At the “New Era of Connectivity Forum 2025,” Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu stated, “Connectivity is no longer merely a technological issue—it is a strategic necessity.” Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, emphasized that the momentum initiated with Türksat 6A would carry Türkiye into the global satellite market with Türksat 7A. Türksat CEO Ahmet Hamdi Atalay noted, “Türksat 7A will not only be a satellite, but also a symbol of Türkiye’s technological independence.”
Organized by Türksat and held with Anadolu Agency as the Global Communication Partner, the “New Era of Connectivity Forum” took place at the ATO Congresium Congress and Exhibition Center in Ankara, with the attendance of Minister Uraloğlu, Minister Kacır, and President of the Defence Industry Agency Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün.
-Minister Uraloğlu: “Satellites Provide Unique Strategic Advantages”
In his address at the forum, Minister Uraloğlu emphasized that satellite technologies are not only essential for communications but are also strategic components capable of altering the course of modern warfare. Uraloğlu stated that wars are no longer won solely on land, sea, or air—but also in space, “Satellites provide states with a unique strategic edge in areas such as intelligence gathering, real-time communication, target detection, and logistics coordination. For example, satellite-based surveillance and communication systems are playing a vital role in the strategic decision-making processes during the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict.”
Minister Uraloğlu stressed that space technologies are not just technical matters but are now integral to national security, “For Türkiye, asserting a strong presence in space is not only a technological objective but also a necessity for our national security and global competitiveness.”
-“Connectivity Is the Key to the New Era”
Highlighting the importance of secure and uninterrupted connections, Uraloğlu noted, “In Türkiye’s digital transformation journey, producing technology alone is not enough—connectivity is essential. Today, economies, public services, security systems, and development models are directly tied to connection capacity. Therefore, connectivity is the cornerstone of commerce, education, healthcare, and social life.” Uraloğlu emphasized that connectivity is not just a technical requirement but also a driver of social transformation and that a strong and widespread infrastructure is indispensable in the digital age.
-“Satellite Technology Is a Matter of Independence and Sustainability”
Minister Uraloğlu stated that Türkiye has established a broad technological ecosystem—from fiber infrastructure to space—and that these investments offer not only technical but also social and economic returns. Uraloğlu pointed out that building satellites with national technology is not merely about sending devices into space, but rather, “A declaration of a nation’s will to determine its own destiny.” Uraloğlu reminded that Türksat 6A was developed with over 80% domestic content and 84 locally produced components, “With this success, Türkiye has joined the ranks of 11 countries that can design and manufacture their own communications satellites.”
-Minister Kacır: “Türkiye Will Gain a Deterrent Force in Space”
In his speech, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır stated that technological competence has now become a matter of geopolitical competition, “We will reach a level of deterrence where no country will even consider attacking Türkiye.” Kacır emphasized the critical role of space technologies in achieving this goal. Kacır noted that falling launch costs over the past 20 years have revolutionized satellite development and increased the private sector’s involvement, especially with the rise of small and micro satellites. Kacır also highlighted the transformative impact of satellite constellations on communication infrastructure.
-“From Türksat 6A to Türksat 7A”
Minister Kacır stated that Türkiye had elevated its capabilities in the satellite field with Türksat 6A, “We became one of only 11 countries capable of building a communications satellite, achieving over 80% localization with Türksat 6A.” Kacır emphasized that Türksat 7A aims to deliver higher data capacity and flexible mission capabilities.
-“A National Satellite Company Is Being Established”
Kacır announced that a national satellite company is in the process of being established to consolidate satellite development capacities across public institutions. This company will deepen Türkiye’s ability to export complete systems and secure a stronger position in the global satellite market. Kacır also referred to the Moon Mission being led by the Turkish Space Agency, stating that Türkiye will reach the Moon with a spacecraft equipped with a domestically developed propulsion system. Kacır emphasized projects such as the Regional Positioning System, space technology parks, and a national spaceport as part of Türkiye’s long-term strategy to maintain a permanent presence in space.
-“Türkiye Is a Partner, Not a Market”
Highlighting Türkiye’s openness to international cooperation, Kacır said, “Türkiye is not merely a market to which products are sold—it is an active partner in developing technology.” Addressing the international representatives attending the forum, Kacır underlined Türkiye’s role as a reliable and productive strategic partner.
-Defence Industry President Görgün: “First Şimşek-1 Launch in 2027”
President of the Defence Industry Agency Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, spoke about Türkiye’s strategic objectives in developing its own launch systems, “We plan to conduct the first launch test of our Şimşek-1 satellite launch system in 2027.” Görgün also announced that the design of Şimşek-2, a more advanced system, would be completed by the end of the year. Görgün emphasized that modern warfare increasingly relies on space-based systems, “Today, the operational effectiveness of national armed forces depends directly on satellite communication. These systems, which provide uninterrupted communication regardless of geography or conditions, serve as a significant force multiplier for advanced nations.”
-“Türksat 7A Will Play a Critical Role in Satellite Communications”
Görgün explained that Ku-band and X-band satellite terminals are being procured for the Turkish Armed Forces to meet evolving operational needs. Görgün added, “We aim to fulfill these needs entirely through domestic production soon. Our planning for this continues with the Türksat 7A platform.” Görgün also highlighted that for sustainable space capabilities, not only production but also space-proven systems and uninterrupted testing—known as the “heritage process”—are essential for ultimate success.
-“Satellite Imaging Projects Are Ongoing”
Görgün noted that to meet the Turkish Armed Forces’ needs for ultra-high-resolution satellite imagery, the Göktürk Renewal Satellite System, İMECE-2 and İMECE-3 satellite constellation projects, and GÖKTÜRK-3 are being developed simultaneously, significantly contributing to Türkiye’s intelligence and defense power.
“Şimşek-2 Design to Be Completed by Year-End”
Görgün announced that concept design work is ongoing for the Şimşek-2 launch system, which will have greater capacity than Şimşek-1, “By the end of this year, we will complete the project for Şimşek-2, which can launch satellites weighing 1,500 kg into a 700 km sun-synchronous orbit. This system will give us the ability to independently launch our reconnaissance and surveillance satellites.” Görgün concluded by reaffirming their full support for the National Space Program initiated under President Erdoğan’s leadership, “As the Defence Industry Agency, we will continue to contribute to every step of this visionary roadmap.”
-Atalay: “With Türksat 7A, We Will Turn Our Space Industry into a Global Power”
Türksat CEO Ahmet Hamdi Atalay emphasized the wide scope of services provided by Türksat, “Türksat is everywhere.” Atalay stated that 20 billion devices are currently interconnected through telecommunications networks, a number expected to reach 40–50 billion within the next 5–10 years. Atalay also noted that the current data volume of 150 zettabytes is projected to grow to 500 zettabytes. Atalay highlighted the importance of 5G infrastructure and the upcoming 6G era of the 2030s. He added that while low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations are emerging, Türksat continues its commitment to traditional satellite services.
Atalay emphasized the value of the “New Era of Connectivity Forum” in evaluating these developments:
“Within four years at most, we must launch Türksat 7A. This forum allows us to define how we’ll build it, what features it should have, and with whom we’ll collaborate. With Türksat 6A, we became one of the few countries capable of producing its own communications satellite. With Türksat 7A, we’ll solidify this achievement. Afterward, our satellite industry won’t just serve Türkiye—it will become a producer and exporter to the world.”
“Space Economy to Surpass $1.5 Trillion by 2030”
Former Head of Business Development at Lockheed Martin Space Systems Mesut Çiçeker, also spoke at the event. Çiçeker noted that the global space economy reached $450 billion in 2023 and is expected to exceed $1.5 trillion by 2030. Çiçeker expressed hope that Türkiye would secure its rightful share of this growing market. Çiçeker highlighted Türkiye’s strong testing infrastructure, particularly through TUSAŞ, and encouraged a more export-oriented approach, “With Türksat 6A as a reference, Türkiye can join the ranks of leading space companies globally. You must use your capabilities wisely.”
-Türksat 7A Project Cooperation Protocol Signed
Following the opening speeches, a cooperation protocol for the Türksat 7A project was signed. The protocol was signed by Türksat Chairman Prof. Dr. Kemal Yüksek and UDHAM President Selami Yazıcı. The agreement outlines the Ministry’s support framework for the production phase of Türksat 7A.