vehicles and aircraft for such parts, the Defense Industries Presidency considered current needs, as well as the existing infrastructure and latest technological developments, the sources recently told Anadolu Agency.

The roadmap consists of two types of engine projects, internal combustion and turbine.

Among internal combustion engines, there are several types, from 170-horsepower drone engines to 1,500-hp engines for tank.

Currently, engine research for armored vehicles Kirpi 2 and Pars are ongoing, with development tests completed.

Work for the engine and transmission of the Firtina howitzer and next-generation light armored vehicles also continue.

On turbine engines, defense industry teams are working on many projects for turbojets, combat aircraft Turkish Fighter X, and various missiles.

The KTJ-3200 engine's development tests are complete, with the engine to be used in Atmaca and SOM missiles.

Efforts for the indigenous Gokbey helicopter and Turkish Fighter X's engines are ongoing, as well.

The concept of metaverse has appeared with investments worth billions of dollars from firms including Facebook, Microsoft, Roblox and Epic and is seen as the next level of the internet.

Through metaverse, companies hope to offer a new fictional universe that can be accessed via the internet.

With the rise in remote work, the demand for more realistic online interaction activities also grew.

People can go shopping, subscribe to services, work with colleagues and play games with others via metaverse's 3D universe.

Metaverse enables people to enter the digital world, reflecting holograms of their own bodies to other places.

This kind of universe was portrayed in movies, games and programs including the Matrix, Pokemon Go, Minority Report and Black Mirror.

Facebook, which changed its name to Meta, managers define metaverse as an environment where people can feel like they are together while playing games or doing research.

Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook or Meta, said his company will be a Metaverse firm within five years instead of a social media company.

He underlined that people will not only be online on platforms but live, work and game on the platforms.

Facebook announced that it will employ 10,000 people in Europe for building its metaverse universe.

The company, which also owns WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger, aims to be a key player in the new internet world.

Next generation of internet

Tuong H. Nguyen, principal analyst at technology firm, Gartner, said metaverse is a persistent and immersive digital environment of independent, yet interconnected networks that will use yet-to-be-determined protocols for communications.

It enables, persistent, decentralized, collaborative, interoperable digital content that intersects with the physical world’s real-time, spatially oriented and indexed content, he stressed.

Metaverse is an example of a combinatorial trend in which several individually important, discrete and independently evolving trends and technologies interact to give rise to another trend, he underlined.

Victoria Petrock, emerging tech analyst, also said: "Metaverse has many different definitions. It’s becoming a bit of a buzzword now, but I think of it as the next generation of the internet."

"A shared virtual 3D environment that can be accessed via the internet and that will enable users to seamlessly move between a variety of interconnected virtual spaces where they (via their avatars or other digital representations of themselves) can meet and interact, shop, work, collaborate, consume entertainment, and play games," she said.

Petrock noted that in metaverse, all of the various separate digital platforms that exist now will theoretically come together and will be accessible via VR headsets, AR glasses, smartphone apps or other yet-to-be-invented devices.

"In the metaverse, people will be living their virtual lives in parallel to their in-person lives via digital doppelgangers – and may even be merging these lives, or not," she added.

Saying that the basic concept of the metaverse has been around for a long time, she stressed that the pandemic has hastened efforts to develop and capitalize on it.

"Physical resources are currently finite, but digital ones can be infinite," she said,

While the firms' shares closed Friday with a price of around $900, they reached $1,030 on Monday.

The closest rival Toyota's valuation -- around $240 billion -- is around a quarter of the US car makers' valuation currently.

After surpassing the $1 trillion mark, Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted: "Wild $T1mes!"

"Introducing Apple Bagdat Caddesi, our beautiful new store in Istanbul. We’re glad to be a part of this vibrant community and we can't wait to welcome customers to this spectacular new space," Cook wrote on his personal Twitter.

The store, located on the Anatolian side of Turkey's most populous city, welcomed its first customers during the day.

Apple on Sept. 14 introduced four new iPhone 13 models, Apple Watch Series 7, a new iPad with A13 bionic chip, and the new iPad Mini.

The company on Oct. 18 unveiled the new MacBook Pro, powered by the all-new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, the 3rd generation of AirPods, and its smart speaker HomePod mini.

Tesla's net income jumped 389% year-on-year to $1.62 billion in July-September this year, the statement said on Wednesday.

The company recorded $13.8 billion in total revenues, up 57% in the same period. This owed to the growth in vehicle deliveries and other parts of the business, it noted.

The gross profit of the company soared 77% on an annual basis to $3.7 billion in the third quarter.

Planning to expand its manufacturing capacity as quickly as possible, the company said "over a multi-year horizon, we expect to achieve 50% average annual growth in vehicle deliveries," depending on equipment capacity, operational efficiency as well as the capacity and stability of the supply chain.