Defence Turkey: Can we start our conversation with some details about the establishment, purpose, vision, and activities of the Information Technologies Institute (BTE), which is one of the 6 Institutes within the TÜBİTAK Informatics and Information Security Research Center (BİLGEM) which develops the R&D-intensive critical subsystems of several projects including TF-X (MMU), MİLDEN, Mine and Improvised Explosive Disposal, and Laser systems? 

Dr. Hakkı Murat GENÇ: BTE was established in 1995 within the Marmara Research Center of TÜBITAK to include Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Computer-Aided Design, Robotics, and Space Technologies Departments. Since its establishment, our institute continues to carry out critical R&D studies for our country in a broad spectrum of technologies, including air, land, sea defense, cloud computing, air traffic control, and various radar development activities. Additionally, our staff, which consisted of approximately 60 people during its establishment, has approached 700 today, together with the ones we’re hiring through subcontractor companies.