The program titled "From the Young Generation to the 6th Generation," organized as part of the 20th anniversary events of Kastamonu University, was held on October 12, 2026, in the Sezai Karakoç Hall of our University Central Library. 

Before the program, the General Manager of Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TUSAŞ), Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu, visited our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, in his office. During the meeting, an exchange of views was held on the collaboration opportunities between our University and the defense and aviation industry. 

Following the visit, our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, Vice Rectors, Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük and Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan; our academic and administrative staff; and many of our students attended the program. 

The program featured TUSAŞ General Manager Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu as a speaker, who discussed the development of Türkiye's aviation and space industry, the national technology initiative, future technologies, and career opportunities for young people. In his speech, Dr. Demiroğlu touched upon the history of aviation, stating that the major developments in this field began with a dream and that these dreams were transformed into concrete successes through determined efforts. Stating that the Wright brothers created a turning point in aviation history, Demiroğlu drew attention to the works of figures such as Vecihi Hürkuş, Nuri Demirağ, and Selahattin Reşit Alan, who contributed to Turkish aviation history. Demiroğlu emphasized that the studies led by Özdemir Bayraktar also contributed to the development of Türkiye's aviation and defense industry. 

Dr. Demiroğlu stated that Türkiye has taken steps toward developing its own technology in the aviation field and that the nationalization initiative launched in 2005 marked a new era in the sector. Providing information about the activities carried out at the TUSAŞ campus in Kahramankazan, Demiroğlu stated that they contribute to Türkiye's defense industry through the development and production of aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), space systems, and aviation structures. 

Stating that Türkiye's geographical location necessitates the continuous development of defense technologies, Dr. Demiroğlu emphasized the strategic importance of producing critical technologies with domestic capabilities. Noting that artificial intelligence, advanced communication and security systems, composite materials, and additive manufacturing technologies stand out among the future aviation technologies, Demiroğlu stated that the studies on sixth-generation technologies are also an important part of this transformation. 

Emphasizing the importance of using artificial intelligence in a conscious and productive manner, Dr. Demiroğlu offered the following advice to young people: "Develop artificial intelligence yourself, learn how to use and operate it. Artificial intelligence should not be something that thinks for you but rather a tool that makes your tasks easier. You take part in the thinking and decision-making part of the job and learn to have artificial intelligence do the work. In data analysis and evaluation processes, knowing how to use these technologies correctly is of considerable importance." 

Dr. Demiroğlu emphasized the necessity of interdisciplinary work in the aviation and space industry, stating that software, artificial intelligence, and various engineering disciplines are of significant importance in fields such as mechanical engineering, computer engineering, software, and materials science. He stated that the studies conducted on composites, ceramics, advanced materials, and self-healing structures are important for the future of air and defense vehicles.

Dr. Demiroğlu also stated that advancements in composite manufacturing methods and additive manufacturing technologies offer new production opportunities in the aviation industry. In his speech, Dr. Demiroğlu, who also addressed career opportunities for young people, stated that TUSAŞ conducts programs for students at different educational levels and expressed that university students can benefit from internship, technical work, and project development opportunities.

Emphasizing that students' academic achievements, as well as their work in social and technical fields, their inclination toward teamwork, and their efforts to improve themselves are also important, Demiroğlu continued his words as follows: We want you to be a part of these efforts. We have internship programs for university students. When evaluating applications, we consider the success in the university entrance exam and the GPA. However, we do not only look at academic success. What you do in social and technical areas, how you work with teams, and where you develop yourself are also important to us. 

Stating that they attach importance to developing cooperation with universities, Dr. Demiroğlu expressed that they are working on collaborations that will support successful students' access to internship opportunities. Stating that they aim to provide suitable working environments for young people to bring their ideas to life,  Dr. Demiroğlu emphasized the importance of the developed ideas being based on practical and concrete goals. He stated that through joint efforts with universities and various programs, they aim for young people to closely understand the needs of the sector and to take an active role in the development of future technologies. 

After Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu's speech, in the question-and-answer session, students had the opportunity to directly ask Demiroğlu their questions about the aviation and space industry and future technologies.

At the end of the program, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, presented a certificate of appreciation and a gift to the General Manager of TUSAŞ, Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu.