Turkey spearheads major high-tech developments in 2019

The Turkish government and private sector spearheaded significant technological advances during 2019, including a flying car, indigenous electric vehicle, and a laser gun. 

The central government has taken important steps in technology, defense, and aviation and has continued to support the private sector and educational activities, according to coverage over the year by Anadolu Agency.

After starting work on producing an indigenous car in 2018, Turkey completed its development and design in 18 months and presented its first prototype on Dec. 27.

The 200- and 400-horsepower car will start production in 2022 with five different models -- SUV, sedan, c-hatchback, b-SUV and b-MPV.

Turkey has different vehicle and engine producers such as defense firm BMC and diesel-engine manufacturer Erinmotor, and many defense firms designing, producing, and introducing different types of defense vehicles and guns, including armored vehicles, laser guns, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and military equipment.

The Turkish Aerospace multi-role utility helicopter called Gokbey, introduced this December, made its first certification flight in July.

In July, U.S.-based Defense News announced that five Turkish defense companies were among the world's top 100 defense firms.

Meanwhile, Turkish drone maker Baykar unveiled the first Turkish flying car, Cezeri, in August, with the car set to hit the market in some 10-15 years.

After forming its own space agency in December 2018, Turkey also announced that 2020 will see the release of its National Space Program. 

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