Tag: IDEF

Turkey Meets Over Half Its Defense Requirements Domestically

Turkey Meets Over Half Its Defense Requirements Domestically

Publication: Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 8 Issue: 100

May 24, 2011

By: Saban Kardas

The 10^th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF), held in Istanbul on May 10 – 13, was an important venue to demonstrate the transformation of the Turkish defense industry in recent years. Organized biannually since the 1990s, the event featured over 600 companies or company representatives from 49 countries, including Turkey, while delegations from over 70 countries visited (www.idef11.com). Delivering an address at the inauguration, President Abdullah Gul reiterated the importance Turkey attaches to the defense industry. He referred to Turkey’s efforts to increase local input in defense procurement through greater utilization of various joint production programs and boosting domestically designed production (Star, May 11).

Despite some international representation, the fair largely served to exhibit products of Turkish producers, as well as to publicize the achievements of Turkey’s flagship defense projects in recent years. Leading defense companies such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing and EADS were also present, but Western defense observers reportedly maintained that “in nature, the fair remains mostly a Turkish, regional and Middle Eastern event.” In a development reflecting the regional nature of the event, the largest deal struck at IDEF 2011 was reportedly an agreement for Turkey’s export defense equipment to Qatar, including small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), worth $120 million (Hurriyet Daily News, May 13).

Armored vehicles, Turkey’s major export items, which find buyers in the Middle East and South Asia, were on display at the event. Moreover, a great deal of publicity was devoted to Turkey’s main battle tank project, which was developed in partnership with South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem, supplying the technological know-how (EDM, August 7, 2008). Turkish military vehicle producer, Otokar, introduced the first prototype of the tank at the fair, named Altay. Otokar expects the tanks to be ready for sale by 2016.

Similarly, the results of Turkey’s national warship projects were also publicized at the fair. A Turkish corvette designed and produced in Turkey’s shipbuilding yards was on display. In recent years, Turkey has placed greater emphasis on developing its national capacity to build warships of different classes to meet the Navy’s needs. Murad Bayar, the head of the Under Secretariat for the Defense Industry (SSM), the organization in charge of procurement programs, argued recently that Turkey is capable of producing aircraft carriers domestically (Star, May 8).

Another high publicity weapons system on display was various UAV projects. The Turkish armed forces use several small-sized UAVs produced in Turkey and SSM has recently signed a contract with another defense manufacturing firm to produce tactical UAVs (Anadolu Ajansi, January 4). Turkey has also been working to develop a national medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAV system to reduce its dependence on the United States and Israel for strategic intelligence gathering. ASELSAN, contractor for Turkey’s MALE UAV project, announced recently that its UAV, named ANKA, successfully passed test flights and could become operational in one year’s time. Defense industry analysts expect the UAV market to record rapid growth in the coming years. They argue that with its recent investments in the UAV sector, Turkey is poised to emerge as a leading supplier in its region (Haberturk, May 9).

Turkey is also working on a national attack helicopter project, ATAK, in partnership with Italy. Meanwhile, to meet the Turkish army’s needs for general attack helicopters, Turkey has been evaluating various offers for some time (EDM, July 7, 2009). Turkey finally made a decision on a long-awaited tender and awarded the deal to U.S. Sikorsky. Turkish Defense Minister, Vecdi Gonul, described the $3.5 billion deal as a milestone, as it would involve joint helicopter production (Anadolu Ajansi, April 21).

Although foreign participation remained limited, the expanding product line on display at IDEF underscored the transformation of the Turkish defense industry and its expanding potential to meet the needs of the armed forces. In that regard, the recent figures released by the Defense Industry Manufacturers’ Association also represented a bright picture for the sector (Anadolu Ajansi, April 26). In 2010, 52 percent of Turkish armed forces weapons systems needs were supplied by domestic producers. This development was seen as a success story, as the SSM had set the target of meeting 50 percent of the TAF’s needs domestically. In 2003, the ratio of domestic production in the military procurement total was only 25 percent.

At the same time, the total volume of Turkish arms exports reached $634.2 million in 2010, five percent less than the previous year, reflecting the impact of the global financial crisis. Nonetheless, considering that in 2004 Turkey’s exports were only $196 million, there is a visible improvement in its overall export potential. Representatives of the sector aim to reach an annual export volume of $1 billion this year and $2 billion by 2016. According to other statistics, total revenues for Turkish defense firms reached $2.7 billion in 2010, again a significant leap from $848 million ten years earlier. Reflecting this growing economic potential, Turkey invested over $500 million in research and development activities in 2010.

Determined to maintain this momentum, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan argued during a recent meeting with businessmen that the Turkish defense industry’s annual revenues will exceed $8 billion in five years (Hurriyet, May 19). Indeed, it has been part of Erdogan’s goals to achieve self-sufficiency in military procurement since his party came to power in 2002. In 2004, Turkey overhauled its military modernization programs and rules on military procurement, seeking to increase the domestically manufactured share. The recent advances in that direction have pleased Erdogan, as he constantly refers to the transformation of the Turkish defense industry in his state of the union addresses (Anadolu Ajansi, October 30, 2010).

While Turkey was largely dependent on defense sector imports during the 1990s, the military modernization programs during that decade were focused on joint production with foreign manufacturers to supply the Turkish army. These facilitated the emergence of a domestic arms industry. In the last decade, the Turkish defense industry has increasingly shifted in the direction of national design and production, based on the accumulated experience and technology transfers achieved through international partnerships. This growth, which is geared toward meeting the Turkish army’s needs, has been achieved largely thanks to support and protection provided by the Turkish government. Yet, the Turkish defense industry seems to be moving to a new phase of mass production for international markets, where it is likely to face fiercer competition.

https://jamestown.org/program/turkey-meets-over-half-its-defense-requirements-domestically/

May 24, 2011
US reconnaissance plane supplying Turkey with intelligence

TOLGA TANIŞ

WASHINGTON – Hürriyet

The EP–3E reconnaissance planes allegedly relay key intelligence about PKK movements to the Turkish military. Hürriyet photo

A United States reconnaissance plane called EP–3E, which specializes in intercepting communication and radar signals, has allegedly been relaying critical intelligence to the Turkish military about the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, movements.

The U.S. ambassador to Ankara, Francis J. Ricciardone, however, refused to disclose any further information regarding his earlier claims that the U.S. incurred about $400 million in annual costs, or about $ 1 million a day, assisting Turkey to help fight terrorism.

“The PKK also knows that we are [assisting Turkey in her fight.] They must be wondering why the targeting is so accurate,” said Ricciardone who added he would not be able to divulge any details about intelligence disbursements, while talking to members of press in Istanbul on Wednesday.

The U.S. military unit that supplies information to the Turkish military is called VQ–2, or Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Two, originally founded in 1955. The EP–3E reconnaissance planes, allegedly relay key intelligence about PKK movements to the Turkish military, are reportedly part of this unit, which operates under the U.S. Navy. The unit is located on Whidbey Island, but in case it is involved in PKK-related operations, it would then be serving under the command of the 6th U.S. Fleet, according to a spokesman for the U.S. Naval Command.

Real-time intelligence sharing between the U.S. and Turkey in order to supply critical information about PKK movements to the Turkish military was formally agreed upon by Prime Minister Erdoğan and former U.S. President George W. Bush in 2007.

Ambassador Ricciardone also said political and military cooperation between the U.S. and Turkey always was and still is strong during his visit to the 2011 International Defense Industry Fair, or IDEF, in Istanbul between May 10 and 13. The U.S. diplomat added that Turkish and American military personnel, diplomats and civilians were working shoulder to shoulder to maintain peace and security in the world, citing Libya and Somalia as examples of successful cooperation between the two countries. Ricciardone further said as the defense industry grows, it would prove to be one of the primary links in economic ties between Turkey and the U.S.

Ricciardone’s comments had come after Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Çiçek and Defense Minister Vecdi Gönül claimed the U.S. did not back Turkey in its fight against the outlawed PKK at the same level as Ankara helped the U.S. in its global fight against al-Qaeda.

The PKK is recognized as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.

via US reconnaissance plane supplying Turkey with intelligence – Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review.

May 17, 2011
IDEF’11 EURASIAN MEETING

IDEF’11, the 10th International Defence Industry Fair, is held under the auspices and support of theMinistry of National Defence and under the management and responsibility of Turkish Armed Forces Foundation. The fair is organized by Tuyap Fairs and Exhibitions Organization Inc. between 10-13 May 2011, at the TÜYAP Fair, Convention and Congress Center Büyükçekmece, Istanbul. IDEF’11 is opened by President of Turkish Republic, Mr. Abdullah GÜL.

Total of 621 domestic and foreign companies and company representatives from 48 countries (including Turkey), some of which are the leaders of the defence industry, meeting at IDEF-2011. In addition to companies, 84 delegations are visiting the fair including 419 foreign delegation members from 70 countries. 27 Ministers, 10 Deputy Ministers, 4 Chiefs of Armed Forces, 7 Deputy Chiefs of Armed Forces, 1 Force Commander, 11 Undersecretaries.

Along with the Ministers of Defence, the Chiefs of Armed Forces, high-level civilian and military authorities and the executives of defence industry procurement agencies of allied countries get a chance to exchange views during their visit to IDEF’11. Both domestic and foreign industrial organizations have the opportunity to establish important business connections.

“100th Anniversary Activities” of the glorious Turkish Air Forces, which competes with the age, made IDEF’11 even more exciting and colorful.

The surface ships, which have been designed and produced at Turkish Shipbuilding Yards, will also be exhibited at the Büyükçekmece Cove.

May 13, 2011
IDEF 2011: New combat shotgun unveiled

Turkish firearms design company UTAS used the IDEF exhibition in Istanbul to unveil a new combat shotgun, which it claims addresses all the shortcomings of current products on the market.

The UTS-15, which features a magazine top-feed system and light-weight carbon fibre and polymer construction, weighs 3kg and is 71cm long and yet is capable of holding 15 rounds.

UTAS director of manufacturing and product development Ted Hatfield said the company had originally been approached by Smith & Wesson to develop a high-capacity, short, robust and yet simple to operate pump-action shotgun.

However, following the development of a prototype, the US firearms company pulled out of the project and UTAS decided to take it forward itself.

Designed for use by police and military forces during urban engagements, the shotgun features automatic alternating or selectable feed dual magazines, with quick loading ports, compressible magazine springs and shell counters. The company claims that the UTS-15 is the fastest loading shotgun ever designed.

Hatfield highlighted aspects of the design to Shephard, including a selector that allows each magazine to be selected, a collapsible follower that removes any pressure on the last round, and an action that loads the shell at the same speed regardless of how fast or slow the pumping action.

The shotgun also features a point-and-shoot spotlight and laser night sight as well as an integrated top-mounted picatenny rail for iron sights or optics.

Hatfield said the company was hoping to move into full production of the UTS-15 before the end of the month and was currently looking at tooling and manufacturing options in the US.

‘We have done hours of tests and fired thousands of rounds, and we are extremely happy with the design – the shotgun is capable, robust and simple to operate and maintain.’
Tony Skinner, Istanbul

Shephard

May 13, 2011
President Gül opens international defense fair in İstanbul

President Abdullah Gül officially opened the 10th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF’11) at İstanbul’s Tüyap Convention Center in Büyükçekmece on Tuesday.

President Abdullah Gül is seen next to the unmanned aerial vehicle Anka, developed by Turkey’s Tusaş Engine Industries (TIE) during the 10th International Defense Industry Fair in İstanbul’s Tüyap Convention Center.

President Abdullah Gül is seen next to the unmanned aerial vehicle Anka, developed by Turkey’s Tusaş Engine Industries (TIE) during the 10th International Defense Industry Fair in İstanbul’s Tüyap Convention Center.

During his remarks Gül emphasized the significance of hosting this fair in a city that connects two continents and has become an important center in its geographic region. “Especially in recent years, Turkey has placed greater importance on its national defense industry. Designing our own defense products and producing them using only domestic resources are big steps towards the development of this sector in Turkey,” Gül noted.

The fair, which will run May 10-13, will host many chiefs of general staff, defense ministers and military authorities from around the world. High-level military staff will have the opportunity to exchange views during their visit to IDEF’11, while foreign arms manufacturers and other defense contractors will also have the opportunity to establish important business contacts.

A total of 575 domestic and foreign companies from 44 countries — including Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TAI), Aselsan, Roketsan, FNSS Defense Systems, Otokar and more — have gathered for the defense fair. Turkey’s Tusaş Engine Industries (TIE) will present its unmanned aerial vehicle, while Aselsan will participate with its 60-ton Leopard 2A4 tank. An active remote controlled defense and surveillance system called Nöbetçi, which is aimed at replacing sentries at military bunkers and outposts, will also be exhibited.

The Turkish president also shared his views on rising tensions in the Middle East and North Africa, saying that maintaining peace, stability and security in the world should be a priority for all countries. “In order to achieve this [peace, stability and security] it is certain that appropriate policies, politics and other tools are necessary. We need to understand that the defense industry is indispensable for preventing wars around the world, not to get involved in wars,” Gül said. “A country which does not have sufficient preparations to dissuade threats will be an open target.”

After the fair opening, Gül, Defense Minister Vecdi Gönül and Chief of General Staff Gen. Işık Koşaner also opened the booth for Turkey’s first national tank, the Altay, which is being presented to the public for the first time.

zaman

May 11, 2011