Following its declaration as a pandemic, the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), pushed countries to take strict measures and raised many questions regarding both the economy and the continuity of production activities.

Unlike the surface combatants that can move and perform evasive maneuvers only in two dimensions, the submarine is a strategically important naval platform that can operate and carry out independent operations in a three-dimensional environment without any external support even in enemy-controlled waters with its silent, hidden, and surprising features.

METU has proudly completed hundreds of projects within the scope of cooperation with defense industry companies. In this exclusive interview with Prof. Mustafa Verşan KÖK - METU Rector & Chairman of ODTÜ TEKNOKENT discusses the impressive and innovative projects that have been launched, and the success of the establishment of the Defense Industry Research and Technology Development Sub-Region (SATGEB) at ODTÜ TEKNOKENT in 2006. R&D departments of major contractors of the industry such as Aselsan, Havelsan and Turkish Aerospace are located at ODTÜ TEKNOKENT where new entrepreneurs, scientists, researchers cultivate collaboration, building upon Turkey’s strengths and future vision.