Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Palestinian Ministry of Health: Two were martyred in Israeli shelling that targeted a besieged house in the town of Qabatiya in Jenin
At least 68 dead in migrant shipwreck off Yemen: IOM
Trump: We want to feed the people in Gaza, we do not want them to starve.
US President Donald Trump: We will impose sanctions on Russia if it does not end the war on Ukraine.
Israeli media: Polls show that 52% oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while only 29% support him.
Israeli media: 32% of Americans still support "Israel's" war on Hamas, while 60% oppose it.
Israeli media: Core US support for "Israel" hits its lowest, while support for Palestine reaches its highest levels.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent reports martyrs, injuries in Israeli bombardment of home in Heker al-Jame area in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.
Al-Quds Governorate: Today, the spatial division of Al-Aqsa Mosque began in a public and dangerous manner, and we warn of a religious war in the region
The Ministry of Health in Gaza: This brings the total number of victims of famine and malnutrition to 175, including 93 children

Bayraktar slams Kilicdaroglu who promised Airport to US company

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Al Mayadeen Net
  • 29 Apr 2023 18:06
3 Min Read

Khalouk Byaraktar, CEO of Baykar Technology, criticizes the Turkish opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu, accusing him of overlooking Turkish companies in favor of US Sierra Nevada.

  • x
  • Kemal Kilidaroglu, leader of the  Republican People's Party (CHP) speaks at a press conference in Ankara, Turkey, 11 October 2021. (Reuters)
    Kemal Kilidaroglu, leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) speaks at a press conference in Ankara, Turkey, 11 October 2021. (Reuters)

A statement by Turkish opposition leader, Kemal Kilicdaroglu has sparked controversy on Social Media after he announced that he would contract US company Sierra Nevada to develop Ataturk Airport, provided he comes out victorious in the upcoming Turkish Presidential elections. 

Kilicdaroglu posted a video on his Twitter account promising Turkish voters that he would transform Ataturk Airport into a center for aviation and space studies while promoting the foreign Sierra Nevada as the corporation to carry the process out. 

This announcement prompted criticism from Khalouk Bayraktar, CEO of defense company, Bykar Technology. The Turkish businessman questioned the opposition leader's statement on Haberturk TV, saying, "What do you mean when you say you will give up this place (Ataturk Airport) to a company that deals directly with the CIA? The American company adheres to American rules."

Bayraktar pointed to the vast amount of Turkish companies that could take on such a project, questioning Kilicdaroglu's decision to select a US-based company instead of the "10,000 companies" companies in Turkey.

Bykar technology produces Turkey's Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicle which is primarily used by the Turkish Army and sold to militaries all around the world. Its CEO posted a picture on Twitter in response to Kilicdaroglu's plans showing the massive crowds at the TEKNOFEST event which features multiple Turkish aviation companies, held annually at the Ataturk Airport.

Related News

Turkey, Egypt discuss Gaza aid, ceasefire talks: Reports

Report questions Turkey’s role in future European defense plans

Milyondan fazla gencin yarıştığı, dünyanın en iyisi Milli Teknoloji Projelerinin sergilendiği TEKNOFEST’e ev sahipliği yapan Atatürk Havalimanı’nı ABD’li bir şirkete verme fikri…

Halen “en iyisini” Türklerin değil de ABD şirketlerinin yapabileceğini zannetmek…

Nuri Demirağ’ın… pic.twitter.com/0UL1EAMaDA

— Haluk Bayraktar (@haluk) April 27, 2023

Bayraktar believes that it is in the best interest of Turkey to promote national companies instead of relying on foreign corporations which he accused of being affiliated with the CIA.

Kilicdaroglu quote retweeted Bayraktar, urging the businessman to not be "so politicized", underlining that the tech tycoon is valuable to Turkey. The Republican People's Party's (CHP) leader warned the CEO of being utilized as a "propaganda tool" by the Erdogan-led Justice and Development Party (AKP), as the 2023 Turkish elections near closer.

The CHP presidential candidate said there will be "enough room" for Turkish entrepreneurs to invest and operate in the country.

Bu kadar siyasallaşmayın Sevgili Haluk Bey. Siz ailece bizim için çok değerlisiniz. Bir partinin seçim propagandası olmak size yakışmaz. İstikbalde başarılı bütün Türk girişimcilerimize yer var. Uzay hepinize yetecek kadar geniş. https://t.co/KhHoM1QUen

— Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu (@kilicdarogluk) April 28, 2023

Kemal Kilicdarogu, 74, is expected to put up a fierce fight against Erdogan who has rotated top governmental positions in the country since 2003, as the opposition leader heads a coalition of parties aiming to end Erdogan's run in Turkey on May 14.

Read more: Turkish Elections 2023: Resurrecting Ataturk or the Empire?

  • Turkey
  • Bayraktar
  • Ataturk Airport
  • TB2 Bayraktar
  • Sierra Nevada
  • CIA

Most Read

A rescued crew member from the ETERNITY C vessel in a video released by the Yemeni Armed Forces on July 28, 2025 (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemen Navy reveals fate of targeted Eternity C ship crew

  • Politics
  • 28 Jul 2025
An Israeli tank explodes following an ambush by al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza, Occupied Palestine, undated (Al-Qassam Military Media)

Al-Qassam strikes Israeli vehicles in Gaza, inflicts casualties

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025
UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

  • Politics
  • 1 Aug 2025
Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
A member of the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, takes part in a parade as he celebrates a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli regime in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, January 19, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Al-Qassam: We’ll allow aid to Israeli captives if Gaza siege ends

Freed Lebanese freedom fighter Georges Abdallah during an interview on Al Mayadeen, which aired on Sunday, August 3, 2025 (Al Mayadeen screengrab)
Politics

Exclusive: Resistance key to building state, Georges Abdallah says

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres gives a statement about the situation in Gaza at UN headquarters, Friday, June 27, 2025 (AP)
Politics

UN warns Gaza faces water crisis, looming famine under Israeli siege

Israeli soldiers drive their armored personnel carrier along the Gaza Strip, in southern occupied Palestine, Wednesday, July 30, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Ex-Israeli general says Gaza starvation campaign isolated 'Israel'

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS