Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks at a delivery ceremony of new naval systems in Istanbul, Turkey, on Aug. 23, 2020. Erdogan on Sunday said that Turkey has achieved solid progress in its defense industry and is able to meet its national defense and security needs. (Xinhua)

ISTANBUL, Aug. 23  -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday said that Turkey has achieved solid progress in its defense industry and is able to meet its national defense and security needs.

"The distance we have covered in the defense industry has recently contributed to the achievement of many strategic successes both within and outside our borders," Erdogan said at the delivery ceremony of new naval systems in Istanbul.

He also noted that as the country meets its national defense and security needs, technological independence becomes more critical than ever in creating deterrence in the international arena.

"Looking to the future with confidence is not possible for countries that are not strong and independent in the field of defense," Erdogan said, noting that the defense industry is not an area that can handle stagnation.

"We have to go further and produce more advanced products," he noted.

Turkey added two emergency response and diving training boats, two underwater demolition boats, and eight fast patrol boats to its naval forces at the ceremony, according to the state-run Anadolu agency.