Terror Attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries leaves four dead, over dozen injured

ANKARA – Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) came under on Wednesday while four people have been killed and over dozen others injured. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the incident as a “heinous terrorist attack,” confirming that two assailants were neutralized by security forces.

The assault occurred in Kahramankazan, with Turkish media reporting a loud explosion after gunfire. Footage from the scene showed thick smoke and flames engulfing the headquarters of the state-run defense firm.

The attackers were spotted carrying assault rifles, with reports indicating that at least one female attacker was involved. It was said that three attackers who took employees hostage.

Experts believe the assault was well-planned, given the attackers’ apparent knowledge of the building’s layout. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as of now.

Emergency services were quickly dispatched to the site to assist those injured. NATO chief Mark Rutte expressed deep concern over the situation, reaffirming NATO’s solidarity with Turkey and condemning terrorism in all its forms.

TUSAS remains a key player in Turkey’s defense industry, recognized for developing significant military projects, including the KAAN, the country’s first national combat aircraft. This attack coincided with a major defense and aerospace trade fair in Istanbul, attended by Ukraine’s top diplomat. Turkey’s defense sector, known for its Bayraktar drones, is projected to generate over $10.2 billion in revenue for 2023, accounting for nearly 80% of the nation’s export earnings.