(MENAFN) Turkey's defense industry executive committee has permitted USD5.9 billion in new defense schemes, USD4.5 billion of which will involve local production, based on reports.

The country has assessed the latest developments regarding the production of the joint warplane, and will start the mass production of its locally-developed infantry rifles by this year.

Additionally, the Eurasian Republic has been inviting bidders to cooperate with the Turkish companies for the development of its first long-range air and anti-missile defense system.

Furthermore, Turkish defense industry exports jumped 35 percent over the first two months of the year plus it made significant progress in developing weaponized drones.