Prof. Dr. Haluk Gorgun, President of the Defense Industry and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Armed Forces Strengthening Foundation (TSKGV), who came to Erzurum to attend the opening program of the TSKGV Erzurum Regional Representation, visited Erzurum Technical University (ETU) with his delegation.

Prof. Dr. Gorgun and his delegation, who were welcomed by Rector Prof. Dr. Bulent Cakmak, received information about the university's scientific and technological infrastructure and research and development activities that can contribute to the defense industry.

The visit was also attended by the Secretary General of the National Security Council and former Governor of Erzurum, Okay Memis, the Governor of Erzurum, Aydin Barus, the Commander of the 3rd Army, Lieutenant General Tuncay Altug, the Commander of the 9th Corps, Major General Osman Akyildiz, and the Mayor of Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality, Mehmet Sekmen.

During the meeting held at the Rectorate, Rector Prof. Dr. Bulent Cakmak briefed the delegation on ETU's scientific studies, university-industry collaborations, technology development activities, and efforts to train qualified human resources.

On-Site Examination of the High Technology Center's Activities

Following the visit to the Rectorate, Prof. Dr. Haluk Gorgun and the accompanying delegation visited the High Technology Application and Research Center (YUTAM), one of the important centers of ETU's research and innovation infrastructure.

The delegation examined the research infrastructure within the center and received information from Rector Prof. Dr. Bulent Cakmak about the ongoing scientific and technological studies. The visit addressed the university's technical capabilities, advanced technology-focused research, and R&D activities carried out in various disciplines.

The visit also included discussions on the role of universities in developing high value-added technologies needed by the defense industry, emphasizing the importance of transforming academic knowledge into technology and tangible outputs.

Rector Prof. Dr. Bulent Cakmak expressed his satisfaction with the visit, stating that ETU places great importance on utilizing its scientific research and technology development capacity in line with the country's strategic goals. He noted that the strong research infrastructure established within the university allows for collaborations with the public sector and industry, in addition to academic studies. Cakmak added that they continue their work with the goal of contributing to Turkey's priority technology areas, particularly the defense industry, through qualified human resources and scientific production.

Prof. Dr. Haluk Gorgun stated that universities play a significant role in achieving Turkey's goals in the defense industry and technology sectors, emphasizing the importance of transforming qualified academic knowledge into strategic outputs through R&D and innovative projects. He stressed that strong collaborations with universities are of great value in the development of the defense industry, and that utilizing academic expertise, young researchers, and technological infrastructure in line with the country's needs is of strategic importance.

Corporate Communications and Promotion Directorate, August 8, 2026