Turkish Defence News

ATAK Team Announce T129 Maiden Flight

2009-09-29T17:25:00.001+03:00

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the ATAK Team, comprising Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI), Aselsan and AgustaWestland, has successfully performed the maiden flight of the first T129 prototype. [AgustaWestland designation is AW729—Ed.]

The T129 P1 prototype helicopter’s maiden flight was successfully completed by AgustaWestland and TAI test pilots during an official ceremony held at AgustaWestland facilities in Vergiate, Italy.

The ATAK Programme was initiated with the aim to meet the 50 firm and 41 optional Attack/Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopter requirement of the Turkish Land Forces Command (TLF) by the integration of high-tech avionic equipment, hardware and software which will be developed locally. The programme, in which the Turkish aviation industry is fully involved in the design, development and production phases, is running on time and on budget.

General Manager of TAI, Muharrem Dortkasli said: “It is a great privilege to be here today to witness the first flight of the T129, which will become the most advanced helicopter in its category, so satisfying the requirements of the Land Forces as well as making it very appealing to the international market. An international market in which the Turkish industry will play a primary role.

“It has been a long journey for us to come to this point. We are proud of the success the ATAK Team has generated, a success which I am sure will be followed by many others.”

[AgustaWestland CEO] Giuseppe Orsi commented: “It gives us great pleasure to celebrate today the first flight of the most modern combat helicopter in the world. This event sets a major milestone in our longstanding partnership with Turkish industry and provides clear evidence of how effective this collaboration has been in jointly developing a state-of-the-art all customer-focused solution designed and brought to life in an extraordinary timely manner.

“Today the Turkish aviation industry enters a new era at the forefront of rotorcraft technology. We are committed to further expanding such a successful cooperation in the future.”

(EDITOR’S NOTE: The contracts for the Turkish Attack and Reconnaissance Helicopter (ATAK) Program were signed in April 2007 and became effective in June 2008. At the time, the contract for the first 50 helicopters was valued at about 1.2 billion euros.
The ATAK Program was initiated to meet the Turkish Land Forces Command’s requirement for 50 firm and 41 optional Attack/Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopters, equipped with high-tech avionics hardware and software to be developed by Turkey.
TAI is the Prime Contractor of the ATAK Program, with ASELSAN and AgustaWestland as subcontractors. The helicopters will be manufactured at Turkey’s Center of Aerospace, TAI. The high performance new engine, Automatic Flight Control System and Air Vehicle Monitoring System will be integrated by AgustaWestland, one of the global leaders in rotorcraft industry.
The planned duration of the ATAK Program is 114 months from June 2008, and the first T129 ATAK Helicopter will be delivered in the 60th month.
The Collaboration Agreement also provides TAI with the right to sell and market the T129 ATAK Helicopter worldwide, except in Italy and the UK.)

defense-aerospace.com, LINK

TURKEY - Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Guided Missiles

2009-09-18T16:48:00.002+03:00

WASHINGTON --- Today the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Turkey of 13 Patriot Fire Units, 72 Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3) missiles, four PAC-3 Lot Validation Missiles, 197 MIM-104E Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missiles-T (GEM-T), four MIM-104E GEM-T Lot Validation Missiles, five Patriot Digital Missiles, five Anti-Tactical Missiles and other related support and equipment.

The estimated cost is $7.8 billion.

In addition, the potential sale includes eight AN/USQ-140(V)(2)(c) (RT-1785) or AN/USQ-140(V)(11)(c) Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems/Low Volume Terminals (MIDS/LVT-2), 13 AN/MPQ-65 Radar Sets, four Tactical Command Systems, 13 Battery Command Posts, six Communication Relay Groups, 13 Engagement Control Stations, 48 M902 Launching Stations, 52 Antenna Mast Groups, 13 Electronic Power Plant III (EPP), 100 THALES 9310C Very High Frequency (VHF) Voice Radios, 150 THALES 9310C VHF Data Radios, containers, battery and battalion maintenance equipment, prime movers, generators, electrical power units, personnel training and training equipment, trailers, communication equipment, tool and test sets, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support.

Turkey is a partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in the region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability that will contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.

Turkey will use the PAC-3 missiles to improve its missile defense capability, strengthen its homeland defense, and deter regional threats. Turkey has not previously purchased PAC-3 missiles, but will be able to absorb and effectively utilize these missiles.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be Raytheon Corporation in Andover, Mass., and Lockheed-Martin in Dallas, TX. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of 26 contractor representatives in Turkey for training for a period of 24 months and major item repair for approximately 12 months. Several U.S. Government representatives will participate in program management and technical reviews in Turkey for two-week intervals twice annually.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

defense-aerospace.com, LINK

Astrium Delivers First Set of Satcom Equipments to Aselsan for Turkish Navy's MILGEM Programme

2009-08-04T17:15:00.001+03:00

ANKARA --- Astrium Services’ Secure Satcom Systems division has delivered the first set of satcom equipments to Aselsan for the first of class MILGEM, the prestigious Turkish National corvette programme.

The Astrium delivery comprises a set of equipments based on Astrium’s Mini-SCOT naval terminal. Aselsan, as the prime contractor for the MILGEM satcom suite, are responsible for system design and software development of the terminal and the control station, assembly, integration and test of the terminals as well as the installation, acceptance and test on board and system delivery.

Aselsan and Astrium have previously supplied 16 sets of GEMI shipborne terminals, for the Meko and Perry Class ships, under the Turkish Military Satellite Communications System (TMSCS) project.

MILGEM and TMSCS

TMSCS, in conjunction with the Turkish Armed Forces Integrated Communications System (TAFICS) provides the military satcom ground infrastructure, enabling a fully integrated tri-services communications network. MILGEM will gain access to this infrastructure with the provision of full communication services including voice, data and imagery transmission.

The Turkish Navy currently has the additional benefit, within TMSCS, of a separate three-channel direct satellite communications fixed ground terminal known as SABIT, used for direct communication with ships. Aselsan, as the prime contractor and Astrium, as the sub-contractor were favoured by Savunma Sanayii Müsteşarliği (SSM) with a further order in 2008 to supply a second SABIT terminal, with enhanced features including a 5 channel capability and installation in an EMP protected building. Delivery of the SABIT equipment to Aselsan by Astrium is scheduled for 2009.

Technology transfer

During the implementation phase of the TMSCS system, Astrium provided significant technology transfer to Aselsan covering sub-systems manufacture, system design, integration and operation, and continues to support the long term military and industrial ambitions of Turkey.

Astrium employs Turkish software and support skills

Astrium entered in to a joint venture company in Ankara, Communications Space Technology, which is providing local software and technical support skills for the TMSCS and MILGEM programmes. The JV team has undertaken key software tasks, particularly for network management systems which are utilised in other Astrium programmes in the international arena.

Astrium Services offers a complete range of satellite communications solutions for both government and commercial markets.

Astrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services. In 2008, Astrium had a turnover of EUR 4.3 billion and more than 15,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2008, EADS generated revenues of EUR 43.3 billion and employed a workforce of more than 118, 000.

defense-aerospace.com, LINK

Indonesia and Turkey to work together on anti-submarine warfare aircraft

2009-07-28T18:08:00.001+03:00

Indonesian aviation specialist PT Dirgantara has formed a partnership with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) to develop a prototype of an anti-submarine warfare version of the CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft, a Dirgantara official told Jane's on 16 July. "We signed a deal with TAI that allowed our engineers to stay in Turkey to prepare the prototype," said the official

source : Jane's

Goodrich Signs Long-Term Agreement with Alp Aviation for F-35 Lightning II Work

2009-07-21T15:28:00.000+03:00

CHARLOTTE, N.C. --- Goodrich Corporation signed a long-term agreement with Turkey’s Alp Aviation for F-35 Lightning II landing gear components and assemblies. The agreement covers deliveries through December 31, 2015.

Under the agreement, Alp Aviation will supply machined components ranging from aluminum parts to high strength steel components and assemblies that incorporate some of the latest landing gear processing technology. These components will be delivered to Goodrich Landing Gear’s final assembly facility in Cleveland, Ohio. Goodrich is the exclusive system integrator and supplier of landing gear for all variants of the F-35.

Mike Brand, president of Goodrich Landing Gear, said, “This agreement is a significant milestone in our excellent relationship with Alp Aviation that began in 2006. Their capability with the latest technologies along with their culture of teamwork meets our requirement to find best value supplier solutions for complex landing gear components.”

Goodrich supplies a number of critical systems for the F-35 including the air data system, weapons bay door drive system, landing gear, fuel quantity and engine sensors, and actuation systems. Production takes place at Goodrich facilities in F-35 partner nations Australia, Canada, the UK and U.S.

Goodrich Corporation is a global supplier of systems and services to aerospace, defense and homeland security markets. With one of the most strategically diversified portfolios of products in the industry, Goodrich serves a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and service facilities.

Defense-aerospace.com, LINK

Finmeccanica and Thales jointly to build the Turkish Göktürk satellite system

2009-07-18T00:39:00.001+03:00

Rome | Telespazio (Finmeccanica/Thales) and the Turkish Defence Ministry sign contract to build the Göktürk satellite system

Telespazio, a company owned by Finmeccanica (67%) and Thales (33%), and Undersecretariat For Defence Industries (SSM - Turkish Defence Ministry), at the presence of the Italian Undersecretary of State for Defence hon. Giuseppe Cossiga, today signed a contract in Ankara worth over EUR 250 million for the construction of the Göktürk satellite system.

The agreement covers the supply of an earth observation satellite equipped with a high-resolution optical sensor, an integration and test centre for satellites to be built in Turkey, and the entire ground segment of the system, which will carry out in-orbit operation, data acquisition and processing.

The Göktürk programme will be managed by Telespazio as prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space, a company owned by Thales (67%) and Finmeccanica (33%), which will be responsible for the satellite, and local industrial partners including Tai A.S., Tubitak Uekae, Maleri, Aselsan A.S. and Roketsan A.S.. Telespazio will also be responsible for the satellite launch, early orbit and test services.

Giorgio Zappa, Chief Operating Officer of Finmeccanica and President of the Italy-Turkey Friendship Union commented, “signing this contract for the construction of Göktürk represents another step for Telespazio and for the Space Alliance Thales-Finmeccanica in the international expansion of their business, and recognition of Finmeccanica’s capacity to supply both the space and ground components of complex satellite systems.

This success also strengthens the group’s position in Turkey, a strategic industrial partner and a core market for our activities: we are already present in the country in aeronautics, helicopters, air traffic control, transport, rail signalling and naval systems and have further significant growth prospects”.

The Turkish industry will be involved at the system design and development phase and in supplying some sub-systems. In particular, local partners will assist in the building of the data acquisition station, the satellite integration centre, mission planning systems and remotely-sensed data processors. As part of the project, a joint venture will be created between Telespazio and a local partner to develop and market application services.

defpro.com, LINK

Pratt & Whitney and Kale Aero Sign Agreement for Joint Venture Partnership

2009-06-17T15:40:00.001+03:00

PARIS AIR SHOW -- Pratt & Whitney and Kale Havacilik San, A.S., (Kale Aero) of Istanbul, Turkey, signed a memorandum of understanding today at the Paris Air Show with the intent to develop a joint venture partnership to produce aircraft engine components. Under the proposed joint venture, Kale will own 51 percent and Pratt & Whitney will own 49 percent of the joint venture company located in Istanbul. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. company.

"We look forward to the new venture and working with our partners in Turkey," said Tom Farmer, president, Pratt & Whitney Military Engines. "Turkey is an important customer for Pratt & Whitney and we value the industrial capabilities and expertise of the Turkish aerospace industry. This partnership will establish a world-class manufacturing capability to produce military and commercial aircraft engine components for our customers around the world."

The joint venture will specialize in manufacturing hardware for the F135 engine powering the F-35 Lightning II aircraft. In the future, the partnership will expand to support highly complex metal fabrications and spare parts for Pratt & Whitney military fighter engine models F100 and F119, and military transport engine model F117.

"We are happy and proud to embark on this road together with the world's leading aero engine manufacturer, Pratt & Whitney," said Osman Okyay, president, Technical & Chemical Division, Kale Group Companies. "Kale Aero is placing top priority on the F-35 program. We were the first qualified supplier from Turkey selected for this project, the largest defense industry project ever, and we pride ourselves for being the only Turkish company with parts on the first flying F-35 Lightning II aircraft. Kale Aero has also undertaken the task of manufacturing parts for the F135 engine, and our excitement is further enhanced by the fact that through this joint venture partnership, we will greatly expand our contribution to this great engine."

Kale Aero is part of a large and a diversified industrial conglomerate of Turkey, Kale Group. The group embracing over fifty years of experience in building materials is also active in robotics, energy, defense and aerospace. Kale has been a reliable supplier in various national and multi-national defense and aerospace projects since 1989.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and commercial building industries.

Source : defense-aerospace.com, LINK

Aselsan completes trials of Igla SAM launch system

2009-05-29T19:40:00.002+03:00

Turkish company Aselsan has completed firing trials of a new mobile Igla fire-and-forget surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. During one trial, a single target was successfully engaged by a two-round Igla salvo. Developed by Aselsan as a private venture for the export market, this was a collaborative programme with the Russian Kolomna KBM company, which is the overall design authority for the Igla and Igla-S (SA-16 'Grouse') shoulder-fired manportable air-defence systems (MANPADS). The first example of the new Igla-based system has been integrated onto a Russian BRDM-2 4x4 amphibious scout car, which was purchased by Aselsan and refurbished prior to being modified for its new role

[first posted to http://jmr.janes.com - 28 May 2009]

STM launches comprehensive BMS for Turkish vehicles

2009-05-29T19:39:00.000+03:00

Turkey's STM (Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.S) has outlined the features of its Tank Command Control and Information System (TCCIS), a project to provide the Turkish Land Forces Command's (TLFC's) vehicles with a comprehensive battle management system (BMS). The first indigenously developed system of its kind, the TCCIS has been designed in line with the requirements of the TLFC, and with the support of the Turkish Undersecretariat for Defence Industries and the Scientific and Research Council of Turkey

[first posted to http://idr.janes.com - 28 May 2009]

Dearsan accelerates procurement schedule for Turkish patrol vessels

2009-05-29T18:27:00.001+03:00

Dearsan Shipyard is planning to launch the first of 16 New Type Patrol Boats for the Turkish Coast Guard in December 2009 or January 2010, up to six months earlier than stipulated in the procurement contract. The Istanbul-based company says the schedule will allow it to undertake initial sea trials before delivering the 56 m patrol vessel - pennant number P1200 - to the country's Naval Forces Command

[first posted to http://jni.janes.com - 28 May 2009]

Turkey sets deadline for resolution of Heron UAV problem

2009-05-29T18:26:00.002+03:00

Turkey's Ministry of Defence (MoD) has given Israel until the end of July to solve technical problems with the 10 Heron unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) it has ordered, indicating that it may cancel the project if the difficulties are not resolved by then, Jane's has learned. Turkey has not yet accepted the first two Herons, delivered in November 2008, due to problems encountered by the Israeli manufacturers in installing electro-optical payloads, which are heavier than other similar payloads

[first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 22 May 2009]

TUBITAK-SAGE unveils new ordnance-guidance system

2009-05-01T19:53:00.001+03:00

A new precision guidance kit (Hassas Gudum Kiti - HGK) was shown for the first time by Turkey's TUBITAK-SAGE at the April 2009 International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) in Istanbul. Designed for use with 2,000 lb Mk 84 bombs, in many respects the HGK resembles Boeing's Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), and provides a similar capability .

Source : Jane's

IDEF 09: Kongsberg and Roketsan join forces in NSM programme

2009-05-01T19:47:00.001+03:00

Roketsan of Turkey has been awarded a EUR5.35 million (USD7.08 million) contract to manufacture launch canister systems for Kongsberg's Naval Strike Missile (NSM) long-range surface-to-surface missile. The canisters will accommodate missiles destined for the five Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates and six Skjold-class fast attack craft being procured by the Royal Norwegian Navy (RNoN)

Source : Jane's

Winning bid in Turkish LCT contest exceeds speed and lift specifications

2009-05-01T19:45:00.001+03:00

The winner of the competition to design and build eight landing craft tank (LCT) vessels for the Turkish Naval Forces exceeded the service's specifications in at least two key areas, Jane's has learned. The craft proposed by the ADIK-Furtrans partnership will have a maximum speed of 22 kt and a military lift capability of up to seven main battle tanks (MBTs) or 17 trucks

Source : Jane's

ASELSAN : Deals with Finmeccanica unit, Chilean army

2009-04-30T17:23:00.002+03:00

* Deals with Finmeccanica unit, Chilean army

* Chilean tank modernisation project seen worth $150 mln

* Shares up 7 pct

ANKARA, April 29 (Reuters) - Turkish defence equipment maker Aselsan (ASELS.IS) said on Wednesday it had agreed to a partnership with a unit of Italy's Finmeccanica (SIFI.MI) for work on defence systems for a new type of submarine.

Under the deal Finmeccanica unit WASS and Aselsan will integrate WASS-manufactured Black Shark torpedoes into the submarine's anti-torpedo defence system.

The agreement on the project, for which no value was given, could be expanded to include torpedo production at a later date, the company said in a statement.

Shares in Aselsan were trading 7.33 percent higher at 4.10 lira, outperforming a positive Istanbul stock exchange.

Germany's HDW and Great Britain's MFI won a tender last July to procure six submarines for Turkey's armed forces. The project is expected to be worth approximately $2.5 billion.

Aselsan said earlier on Wednesday that it planned to sign a contract with the Chilean armed forces to help modernise a fleet of 100 Leopard tanks.

The project with Chile is estimated to be worth $150 million, the company said in a statement to the stock exchange.

Aselsan, which is also working with Lockheed Martin in a multi-nation F-35 fighter jet project, said it was also looking at other partnerships with Chile.

A Turkish Defence Ministry official said on Tuesday that he expected Aselsan's share from the F-35 project to reach $1 billion. (Reporting by Zerin Elci, editing by Will Waterman)

Reuters, LINK

Raytheon Names Roketsan Key Supplier for Patriot Missile Assembly

2009-04-30T16:57:00.001+03:00

TEWKSBURY, Mass. --- Raytheon Company has named a Turkish missile manufacturer as an international supplier of a key component of the Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical (GEM-T).

Under the agreement, Roket Sanayii ve Ticaret A.S (Roketsan) of Ankara, Turkey, will subcontract to Raytheon to integrate and test the control actuation system for the Patriot GEM-T missile for the United Arab Emirates. Working with subcontractors throughout Turkey and the United States, Roketsan will coordinate and perform the major assembly work at its Ankara facility.

Roketsan is Raytheon's first major trans-Atlantic supplier strategically located to support the 11 countries in Europe and Asia, including several in the Middle East, that have chosen Patriot as a key component of their air and missile defense programs.

"Roketsan joins Raytheon as a key strategic partner providing integrated air and missile defense to a growing number of international customers," said Sanjay Kapoor, vice president for Patriot Programs at Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS). "To have a supplier with Roketsan's track record and technical expertise located in Turkey, the crossroads between Europe and Asia, will enable us to be even more responsive to our current and potential customers in the region.

"Furthermore, Turkey is a stalwart member of NATO and is a key strategic partner of the United States," Kapoor said.

In business since 1988, Roketsan is a proven leader in missile and rocket programs and a major part of Turkey's defense industry.

"We are delighted to be working with Raytheon on the Patriot program," said Huseyin Baysak, general manager at Roketsan. "We have the engineering expertise, experience, talented people, suppliers, and facilities to produce precise and reliable control actuation system assemblies for the GEM-T. Patriot is a combat-proven system ensuring the security of so many countries from air and missile threats. We're proud to be recognized for the capabilities we bring in what has been a very successful program for a long time and is only getting better."

Raytheon IDS is the prime contractor, both domestic and international, for the Patriot Air and Missile Defense weapon system and the system integrator of the PAC-3 missile into the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) system.

Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon's leader in Global Capabilities Integration providing affordable, integrated solutions to a broad international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security.

Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

defense-aerospace.com, LINK

SELEX Galileo in the T129 Programme

2009-04-29T16:40:00.000+03:00

ISTANBUL -- SELEX Galileo, a Finmeccanica company, has been selected by AgustaWestland to supply the Air Vehicle Monitoring System (AVMS) designed to provide the Turkish T129 with the following functionalities:

-- Aircraft system interface Data Acquisition, Status Monitoring and Alert generation
-- Managing of maintenance information
-- Managing of digitized information to the Core Data Bus Controller
-- Visualization of Plant Data Management for crew
-- Management of video outputs for Symbol Graphic generation (optional).

The design and development of the AVMS is at its final phase and the first prototype is foreseen to be integrated into the T129 rig by mid 2009. The contract includes the delivery of 7 AVMS prototypes followed by the production of 48 shipsets in the period 2011-2016.

SELEX Galileo is a key player in the market of Aircraft and Mission Management Computers both for fixed and rotary wing aircraft. SELEX Galileo have also recently collaborated with AgustaWestland to provide an improved AMMC Computers for the Merlin version of the AW101 Helicopter; in the past SELEX Galileo has developed and still produce tailored equipment for the NH90 helicopter (i.e. Plant management Computer and Mission Tactical Computer) while since the 80s SELEX Galileo has designed and produced the Aircraft and Mission Management Computers for the AW101 helicopters including the new refurbished computers for the US101 version.

The AVMS is based on a high safety redundant architecture able to provide the whole system functionalities without any discontinuity also in case of a loss of one computer due to possible electrical fault or damage due to other causes (i.e. bullet hits during aircraft operation)

The AVMS Software is another peculiar aspect of the System since it provides a virtual interface of the HW to the customer Application Program. The AVMS Software is developed in compliance with the most recent guidelines (Do178B and Do254) in order to assure a design at high safety level.

The AVMS ship set is composed by two AMMC computers plus a provision for adding a Removable Data Storing Unit (RDSU) together with a dedicated Equipment SW library. Such SW library provides the main Applicative SW with a set of basic functionalities like health monitoring, deterministic scheduler, redundancy manager in addition to the virtualized layer of all the I/O interfaces.

BACKGROUND NOTES:

In March 2007 the AgustaWestland AW129 was selected to meet the Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopter (ATAK) requirements of the Turkish Land Forces Command and the related contract was signed in September 2007. In accordance to the agreement, Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI) is the prime contractor while AgustaWestland and Aselsan are sub contractors.

Moreover, additional leading Turkish aerospace companies are also being involved in the programme with significant industrial benefits for Turkey, including local final assembly, delivery and acceptance of the aircraft. The partners have formed the ATAK TEAM to develop the T129.

defense-aerospace.com, LINK

MKU to showcase Instavest Ballistic over vest in Turkey at IDEF 2009

2009-04-29T16:15:00.001+03:00

New Delhi, April 29 (ANI/Business Wire India): MKU, a global defense solutions company and a pioneer in personal and vehicle protection solutions, is launching the acclaimed Instavest Ballistic over vest in Turkish market during the IDEF 2009.

The IDEF show is in Istanbul starting from April 27-29. The over vest met an equally good reception at LAAD 2009, Latin American Aerospace and Defence Show, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Latin American countries have shown great deal of interest in the world's quickest Release mechanism.

The Instavest ballistic over vest features advanced features and an innovative design to offer enhanced protection and comfort to the user. MKU claims that Instavest is the most revolutionary and advanced ballistic vest available in the world today.

It was regionally launched officially amongst much fanfare by MKU at IDEX '09 at Abu Dhabi earlier this year in February.

Instavest features a new quick release jettison system, which divests the vest immediately from the user's body within a split second in a single action. MKU claims that this new vest, for which it has filed a patent, will change the way soldiers perceive and use a Quick Release Vest.

It claims that Instavest is the fastest quick release vest in the world, both, in terms of taking it off and then reassembling it and putting it on.

"Although there are some other quick release ballistic vests available in the market - all have cumbersome systems to jettison the vest of the users body, once taken off, it is a very cumbersome process to reassemble the jacket back again due to the various wire systems used in the vests, it takes a lot of training and time for a soldier to put it back again and then also chances are that a normal soldier would not be able to put reassemble it a manner which will ensure a safe jettison in the eventuality of an emergency", said Manish Khandelwal, the Business Manager - Personal Protection, MKU.

Manish is also the inventor of Instavest, he claims that 'Instavest from MKU is a jacket that is advanced by design, it is a product which is a result of a lot of research and field trials - it uses no wires or metal parts'.

Manish claims that putting the Instavest on and off is so simple that a person can jettison the vest in less than a second in a single action and then reassemble and put it back on in less than 45 seconds.

more.....

Sikorsky News from IDEF 2009

2009-04-29T16:05:00.002+03:00

Sikorsky Aerospace Services to Explore Joint Venture with MilSOFT ICT

Sikorsky Aerospace Services today announced at the IDEF 2009 - International Defence Industry Fair the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the formation of a joint venture with MilSOFT ICT to develop, market and support a suite of fleet management software tools. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). Sikorsky Aerospace Services, Sikorsky Aircraft’s aftermarket business will have a leading role as a partner in the new venture.

The prospective joint venture entity would be located in Ankara, Turkey, and offer sophisticated software, including comprehensive maintenance and material management tools with an advanced suite of diagnostic modules, electronic technical manuals, and web-based training that can be used to support any complex weapons system, including tanks, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), ships and ground vehicles.

“This alliance would provide Turkey with a 21st century fleet management system,” said David Adler, President of Sikorsky Aerospace Services. “The system will aid in lowering operating costs while increasing fleet readiness and availability, both of which are key measures for any aircraft operator. We are confident that together, Sikorsky Aerospace Services and MilSOFT, will exceed the demanding requirements for service and support of the Turkish helicopter fleet.”

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) Delivers First S-70i BLACK HAWK Helicopter Tailcone

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TAI) today celebrated the delivery of the first tailcone produced by TAI for the S-70i™ BLACK HAWK helicopter to be built in Poland. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

The tailcone (serial # 001) was shipped recently from TAI’s facility in Ankara, Turkey, to Sikorsky’s affiliate, PZL Mielec, in Poland, where it was joined to the cabin of an S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter earlier this month. Production of the S-70i helicopter at PZL Mielec was planned since the acquisition of the company in 2007. Delivery of the first S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter is expected to occur by the end of 2010, representing a potential increase in BLACK HAWK production for TAI.

As many as 36 S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopters are expected to be produced per year from that facility.

“TAI’s recent delivery of the first tailcone to Sikorsky’s Polish affiliate PZL Mielec brings us one step closer to the delivery of the first S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter, and its introduction to the international community,” said Stephen B. Estill, Sikorsky Vice President, Strategic Partnerships. “The BLACK HAWK helicopter is the workhorse of U.S. Army aviation, used in a multi-mission role in challenging combat environments such as Iraq and Afghanistan, and with this first tailcone delivery, we will write a new history for this aircraft.”

Sikorsky and Turkish Aerospace Industries have had a long relationship in the manufacture of BLACK HAWK helicopter components. Since 2000, TAI has produced more than 1,600 empennage components for Sikorsky’s global fleet of BLACK HAWK helicopter derivatives.

Sikorsky and Alp Aviation Sign Agreement at IDEF

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and Alp Aviation today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) initiating the process to establish Alp as a qualified supplier of International BLACK HAWK helicopter transmission systems. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

A ceremonial signing of the MOU took place at the International Defense Exhibition Fair, where Sikorsky and Alp Aviation also celebrated the 10th anniversary of their joint venture in Turkey.

“Twenty years ago, Sikorsky sold the first BLACK HAWK helicopters to Turkey and began developing its relationship in industrial participation that has grown into a significant business relationship,” said Stephen B. Estill, Sikorsky Vice President, Strategic Partnerships. “This MOU demonstrates Sikorsky’s long-term commitment to Turkey, as its fulfillment would include the transfer of important technology to build transmission systems for the International BLACK HAWK helicopter. Its signing recognizes Alp Aviation as a highly valuable and reliable component manufacturer to support Sikorsky’s offering for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Program and positions Alp to supply the International BLACK HAWK S-70i™ Program. This arrangement also helps in strengthening our position in Europe.”

Tuncer Alpata, President of Alp Aviation, said the MOU strengthens the ongoing and successful relationship between Alp and Sikorsky. “Alp Aviation is proud of this partnership and the trust that Sikorsky has shown in the capabilities of Turkish industry. This technology transfer will continue to strengthen Alp Aviation’s position in the global rotary wing industry.”

defpro.com , LINK1, LINK2, LINK3

FINMECCANICA, ELETTRONICA and HAVELSAN sign a MoU on cooperation in Defence Electronics

2009-04-29T16:01:00.001+03:00

Istanbul | Finmeccanica, the Italian leading aerospace, defence and security company, Elettronica, the Italian leader of electronic defence warfare, and Havelsan, the Turkish company leader of C4ISR systems and simulation products, today announced an agreement - signed during the IDEF expo in Istanbul - for a hi-tech industrial Memorandum of Understanding in the Defence Electronics sector.

Under this MoU, industrial, technological and commercial opportunities will be pursued in Command and Control Systems, Naval Systems, Air Defence, Electronic Warfare and Homeland Security Systems for Turkish, Italian and third countries market.

“Havelsan represents a prestigious partner with extensive resources and the business expertise, whose expansion policy is in perfect harmony with Finmeccanica’s aim to establish a long and fruitful partnership in Turkey and worldwide market”, said Filippo Bagnato, Executive Vice President Technical, Industrial and Commercial of Finmeccanica.
"Havelsan and Finmeccanica represent formidable partners to team with in the Defence Market", said Donato D’Angelantonio, Vice President Business Development of Elettronica S.p.A. "Their combination of capabilities, resources, expertise and existing capabilities will result in developing and producing complete Defence Systems best meeting the requirements of modern Defence platform of Potential Customers in Turkey, Italy and third countries market".

“The reputable stakeholders of this “Agreement”, bring together their best solutions for the market to meet new requirements of modern defense” said Faruk Yarman General Manager of Havelsan.

defpro.com , LINK

Azerbaijan’s “Istiglal” attracts attention at IDEF

2009-04-29T15:58:00.001+03:00

Arms and other defense goods demonstrated by the Azerbaijan Defense Industry Ministry at the 9th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) in Istanbul attracted interest of high-ranking officers of Turkey and other countries.

IST-14.5 Anti-Material Rifle (“Istiglal”) became the most interesting item in the Azerbaijan’s stand, APA reports. Despite its heavy weight 20 kg, the rifle can be used as a machine-gun. It has different optical shooting-mark with a range of 3000 m and can be used comfortably at a temperature of -50…+50 C. It is fast to water, mud, snow, and dust. The rifle can be shared to two parts and carried in the bag.

Azerbaijan exhibited at IDEF its other defense goods, including HE Mortar Bomb of 120 mm caliber, mufflers for machine-guns and other small arms, Seismic Mine Fuze-5 remote automatic detonator, which is able to detonate 10 bombs in 250 m distance.

Azerbaijan Defense Industry Ministry also demonstrated mono- and multilayer electronic printed-circuit boards, armored personnel carriers “Matador” and “Maradeur” produced jointly with Paramount Group, South Africa.

defpro.com, LINK

Raytheon and Havelsan Partner for FFG 7 Fleet Modernization with GENESIS Program

2009-04-29T15:53:00.002+03:00

TEWKSBURY, Mass., and ANKARA, Turkey --- Raytheon Company's Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) and Havelsan Inc. have signed a teaming agreement to cooperatively market the GENESIS Ship Integrated Combat Management System for surface ships of navies worldwide.

GENESIS successfully completed at-sea testing and delivery of the first system in 2007. The second and third ships were tested and delivered in 2008. GENESIS was developed for integration, including development; hardware and software testing; training; and maintenance services onboard eight of the frigates that are part of the Turkish fleet.

Originally initiated and designed by the Turkish Naval Forces Command for the modernization of USS Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG-7) class frigates, GENESIS has been upgraded and implemented by Havelsan. Raytheon provided fire control and electronic warfare system modifications.

"In the context of such projects, the most challenging phase is the first delivery. With the delivery of the third ship, GENESIS is a tested and proven solution," said Dr. Faruk A. Yarman, CEO of Havelsan.

"Today, the GENESIS-implemented frigates are preferred for critical missions, such as the participation of the TCG Giresun as part of an international joint task force fighting increasing piracy in the Gulf of Aden. With the GENESIS system -- originally developed by the Turkish Navy and transferred to Havelsan after the completion of successful sea trials -- FFG 7 class frigates around the world can significantly improve their combat intelligence and ability to take action to counter threats."

Raytheon IDS' Charles "Tom" Bush, vice president of Seapower Capability Systems, said:

"The GENESIS solution transforms the FFG 7 combat system, giving it outstanding capability to meet today's threats by improving sensor integration, information management, and by reducing reaction times -- all critical capabilities for a modern, front-line combatant. Together, the Raytheon-Havelsan team has provided a complete and affordable solution to modernize and optimize the effectiveness of these tough, multi-mission ships in service in allied fleets around the world."

The cooperation of Havelsan and Raytheon in the marketing and implementation of the GENESIS program targets the FFG 7 fleets around the world. The GENESIS system guarantees optimization and effectiveness in the naval combat management. The GENESIS system enhances the ships' situational awareness and accelerates the defense capabilities, decreasing the detect-to-engage reaction time by more than half.

Havelsan Inc., a Turkish Armed Forces Foundation company, is active in the fields of C4ISR (Command, Control, Communication, Computer, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Systems), Naval Combat Systems, Air Defence Systems, Management Information Systems, Simulation and Training Systems, Homeland Security Systems and Energy Management Systems.

Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

Russia in talks to sell Turkey air defense systems, company confirms

2009-04-29T15:50:00.003+03:00

"The discussions were about arms cooperation and S-400 systems in particular," Rosoboronexport spokesman Vyacheslav Davydenko told AFP, confirming a report about the talks.
The S-400 is Russia’s most advanced air defense system and has previously not been exported, according to Rosoboronexport.
It has a longer range than U.S.-built Patriot missiles and a previous Russian system, the S-300.
Moscow has a contract to supply S-300s to Iran, but the deal is on hold, reflecting tension around the Islamic Republic and objections from Israel and the United States.

The RIA-Novosti news agency reported earlier that Turkish and Russian defense officials discussed the possible sale of S-400s at the International Defense Industry Fair in Istanbul.
Sources in the Russian delegation said the sale would depend on the resolution of a dispute between Moscow and the West over a planned U.S. missile shield in Eastern Europe, RIA-Novosti reported.
The S-400 has a range of 400 kilometers (250 miles) and is capable of taking out radar-resistant Stealth aircraft and other advanced targets, according to the Web site of its manufacturer, Almaz-Antey.

Turkey, a traditional rival of Russia, has long bought many of its weapons from the United States.

HurriyetDailyNews.com, LINK

Eurofighter in Turkey

2009-04-28T03:49:00.000+03:00

13:49 GMT, April 27, 2009 Turkey’s 9th four day International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) kicks off today at the Tuyap Fair, Convention and Congress Center in Büyükçekmece, Istanbul. Eurofighter Typhoon exhibits at the event as it has in previous years. The purpose of our attendance is to support the current Eurofighter Typhoon export activities in Turkey, led by our partner company Alenia Aeronautica.

Eurofighter Typhoon will focus its presence on a stand with the Eurofighter Cockpit Demonstrator and a movie theatre showing several promotional videos including Safeguarding our Nations Future and 2008 Highlights. Also on display will be a half scale EJ200 engine model, a CAPTOR-E RADAR, Praetorian DASS pods, a PIRATE/IRST model, a 1/12th scale Eurofighter Typhoon model and an HEA display. Eurofighter GmbH will be working alongside the Finmeccanica exhibit and in conjunction with the Alenia team.

Our objective is to demonstrate the excellent operational capabilities of Eurofighter Typhoon and the benefits of the Eurofighter partnership to the official visitors and delegations, with a focus on Turkey’s political, military, and industrial representatives.

defpro.com, LINK

Finmeccanica at IDEF 2009: strategic industrial collaboration for the aerospace and defence industry in Turkey

2009-04-28T03:46:00.001+03:00

07:52 GMT, April 27, 2009 Finmeccanica, the main Italian industrial group operating in the aerospace, defence and security sectors, will be exhibiting at IDEF 2009, held in Istanbul from 27th to 30th April. The Group will be displaying its system integration capabilities for aerospace and defence applications, including homeland security, border and EEZ control, C4I, military communications, aircraft, helicopters, naval guns and torpedoes, and systems and satellites for defence and civil applications.

Turkey represents a key country with which to establish strategic industrial collaboration in order to address both domestic market needs and also jointly exploit export opportunities in the European and NATO marketplace. Finmeccanica has well-established, long-term relationships with the Turkish Armed Forces, in particular in the helicopter field, with more than 250 contracted AgustaWestland helicopters; in defence and electronic systems Finmeccanica has supplied Air Traffic Management systems, military radars, communications systems and naval guns.

In the most recently announced contracts in Turkey, Alenia Aeronautica will supply 10 ATR72 ASW aircraft for the MELTEM III programme, AgustaWestland will supply 50 T129 combat helicopters in cooperation with Turkish partners for the ATAK programme and Telespazio will supply a satellite system for the GOKTURK programme.

Finmeccanica operates in Turkey with representative and operational offices of AgustaWestland and Alenia Aeronautica and also with SELEX Komunikasyon AS., a company mainly operating in the military telecommunications sector. The Finmeccanica companies exhibiting at IDEF 2009 are:

AgustaWestland, a leading player in the rotorcraft sector, has recently been awarded the ATAK Programme contract to supply 50 T129 combat helicopters. The company is also offering a cutting edge customized solution to meet the Utilility Helicopter Programme (UHP) requirement.

Alenia Aeronautica is one of the most advanced aeronautical companies and started a fruitful industrial collaboration with Turkish Aerospace Industry for the development of the ATR 72 ASW, the new generation maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft ordered by Turkish Navy and is exploring any possible solution to have Turkish aerospace industry joining the most important industrial partnership of Europe, the Eurofighter Typhoon, the most advanced swing role fighter available on the world market. Joining the Eurofighter programme, Turkish aerospace companies will be real partners of the Eurofighter Consortium, they will have access to significant and evolving high technologies and source codes; involment in the enhancement programmes, full access to capability to self repair the aircraft in service, full capabilities for updates and upgrades of the aircraft in service and significant spin-off to other European aerospace programmes. Alenia Aeronautica is also promoting the C-27J NATO standard medium air-lift transport aircraft, the only purpose designed military airlifter in its category and able to operate from unpaved and sandy strips. Alenia Aeronautica is also promoting maritime patrol aircraft and UAVs at IDEF 2009. PRESS RELEASE

Oto Melara is active in the land and naval defence systems, ranging from naval guns to nextgeneration ammunition, artillery, armoured vehicles and anti-aircraft systems builds equipment currently in service with more than 50 countries world-wide. Oto Melara is exhibiting the Hitfact turret for armoured vehicles and also Vulcano, a family of Extended Range (ER) unguided ammunition and Long Range (LR) guided ammunition for 127mm naval guns and 155 mm land artillery. It is also exhibiting the new Dart precision guided rounds for medium calibre naval guns.

WASS (Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei) is a world leader in underwater systems, recognised for its excellence in integrated systems engineering. At IDEF 2009 the Company is showing torpedoes and torpedo countermeasures suitable for Turkish Navy programmes, including MILGEM, TF2000 and submarines.

SELEX Communications a global supplier of advanced communication, navigation and identification solutions to protect communities and critical national infrastructure. With over 100 years of experience and driven by a relentless quest for innovation, the Company delivers advanced, secure, integrated and interoperable networked solutions for governmental, civil and military applications.
Wellestablished in Turkey with its subsidiary SELEX Komunikasyon SA based in Ankara, the Company has a long-term relationship with all the Armed Forces, and at IDEF 2009 is promoting Tactical Communication Systems and TETRA applications with a range of other communications systems, including those for the Soldato Futuro programme.

SELEX Sistemi Integrati is the European leader in the definition and integration of systems for defence, coastal and maritime surveillance and air traffic management. Its capabilities include systems for homeland protection, integrated air defence systems, battlefield C4I, naval combat management and air traffic management solutions. SELEX Sistemi Integrati has a large number of Air Traffic and Air Surveillance Radar Systems installed in Turkey and is promoting both at systems and equipment level. Since the Eighties SELEX Sistemi Integrati has supplied all the in-service infrastructures in the country – seven air traffic control centres and nineteen radar stations.

Telespazio is one of the main global operators in satellite operation, Earth observation, satellite navigation and the development of integrated communications networks, the company is owned by Finmeccanica (67%) and Thales (33%).

Also exhibiting will be Thales Alenia Space (owned 67% by Thales and 33% by Finmeccanica), based on outstanding worldwide successes offering systems and satellites for defence and civil applications.

defpro.com , LINK

A new wheeled armoured vehicle with composite armoured panels,the Gekko from Temsa

2009-04-28T03:29:00.005+03:00

Over past 2 years Temsa R&D and Technology center have developed production methods for advanced composite armoured panels. Ballistic tests haven been performed on panels made of different fiber and matrix systems and ceramic shielding in accredited institutions for certifications. These developments have led to a number of lightweight armour protection solutions. These solutions, together with the vast experience of TEMSA GLOBAL in the automotive business, resulted in the protective modular body of TEMAS R&D's Gekko concept Vehicle. GEKKO Multi-Purpose Composite Vehicle, the first phase of which will be completed in the first quarter of 2010, will have full body lightweight composite armour. The vehicle is expected to have an impact with its agility under asymmetric threats, harsh environmental conditions and with its add-on armours for higher threat levels which are planned to be installed in the second phase of development.

TheTurkish Company Nurol presents the EJDER wheeled armoured vehicle ait IDEF 2009

The EDJER 6 x 6 vehicles represents the new EJDER vehicle family concept of Nurol Makina ve Sanayi AS. The EJDER family of vehicles covers a wide range of wheeled armored vehicle, ranging from lightweight infantry personnel carrier to heavy fire support. The various EJDER versions share the same chassis to a certain extent, thereby minimizing maintenance and simplifying logistics. With the increased vehicle dimensions and an improved drive train, outstanding mobility over rough terrain is guaranteed. It also provides a roomy interior for its class and ample payload. There is also an amphibious version of the EJDER, this vehicle is equipped with two mechanically-driven water jets mounted to the back side of the vehicle. The EDJER is used by the Georgian armed forces.

armyrecognition.com, LINK

AgustaWestland Unveils The TUHP 149 Helicopter To Meet The Turkish Utility Helicopter Programme

2009-04-28T02:05:00.001+03:00

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, unveiled a full scale mock-up of the TUHP 149 helicopter at IDEF 2009 in Istanbul today. The TUHP 149 is the AgustaWestland candidate for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Programme (TUHP). It is a new generation 8.1 ton medium lift multi-role helicopter designed to meet the military requirements of Turkish end users. The TUHP 149 maximizes the involvement of TAI and additional leading Turkish aerospace and defence companies, including ASELSAN, TEI, ROKETSAN, HAVELSAN, building on the strategic partnership already set up by AgustaWestland and Turkish industries through the ATAK programme.

The TUHP 149 features a wide, constant cross section and unobstructed cabin with large sliding doors. The cabin can be easily reconfigured to meet different operational requirements with the capability to transport up to 18 equipped troops. The leading edge technology, open architecture digital avionics and integrated mission and weapon systems allow the aircraft to undertake a wide range of missions. The high performance twin engine helicopter is designed for operations in all environments day and night. The aircraft can be configured to carry a wide range of weapons, including rocket launchers, air-to-surface and machine-guns as well as external auxiliary tanks in a variety of combinations. Pintle mounted machine-guns can also be fitted on fixed frame windows or in the doors. Structural provisions for the installation of an external cargo hook, heavy duty rescue hoist and a wide range of other mission equipment are provided.

The TUHP 149, due to its modular design for rapid role re-configuration, is perfectly suited to perform an impressive range of duties including troop transport, battlefield and logistic operations, fire support, SAR and combat SAR, special forces operations, reconnaissance, surveillance, CASEVAC, command control and communication, external load lifting as well as VIP military transport. The new technology TUHP 149 has been designed from the outset with low support and maintenance requirements to minimize the operating costs and the through life ownership costs. A range of support and training services packages will be available to provide cost effective through life support to meet customer’s requirements. A full “Level D” flight simulator is also envisaged.

AGUSTAWESTLAND, LINK

IDEF '09 9th INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE INDUSTRY FAIR

2009-04-27T16:05:00.001+03:00

IDEF 2009 9th International Defence Industry Fair which will be held by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation under the auspices of the Ministry of National Defence in April 27-30 2009 , will be organized at Tuyap Fairs and Exhibitions Organization Inc. at Tuyap Fair, Convention and Congress Center in Büyükçekmece-İstanbul / Turkey

LINK

Turkey Buys 36 Leguan Bridge Laying Armoured Vehicles

2009-04-27T16:03:00.002+03:00

MUNICH --- The Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of Turkey agreed in November 2008 that the Turkish Armed Forces will buy 36 bridge laying armoured vehicles of the LEGUAN type, which is based on the LEOPARD 1.

Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG (KMW) will supply the systems as part of an engagement letter. The final negotiations are currently under way between KMW and the Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB). All expectations are that the contract will be signed soon.

Within the programme, the Turkish Armed Forces will manufacture and assemble substantial parts of the systems itself in Turkey. The joint project underscores the close German-Turkish cooperation in the field of armoured vehicles and family vehicles.

International deployments for bridge system:

The LEGUAN bridge laying armoured vehicle can be controlled by only one person with the hatch closed and install a load category MLC 80 bridge that is 26 metres long in approximately five minutes using an electronic control system. KMW has already produced the LEGUAN bridge-layer on the basis of the LEOPARD 1 or LEOPARD 2 battle tank for the Norwegian, Greek, Belgian and Finnish armed forces. The bridge-laying system can, however, also be mounted on other used or new battle tank chassis. For example, it is in use on the chassis of the Polish PT91, the American M1 "Wolverine" and the M47/M60 in Spain.

But the bridge can also be laid by wheeled vehicles, such as the MAN 8x8 and the 10x10 vehicle from Finnish company SISU. With the aid of additional pontoons, the LEGUAN can also be used to construct ferries of various load categories, and if necessary link them together to form floating bridges.

Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG leads the European market for armoured wheeled and tracked vehicles. At locations in Germany, Greece, the Netherlands and the USA, some 3400 employees manufacture and support a product portfolio ranging from air-transportable, heavily armoured wheeled vehicles (MUNGO, DINGO, GFF4 and BOXER) through reconnaissance, anti-aircraft and artillery systems (FENNEK, GEPARD, LeFLaSys, Armoured Howitzer 2000, AGM and DONAR) to heavy battle tanks (LEOPARD 1 and 2), armoured personnel carriers (PUMA) and bridge-laying systems (LEGUAN and PSB2).

Lockheed Martin Adds New C-130 Authorized Service Center to Global Network for Sustainment

2009-04-20T23:45:00.000+03:00

KAYSERI, Turkey --- Lockheed Martin announced today the addition of the Turkish Air Force 2nd Air Supply and Maintenance Center to the company's global network of authorized C-130 service centers.

The 2nd Air Supply and Maintenance Center is among 14 other military C-130 service centers located throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia to receive this designation.

"Our collaboration with the Turkish Air Force to open an authorized C-130 regional service center will provide Hercules operators in the region with the latest technical data to keep aircraft operationally effective. These partnerships and collaborations are necessities to many organizations around the world who operate Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules aircraft," said Chris Antone, vice president of Global Sustainment Business Development at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

The C-130 Hercules has been in operational use with military forces around the world for more than 50 years. Approximately 1,700 C-130B-H model aircraft and close to 100 L-100 commercial variants are still in operation. The owners and operators of these aircraft understand that designation as an authorized Lockheed Martin Hercules Service Center ensures they will receive the finest C-130 support to be found anywhere.

Lockheed Martin ensures that all authorized service centers provide Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards and engineering practices in the work they carry out. In addition, Lockheed provides Field Service Representatives to oversee initial operation and to provide the OEM reach-back to the service center.

Lockheed Martin's Global Sustainment enterprise provides continuing support for its service centers, and conducts periodic site surveys and audits of processes, tools, facilities, quality and training to validate that they continue to provide premier service for the Hercules fleet.

The initial commitment to Kayseri will span a period of 10 years, and represents the outcome of a successful partnership and collaboration between the Turkish Air Force, the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries and Lockheed Martin through the F-16 Peace Onyx III Offset Program. By maintaining the outstanding capabilities and processes already there, Kayseri can continue to service and support C-130 customers well into the future.

Lockheed Martin is a major supplier of logistics systems and lifetime support and performance-based logistics services to military and civil government customers. The corporation provides solutions for platform maintenance, modifications and repair, material readiness and distribution, and global supply chain command and control.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

LINK

From the keel up: Turkish naval industrial development

2009-04-17T19:02:00.002+03:00

The launch in September 2008 of TCG Heybeliada, the first of a new class of MILGEM (an abbreviation of Milli Gemi or National Ship) corvette, marked a very public milestone in Turkey's efforts to grow its capability in the design, build and integration of naval vessels. Due to enter service in 2011, Heybeliada is the first of a planned class of up to 12 ships

Source : Jane's

Turkey seeks armed and unarmed UAVs from the US

2009-03-21T12:38:00.000+02:00

Turkey has made a formal request to purchase two unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems from the United States through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, Jane's has learned. The request covers the acquisition of one armed and one unarmed UAV, said Turkish defence industry sources. If approved by the US Congress, the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator will be used to plug a UAV gap in Turkey's operations against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in southeast Turkey

Source : Jane's

Northrop Grumman Takes Delivery of First F-35 Parts from Key Turkish Supplier

2009-03-06T18:32:00.002+02:00

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. --- Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI), a major supplier to Northrop Grumman Corporation on the F-35 Lightning II aircraft program, has produced and delivered its first composite parts for the jet.

The new parts - structural composite panels used to form the outer surface of the new international, multi-role fighter - represent a critical first step in TAI's plans to eventually produce 400 center fuselages for the program. Northrop Grumman will integrate the parts into the center fuselages of the first two production F-35s.

"This delivery represents two significant milestones for the program," said Mark Tucker, vice president of tactical systems and F-35 program manager for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "It demonstrates that TAI can build composite parts to the precision level needed for a high volume, international aircraft program. And it gives Northrop Grumman a very positive progress report on its commitment to grow and nurture international industrial participation in the program."

According to Tucker, the composite panels also represent the first F-35 parts produced in a new composites manufacturing facility opened by TAI last November in Ankara, Turkey. To date, Northrop Grumman has trained nearly two dozen TAI employees in the high precision fabrication techniques being used in that facility.

TAI's recent shipment included six composite panels - three for each of the two jets being produced under the first phase of low rate initial production. As part of its F-35 work share, the company will produce similar composite panels for every jet made during the production phase of the program.

Northrop Grumman is a principal and founding member of the Lockheed Martin-led F-35 Lightning II team. The company is responsible for the design and production of center fuselages for all three variants of F-35 aircraft: conventional take-off and landing; short take-off, vertical landing; and carrier-compatible. The F-35 Lightning II program expects to build more than 3,100 aircraft.

Under a Letter of Intent signed with Northrop Grumman in Feb. 2007, TAI serves as a second source supplier of F-35 center fuselages to the company. Deliveries of complete TAI-produced center fuselages are scheduled to begin during the low rate initial production (LRIP) phases of the program.

As a member of the F-35 global industry team, Northrop Grumman is central to the development, production and support of the F-35 Lightning II. The company designed and produces the aircraft's center fuselage, radar and other key avionics including electro-optical and communications subsystems; develops mission systems and mission-planning software; leads the team's development of pilot and maintenance training system courseware; and manages the team's use, support and maintenance of low-observable technologies.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Source : LINK

Lockheed Martin to upgrade FCS on Turkish frigates

2009-03-06T18:16:00.002+02:00

MOORESTOWN, N.J., 20 Feb. 2009. Lockheed Martin won from the U.S. Navy a contract to upgrade the MK 92 Fire Control System for Turkey's G-class guided-missile frigate shipboard electronics. The radar fire control system upgrade will support the introduction of the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM), providing enhanced self-protection capabilities for this class of surface warships, says a representative.

The MK 92 system, originally developed by Lockheed Martin, provides integrated x-band shipboard radar surveillance, target tracking, and weapon fire control capability for naval gun and missile systems.
Under the new Navy contract, Lockheed Martin engineers will design, develop, and integrate modifications necessary to support the new missile capability.

"The MK 92 upgrade represents the first U.S. Navy-sponsored sale of our solid-state continuous wave illumination transmitter to support ESSM deployment by navies around the world," says Stan Ozga, Lockheed Martin's director for Naval Radar Programs.

The upgrade, when combined with Lockheed Martin's MK41 Vertical Launching System, will allow increased self-defense capacity through the MK25 Quadpack canister enabling four ESSMs to be loaded in each MK41 cell. ESSM is a medium-range, quick-reaction missile designed to defeat stressing anti-ship cruise missiles.

More than 125 shipboard MK 92 systems have been produced and deployed with nine different navies around the world. It has been installed on more than 70 guided missile frigates, as well as on a variety of other surface ships including coast guard cutters, corvettes, and fast attack craft.

Source : LINK

Additional F-16s to Turkish AirForce

2009-02-25T17:17:00.001+02:00

(Source: US Department of Defense; issued Feb. 24, 2009)

The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract with Lockheed Martin Corp., of Fort Worth, Texas for $797,132,785.

This contract action will provide 14 F-16C and 16 F-16D Block 50 aircraft for the Government of Turkey.

At this time, $682,158,785 of Foreign Military Sales funds has been obligated.

312 AESG/SYKA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8615-07-C-6034, PZ0005).

defence-aerospace.com

IDEX 2009 : Contracts

2009-02-23T19:24:00.002+02:00

The Ninth IDEX International Defense Exhibition and Conference is being held in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 22-26.

Turkey's Roketsan signed a $90 million rocket launcher system manufacturing deal with UAE company, Al Jaber.

Turkey's National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul also participated in the signature ceremony.

Part of the rocket launcher system will be produced in Turkey, and part of it will be manufactured in the UAE, where the system will also be integrated and assembled.

Roketsan executives said their company would also sign an agreement with Burkan firm in the first half of 2009 to jointly manufacture rockets.

Turkey's Yonca-Onuk partnership signed a deal worth $127.77 million with the Critical National Infrastructure Authority to sell 34 rapid intervention boats.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is the region’s largest land, sea and air defense exhibition and conference IDEX giving government officials and military personnel an opportunity to source technology and equipment.

Combining the Gulf Defense Conference and an extensive exhibition featuring over 900 local and international companies, IDEX has become renowned for assembling the broadest range of suppliers, delegations, industry analysts and military strategists and has gained an enviable reputation as one of the world’s foremost venues for defense business.

Source : Hurriyet

IDEX 2009 : Roketsan shows latest LRAT

2009-02-23T19:12:00.002+02:00

Roketsan (Hall 10, Stand A13) is expanding its product range to include precision missiles and is showing at IDEX its latest Long Range Anti-Tank (LRAT) missile, named UMTAS in Turkey, and the 2.75in Laser Guided Missile (LGM).

LRAT is being developed to meet the requirements of the Turkish Land Forces Command to arm the future T-129 attack helicopter, of which 50 are expected to be built.

It has a range of between 0.5km out to 8km and is fitted with a tandem high explosive anti-tank warhead to neutralise targets fitted with explosive reactive armour. Other types of warhead are said to be under consideration.

LRAT has a launch weight of 35kg and is fitted with an imaging infrared seeker that features lock-on-before launch and lock-on-after launch capability. Each helicopter will carry two pods each of four LRAT on their stub wings, or a mix of weapons.

Roketsan was awarded an initial YTL50m (US$37m) 26-month study contract, which was followed by a fullscale development contract expected to be completed by mid-2011. The 2.75in LGM will also be carried on pods by the T-129 attack helicopter and Roketsan is responsible for integrating the weapon onto this helicopter. According to the company, the design and development stage was completed last year, as were flight tests and qualification. Production is scheduled to start by the end of this year.

The LGM is seen as a low-cost alternative to more expensive missiles such as LRAT, and is ideal for neutralising soft skin and lighter armoured vehicles.

Source : Jane's

IDEX 2009 : Kaya Mine Protected Vehicle rolls into IDEX

2009-02-23T19:09:00.001+02:00

The new Turkish Kaya Mine Protected Vehicle (MPV), which has been developed as a private venture by Otokar, is being exhibited for the first time at IDEX and is aimed at the export markets.

Development of the Kaya MPV started three years ago and is now said to be complete, with production to commence as soon as orders are placed. During the design, mine blasts were simulated by special software and these were followed by tests on the actual vehicle that confirmed the design parameters.

Kaya MPV is based on a Mercedes-Benz U5000 (4x4) Unimog chassis, which has a high level of cross-country mobility and for which spare parts are available worldwide through a well-established dealer network. It has a gross vehicle weight of 12.5 tonnes.

While some MPVs have a one-piece hull design, the Kaya has two: one for the driver and commander behind the engine compartment, and the second for the troop compartment, which extends to the rear. The latter has firing ports, roof hatches, and the 10 troops can rapidly enter and leave the vehicle via one door in the rear. Bullet-proof windows are standard and the troop compartment has appliqué armour.

Although the first Kaya is in the troop carrying version, its design is flexible, which allows it to be easily adapted for a wide range of roles and missions such as ambulance and command post vehicle.

In addition to the baseline Kaya in the APC role, Otokar has also developed, to the prototype stage, a mine protected cargo carrier. This retains the fully protected two-person cab for the commander and driver, but to the rear is a flatbed unprotected cargo area, which can be fitted with drop sides and a tailgate.

Kaya is the latest in a long line of armoured vehicles designed, developed and manufactured by Otokar (Hall 10, Stand B40). They include the Cobra multirole armoured vehicle (also being shown at IDEX), as well as a range of lighter protected vehicles based on a Land Rover chassis, including the Akrep (Scorpion) light reconnaissance vehicle.

Source : Jane's

Lockheed Martin to Upgrade Ship Defense System on Turkish Navy Frigates

2009-02-17T18:56:00.002+02:00

MOORESTOWN, NJ, February 17th, 2009 -- The U.S. Navy recently awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] a contract to upgrade the MK 92 Fire Control System on Turkey’s G-class guided missile frigates. The system upgrade will support the introduction of the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM), providing enhanced self-protection capabilities for this class of surface warships.

The MK 92 system, originally developed by Lockheed Martin, provides integrated X-band radar surveillance, target tracking and weapon fire control capability for naval gun and missile systems. Under the new Navy contract, Lockheed Martin will design, develop and integrate modifications necessary to support the new missile capability.

“The MK 92 upgrade represents the first U.S. Navy-sponsored sale of our solid-state continuous wave illumination transmitter to support ESSM deployment by navies around the world,” said Stan Ozga, Lockheed Martin’s director for Naval Radar Programs. “Building on our successes with systems already in use by Norway and Australia, Lockheed Martin will deliver, with this latest variant, a major improvement to the guided missile frigate anti-air warfare capability and continue more than two decades of support to the operational needs of the Turkish Navy.”

The upgrade, when combined with Lockheed Martin's MK41 Vertical Launching System, will allow increased self defense capacity through the MK25 Quadpack canister allowing four ESSMs to be loaded in each MK41 cell, resulting in enhanced self-protection capabilities for this class of surface warships. ESSM is a medium range quick reaction missile designed to defeat stressing anti ship cruise missiles.

More than 125 shipboard MK 92 systems have been produced and deployed with nine different navies around the world. It has been installed on more than 70 guided missile frigates, as well as on a variety of other surface ships including coast guard cutters, corvettes and fast attack craft.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

LINK

Lockheed Martin Receives $6.3 Million Contract to Support MK 41 Vertical Launching System for U.S. and Turkish Navies

2009-01-22T16:06:00.001+02:00

BALTIMORE --- Lockheed Martin recently received a $6.3 million contract modification from the U.S. Navy's Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to provide engineering support services for MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) work on the U.S. Navy's Ticonderoga Class guided missile cruiser modernization program and the Turkish navy's MEKO Track IIA and IIB frigates.

The latest MK 41 VLS baseline VII launch control system combines commercial off-the-shelf technologies and open architecture software elements. Originally designed by Lockheed Martin in the early 1980s, MK 41 VLS has gone through numerous system upgrades and baseline improvements to introduce new capabilities, integrate new missiles and lower the total cost of ownership.

"The MK 41 is the world's most reliable below-deck, multi-mission naval missile launching system with a launch success rate of more than 99 percent," said Dan Schultz, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Integrated Defense Technologies line of business. "The flexibility and open system architecture of the MK 41 VLS baseline VII enables Lockheed Martin to maintain and continuously upgrade its customer's systems as technology evolves. We have already demonstrated baseline VII's portability to other computer processors and operating systems, and we are ready for the next generation tactical computing environment fielded for the Navy's DDG Modernization and CG(X) programs."

The recent contract modification was to the MK 41 VLS Design Agent Contract originally awarded in 2004. The work will be performed at Lockheed Martin's locations in Baltimore, MD and Ventura, CA.

The multi-missile, multi-mission MK 41 launcher has revolutionized the way world navies think about sea-launched weapons. No other naval missile launcher is capable of firing missiles for every threat in naval warfare, including anti-air, anti-submarine, ship self-defense, land attack and ballistic missile defense. More than 11,000 MK 41 VLS missile cells have been delivered or are on order. MK41 VLS systems are either in service or on order by 12 navies around the world for 186 ships in 19 different ship classes.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

LINK

BRIEF-Aselsan in 45 mln lira deal with Turkish military

2009-01-07T15:45:00.000+02:00

ISTANBUL, Jan 7 (Reuters) - Turkish electronics company Aselsan (ASELS.IS): * says signs 45 million lira ($30 million) command control systems deal with Turkish military.

REUTERS, LINK

Turbomeca and Turkey Sign a Support Contract for the Makila 1A1 Engines Powering the Cougar Helicopters

2009-01-06T18:38:00.002+02:00

BORDES, France --- Last December, Turbomeca and the Turkish Ministry of Defense signed a contract for setting up a repair center for the Turbomeca Makila 1A1 turbo shaft engines equipping the 50 Cougar helicopters operated by the Turkish Army.

This new repair center is based at Eskişehir, in the Tusas Engine Industries, governmental repair center. It offers up to Level 4 repair for the Makila 1A1 engines installed on the Turkish Cougar helicopters acquired in the 1990’s.

With this contract, the Turkish defense sees the proximity of the Turbomeca engine support significantly reinforced, thus increasing its autonomy.

In addition, the Turkish Turbomeca customers benefit today from the proximity of a field representative, based in Ankara.

The Turbomeca fleet in Turkey is mainly linked to the current military market, for which this new support contract represents a new step.

Turbomeca (SAFRAN Group) is the leading helicopter engine manufacturer, and has produced over 50 000 turbines based on its own designs since the company was founded. With 2,350 customers in over 155 countries, Turbomeca provides a proximity service thanks to its 15 sites, 26 TurboSupport Centers, 24 repair centers and 90 Field representatives and Field technicians. The Head Office is based in Bordes, Pyrénées-Atlantiques (south-west France). Microturbo, the subsidiary of Turbomeca, is the European leader in turbojet engines for missiles, drones and auxiliary power units.

LINK

Thales Announces First Flight of CN235 ASW Aircraft for Meltem Programme

2008-12-03T15:08:00.001+02:00

ANKARA --- Thales announced today that the Turkish Navy’s future CN235 maritime patrol aircraft made its first flight this week.

Modified by Thales and industrial partners TAI, Havelsan, Aselsan and Milsoft, the aircraft features the AMASCOS system (Airborne MAritime Situation and COntrol System) to provide Turkish naval forces with advanced anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

This new milestone further consolidates Thales’s European leadership in maritime surveillance and patrol systems.

Meltem is the most ambitious maritime surveillance and patrol programme conducted in Europe over the last decade. For Meltem II, Thales is modifying three CN235s for Exclusive Economic Zone surveillance missions by the Turkish coastguard and six CN235s in anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) configuration. For Meltem III, Alenia is integrating Thales’s AMASCOS system on ten ATR-72 ASW platforms.

The ATR-72 ASW aircraft developed jointly by Alenia Aeronautica and Thales is being proposed to naval and air forces around the world, for example in Algeria, Greece, Italy, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.

“The mission system is closely integrated with the aircraft’s avionics, making this the most comprehensive solution on the market today, and the most competitive in the anti-surface and ASW turboprop segment. It is backed by Thales’s and Finmeccanica’s global network and with Alenia we are expecting favourable decisions on many of the current procurement programmes,” says Jean-François Henrio, Vice President, Mission Airborne Solutions.

BACKGROUND NOTES:

The Meltem contract, awarded to Thales, is one of Europe’s largest maritime patrol and surveillance programmes. Maritime surveillance aircraft are deployed for monitoring territorial Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters, for detecting all forms of illicit trade and trafficking, accidental pollution and oil dumping, and for search-and-rescue operations.

This latest-generation system will provide the customer with an effective maritime patrol and surveillance capability for the coming years. Nine systems will be integrated into existing CN235 aircraft operated by Turkish armed forces (Meltem II) and a further ten into Alenia ATR-72s (Meltem III).

Thales is a leading international electronics and systems group, addressing defence, aerospace and security markets worldwide. Thales’s leading-edge technology is supported by 22,000 R&D engineers who offer a capability unmatched in Europe to develop and deploy field-proven mission-critical information systems. Thales employs 68,000 people in 50 countries with 2007 revenues of EUR 12.3 billion.

defense-aerospace.com , LINK

Fokker Elmo Opens Its New Manufacturing Facility in Izmir, Turkey

2008-11-18T14:45:00.000+02:00

PAPENDRECHT, Netherlands --- Fokker Elmo, a division of Stork Aerospace, has officially opened its new wiring systems facility during the Global Aerospace Conference currently taking place in Izmir and in the presence of Defence Undersecretary Bayar. The facility, which was announced in Ankara one year ago is located in the Aegean Free Zone in Izmir and will manufacture aircraft and aircraft engine wiring systems for Fokker Elmo customers such as Boeing, EADS/Airbus, Lockheed Martin and Agusta-Westland.

The new facility is now AS9100 certified and is starting customer deliveries. The operation is expected to grow to 300- 500 employees within five years.

The Aegean Free Zone in Izmir was chosen because of the good conditions that exist for international companies in terms of business development, human resources, and environment. Also the support from the Under Secretariat for Defence (SSM) has been a stimulating factor for the establishment of this long term operation in Turkey. Fokker Elmo customers Boeing, EADS/Airbus and Lockheed Martin were closely involved and supportive from the start of this project.

Fokker Elmo is a Stork Aerospace operating company and internationally recognized as a prime specialist in electrical interconnection systems for aircraft and aircraft engines. The company holds a number two market position. The Izmir Facility is the fourth operation of Fokker Elmo, the company already owns factories in The Netherlands, China and the USA.

Jan Lagasse, Managing Director of Fokker Elmo, said: "A tremendous performance has been achieved by a large multidisciplinary Fokker Elmo team from Turkey and from the Netherlands, to industrialise this new facility and accomplish AS9100 certification with a 100% score. Obviously our team could not have achieved this without the ongoing support of ESBAS, SSM and our customers Boeing, EADS and Lockheed Martin. We now look forward to apply our proven business model to our Turkish facility. We are confident that with the expanded global footprint and the use of our unique Wiring Design and Manufacturing System we will be able to even serve our aerospace and defence customers even better."

Stork Aerospace develops and produces advanced structures and electrical systems for the aerospace industry, and supplies integrated maintenance services and products to aircraft owners and operators. In 2007 the group achieved a turnover of EUR 550 million with over 3,500 employees out of the total Stork turnover of EUR 2 billion.

Defense-Aerospace.com , LINK

Turkish Army plans to buy Predator UAV

2008-11-08T18:56:00.002+02:00

The Turkish Army is planning to buy a General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) Predator unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to cover a UAV gap in its fight against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), the Turkish Army commander has revealed. If procured, the US government has pledged to supply Turkey with the system within 18 months, according to US sources. Turkish Army Commander General Isik Kosaner acknowledged the Turkish plan to buy a US UAV during a press conference on 27 October, saying that one US Predator UAV is currently at the disposal of the Turkish military and has been gathering intelligence on PKK activities, mostly in northern Iraq

Jane's Defense , LINK

Final Date for RFP for Submarine Rescue Mother Ship Extended

2008-11-05T16:52:00.000+02:00

The final date to take Request For Proposal (RFP) related to Submarine Rescue Mother Ship (MOSHIP) and Rescue and Towing Ship (RATSHIP) has been extended to 31 December 2008 and the final date to respond has been extended to 31 March 2009.

MILGEM Corvette Project - Launching Ceremony of Prototype Ship (Heybeliada)

2008-11-05T16:47:00.001+02:00

In scope of the MILGEM Project that consists of the construction of 12 (4 optional) Patrol and Anti-Submarine Warfare Ships through local design, the first ship HEYBELİADA will be launched on 27 September 2008 (470. Anniversary of Preveze Naval Battle Victory and Turkish Naval Forces Day) at İstanbul Naval Shipyard and also the keel of the second ship “BÜYÜKADA” will be laid, on the same day.

MILGEM Corvette will meet the reconnaissance, surveillance, target identification, early warning, defense of base and harbors, anti submarine warfare, surface to surface and surface to air warfare, amphibious operation and patrol requirements of Turkish Naval Forces Command.

HEYBELİADA – the first locally- designed corvette – has been designed and constructed by İstanbul Naval Shipyard with the participation of local industry through the material, equipment and services supplied by Undersecretariat for Defence Industries.

In this respect, the hull appendages and form optimization and model trials of the ship was performed by İstanbul Technical University, the design documents has been examined by Turkish Lloyd according to the Rules of Naval Ships (2004) and the platform construction and outfitting equipment have been produced and integrated by the local sub-contractors.

HEYBELİADA, which will be commissioned on 2011, is a monohull type vessel designed to meet the speed, seakeeping and stability requirements of Turkish Naval Forces Command.

With a dimension of 99.00 m x 14.40 m x 3.59 m and displacement of 2000 t., HEYBELİADA will have an unlimited operation capability at sea state 5 and limited capability at sea state 6.

The ship, which has been designed to have a helicopter platform, hangar and support equipment required for S-70-B2 SeaHawk ASW helicopters, will be capable of helicopter operation up to sea state 4 (including sea state 4).

HEYBELİADA has a crew of 93 including the aviation crew and will also provide accommodation for 106 people.

The main propulsion system comprises 2 diesel engines (MTU 16V595TE90) and 1 gas turbine (CODAG), will allow a maximum speed of more than 29 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots. The range of the ship will be 3500 NM.

Turkish companies ASELSAN and HAVELSAN are responsible for the development and integration of the combat system of HEYBELİADA. In this respect, there will be 3D search and track radar, fire control radar, navigation radars, sonar, EW system, laser/RF systems, chaff and ASW jammers, SatCom, ECDIS/WECDIS, GPS, LAN, on the ship. The ship will utilize X-Band 2/2

SatCom naval terminals, electronic support measurement system, laser warning systems, ASELFLIR-300 electro-optic director and internal and external communication system developed and produced by ASELSAN. The combat management system has been developed by HAVELSAN as well as the ship navigation sensor & data distribution system and message handling system.

The sonar suite has been designed and developed by TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey). TÜBİTAK is also responsible for the design, development and production of the hydrophone and degaussing system as well as performing the IR signature forecast and management and electromagnetic compatibility and reduction of electromagnetic interference analyses.

Air defence, anti-submarine warfare and surface engagement capability of HEYBELİADA will be provided through the weapon systems integrated on the ship. There will be 1 x 76 mm Oto Melara main gun which will be controlled by the gun fire control system developed by ASELSAN, 2 x 12.7 mm machine guns to be mounted on ASELSAN manufactured STAMP (Stabilized Machine Gun Platform), 8 x harpoon surface to surface missiles, 21 x RAM PDMS and 2x 324 mm Mk. 32 twin launchers for Mk.56 torpedoes.

defense-aerospace.com , LINK

Turkey stands behind penalty over A400M delay

2008-10-08T16:17:00.002+03:00

Turkey stands behind penalty clauses for the delay in delivery of the A400M military transporter from European aerospace group EADS, the undersecretariat for defense industries said Wednesday.

However, it underlined that the final decision on financial penalties would be made jointly with six other countries who have ordered the aircraft.

"Turkey is conveying its annoyance at the delay" both to OCCAR, the procurement agency for the seven countries awaiting aircraft, as well as to Airbus Military, the subsidiary of the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS), the undersecretariat said in a statement to AFP.

"Turkey expects Airbus Military to fulfill its obligations under the agreement. But the final decision on this issue will be made jointly with the countries in the A400M project," it added.

Last month, EADS announced that the first flight of the A400M, which had been planned for the end of the year, was postponed to an indefinite date, depending on tests on the aircraft engine and the readiness of the propulsion system.

Shortly before the announcement, German weekly Der Spiegel reported that EADS had threatened to freeze productions of the A400M if clients did not drop penalty clauses for late delivery.

The threat was made in a letter sent by Louis Gallois, the French chief executive of both EADS and Airbus, to the governments of the countries who have ordered the A400M transporters, the report said.

The Turkish statement said it had received a letter "explaining the delay in the delivery of the planes and its impact on the company", but gave no other details.

Turkey

has ordered 10 A400M planes. The biggest customer in the project is Germany with 60 planes, while France has ordered 50 planes, Spain 27, Britain 25, Belgium seven and Luxembourg one.

Hurriyet Newspaper, LINK

Turkey - AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER Targeting Pods and AN/AAQ-13 LANTIRN Navigation Pods

2008-10-01T21:56:00.001+03:00

WASHINGTON --- On September 26, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Turkey of AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER Targeting Pods and AN/AAQ-13 LANTIRN Navigation Pods as well as associated equipment and services.

The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $200 million.

The Government of Turkey has requested a possible sale of 30 AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER Extended Range Targeting Pods, 30 AN/AAQ-13 LANTIRN Extended Range Navigation Pods, containers, flight tests, integration, digital cartridge interface, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor representative technical and logistics personnel services, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $200 million.

Turkey is a partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in the region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability that will contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.

Turkey needs these capabilities for self-defense modernization, regional security, and U.S. and NATO interoperability. This modernization will enhance the Turkish Air Force’s ability to defend Turkey while patrolling the nation’s extensive coastline and borders against future threats and contribute to Global War on Terrorism and NATO operations. The proven reliability and compatibility of like-systems in association with numerous platforms will foster increased interoperability with NATO and U.S. forces, and expand regional defenses to counter common threats to air, border, and shipping assets in the region. The Turkish Air Force will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control Company in Orlando, Florida. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale may require the assignment of U.S. Government and contractor representatives to Turkey for integration efforts. Also, this program will require U.S. government and contractor personnel to conduct annual, one-week Program Management Reviews in Turkey.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.

defense-aerospace.com, LINK

Turkey - AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM Missiles

2008-09-29T19:28:00.002+03:00

WASHINGTON --- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Turkey of AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM missiles as well as associated equipment and services.

The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $157 million.

The Government of Turkey has requested a possible sale of 107 AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to- Air Missiles (AMRAAM), 2 missile guidance sections, missile containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $157 million.

Turkey is a partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in the region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability that will contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.

Turkey needs these capabilities for self-defense modernization, regional security, and U.S. and NATO interoperability. This modernization will enhance the Turkish Air Force’s ability to defend Turkey while patrolling the nation’s extensive coastline and borders to protect against future threats. The proposed sale will also enhance Turkey’s ability to contribute to Global War on Terrorism efforts and NATO operations. The Turkish Air Force will have no difficulty absorbing these missiles into its armed forces.

The prime contractor will be Raytheon Electronic and Missile Systems of Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this sale will not require the assignment of any additional U. S. Government personnel in country.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.

defense-aerospace.com , LINK

16-09-2008: BHIC signs JV with Turkey shipbuilder

2008-09-19T21:36:00.001+03:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Bhd (BHIC) has proposed entering into a joint venture (JV) in Malaysia with Turkey’s Yonca-Onuk Savunma Sanyii AS to build vessels for the government and private customers.

BHIC said yesterday the JV aimed to be ready for production of the vessels in Malaysia next year and would promote the transfer of technology and usage of Malaysian content.

BHIC’s subsidiary BHIC Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd (BHDT) yesterday sealed a JV agreement with Yonca, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yonca-Onuk Ortakligi, an industrial-scale enterprise with a modern shipyard capable of serial production of state-of-the-art pleasure, commercial and naval craft.

It said Yonca had the expertise to design and build composite boats for operation in tropical waters to fulfil duties as fast patrol/escort/rescue craft, search and rescue, anti-smuggling, pollution control and terrorist protection coastal and offshore installations and surveillance.

BHIC said a third shareholder, ML Orient Sdn Bhd, would be nominated by Yonca within 60 days. BHDT, Yonca and ML will hold 51%, 30% and 19% respectively of the JV company.

theedgedaily.com , LINK

Turkey chooses Simrad Sonar for new type patrol boats

2008-09-17T01:19:00.001+03:00

Kongsberg Maritime AS, a wholly owned Kongsberg Gruppen ASA company specialising in development of high end hydroacoustic technology has signed a contract with the Turkish company HAVELSAN A.Þ.for delivery of Simrad SP92MKII commercial sonars to the New Type Patrol Boat Project for the Turkish Naval Forces Command.

The contract, valued at approx. 30 MNOK is for 16 boats and was won in an open international competition. Delivery is scheduled from 2009 until 2014. The new patrol boats are being built by main contractor Dearsan Shipbuilding Yard whilst HAVELSAN Ab is employed as the main sub contractor for the Combat Systems.

HAVELSAN is a Software and Systems Company developing global solutions in Defense and IT industries. HAVELSAN develops its core competencies in C4ISR, Simulation and Training Simulators and Information Management Systems. It has become an informatics and systems house in Turkey in the era of knowledge. Starting from the early 2000s, HAVELSAN has had an important place in international markets as well as in the domestic market.

The Simrad SP92MKII and the Simrad SX90 sonars are the third generation Simrad SP70/90 sonars that were first introduced to the market in 1997. This generation of Simrad sonars is the most sophisticated and up-to-date available in the market and competes with military specified sonars on specifications and performance at a fraction of the cost.

The Simrad SP92MKII and the Simrad SX90 are stabilized multi frequency sonar with 11 operating frequencies from 20 to 30 kHz, with detection range of more than 3000 meters. They use hyperbolic frequency modulated transceiver technology giving a noise free picture and higher picture details than CW or standard FM transceiver technology. The sonar hull unit with 120 cm hoist length will withstand a vessel speed of 24 knots fully extended.

BYM NEWS, LINK

Bangladesh to Purchase Missiles from Europe, Turkey

2008-09-15T17:26:00.001+03:00

KOLKATA --- Bangladesh plans to place new orders for anti-ship and air defense missiles. Among the possible suppliers, MBDA could provide its OTOMAT Mk II anti-ship missile and five launch systems, and Aselsan of Turkey may offer its Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) systems and 3D air defense radars. These surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) would be operated by the Bangladeshi Air Force.

Bangladesh has already acquired Chinese anti-ship missiles and established a missile launch pad near the Chittagong Port with assistance from China. A Chinese-built C802A missile was fired on May 12 from the frigate BNS Osman near Kutubdia Island in the Bay of Bengal.

Defense-aerospace.com, LINK

Turkey's National Main Battle Tank Project (ALTAY) Started with the Ceremony Held at OTOKAR Factory

2008-09-15T17:23:00.002+03:00

The Undersecretariat for the Defence Industries of Turkey (SSM) has contracted Otokar with the designing of first National Main Battle Tank of Turkey. The signing ceremony for the ALTAY Project was realised at Otokar plant.

A Koç Group company Otokar, is contracted as prime contractor for ALTAY Project, conducted by SSM. The Company shall be the exclusively responsible party to SSM regarding the design, development, integration, prototype production, testing, qualification of the first Turkish National Main Battle Tank (ALTAY Tank) and all activities contained in the Project.

Prime Minister Erdoğan attended the ceremony

The signing ceremony was held with the attendance of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Turkish Prime Minister, M. Vecdi Gönül, the Turkish Minister of National Defence, Mustafa Koç, chairman of the Koç Holding, Kudret Önen, President of Koç Holding Defence Industry and Other Automotive Group and Chairman of Otokar, and Serdar Görgüç, General Manager of Otokar.

Sanghee Lee, the Minister of National Defence, representing the Republic of Korea, the country to provide technical support and assistance for the Project and the upper management representatives of Aselsan, Hyundai-Rotem, Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi Kurumu and Roketsan were also present at the ceremony.

Mr Kudret Önen, President of Koç Holding Defence Industry and Other Automotive Group and Chairman of Otokar, stated that backed with its engineering power, R&D facilities, experiences and technical facilities, Otokar is ready to design new generation tank which will fully meet the requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces, and said: “We pride ourselves on being charged for such a large-scale national project of strategic importance. As it was always the case, we will work hard to deserve this confidence in our Company, in order to attain the result befitting our country.

“For 45 years, we have introduced many firsts to the automotive industry. We have designed the first military armoured vehicle and we realised export of armoured vehicles for the first time. Since 21 years we are operating in the defence industry. 25 thousand military vehicles we produced are being used by Armed Forces of more than 15 countries, primarily by the Turkish Armed Forces, and UN duty units in several regions of the world. With ALTAY Project, we will break new ground.”

Mr Mustafa V. Koç, Chairman of Koç Holding, stated that he is pleased that an affiliate of the Koç Holding is preferred for the completion of ALTAY Project, which is of utmost importance for Turkey’s national defence industry strategy, and said: “It is certain that this Project will bring enormous acceleration to the land platform development and production field of the defence industry. In order to become leader in its region, Turkey requires stable government, growing economy and strong armed forces. Considering the prevailing threats and contemporary battle area conditions, it becomes evident that modern equipment, tools and devices which of hi-tech products and capable to dispose of potential threats must be available further to manpower in order to have contemporary and strong armed forces.

“We have to develop its own resources and capabilities and to develop our own technology also in this field. Only in this way we can cope with the modern era and attain sustainable growth in the national industry. Our national defence industry will have great contributions to and responsibilities for enabling us to reach the targeted point, regarding the development of their competence and capacity. Long-term approach, vision and leadership are factors required to attain success. We, as the Koç Group of Companies, make great efforts and use large resources for the defence industry for a long time and consequently we accomplish very successful projects. With our companies Otokar, RMK Marine, Koç Bilgi and Defence Technologies we aim to be able to export our products to the geographical region in the long term, as part of the international competition, beyond being able to meet the requirements of the national defence industry.”

Murad Bayar, Undersecretary of SSM, talking at the ceremony, said that it’s very important that the ALTAY Project reached to the contract signing phase. He also added that this Project will supply Turkish Armed Forces, the third generation modern main battle tank. He said further: “The studies on the modern tank project firstly started on 1996 and was targeted on a production under licence of an existing tank in the world. But this project stopped on 2004 because of the high costs. In 2005, we started working on Turkish National Main Battle Tank Project and in 2007 Otokar had been chosen as the prime contractor of the Project. And the project is called ALTAY. The first 7 years of the Project will enclose the prototype production and testing functions. After the prototype tanks completed the serial production will start for the first 250 tanks.”

All intellectual and ownership rights of the ALTAY tank belongs to Turkey

As result of the contract signed, the ALTAY Tank to be developed under prime contractorship of Otokar will bring our country’s dependency on external resources to end. The Republic of Turkey shall own all design and intellectual property rights vested on the ALTAY Tank.

The Technical Data Package, which contains all information and documents related with the design, development, integration, test and production of the ALTAY Tank and which will constitute the basis for mass production, shall be owned by the Republic of Turkey, without any restriction and with all rights pertaining there to.

The estimated budget for design, prototype production, tests and qualification of the ALTAY Tank, which will provide new technologies and skills to the Turkish defence industry, is declared to amount to US$ 500 million.

BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

-- 2005: SSM charged the consortium, consisting of three companies, with the performance of feasibility study to determine the production pattern for the Turkish National Main Battle Tank Project. The feasibility study was completed in April 2005 and the project pattern was defined as “designing and development of the main battle tank inside Turkey by getting technical support and assistance from abroad whenever required”.

-- 2006: The Request for Proposal was issued in February 2006 for the companies being involved in the feasibility study, including Otokar. In July 2006, the bids were submitted to SSM.

-- 2007: Bid evaluation process, aiming to appoint the prime contractor, was completed in February 2007. According to the resolution adopted at the meeting of the National Defence Executive Committee held in March 2007, it was decided to initiate the contract negotiations with Otokar, as the nominee for prime contractor to the Project.

-- July 2008: The contract negotiations for ALTAY Project were completed and the documents became ready for execution. This contract does not include the mass production process.

-- 2008 and later: Design studies for ALTAY tank shall be initiated under the prime contractorship of Otokar. It is aimed to complete the project in 78.5 months. The project consists of three stages: concept design, detail design, prototyping and qualification.

Otokar will cooperate with subcontractors for the ALTAY Project

Being responsible to SSM for design, prototype production, testing, qualification of the ALTAY tank and the smooth management of the project, Otokar shall work together with the subcontractors mentioned hereinbelow. The subcontractors, named as ALTAY team and being involved in this project shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Sub-systems including but not limited to Fire Control System, Command Control Communication Information System shall be designed and developed by Aselsan, and Otokar and Aselsan shall conduct integration studies in collaboration.

2. For certain areas, technical support and assistance shall be obtained from Hyundai-Rotem, Korea; and certain sub-systems of Korean origin shall be provided through Hyundai-Rotem.

3. 120 mm, 55 calibre Main Gun System shall be produced by MKE. The Main Gun shall be integrated into the tank by Otokar and MKE.

4. The Modular Armour Package to be designed, developed and produced by Roketsan, shall be integrated into the tank by Otokar and Roketsan.

At later stages of the Project, further companies will join the ALTAY team.

Celebrating its 45th year of operation and being one of the leading companies in Turkey, Otokar offers custom-tailored solutions for its customers’ needs, with its own technologies, designs and applications. Being an affiliate of the Koç Group of Companies, Otokar’s product range includes minibus, bus, trailer and semi-trailer as commercial vehicles, and various types of 4x4 off-road vehicles for the defence industry.

Defense-aerospace.com , LINK

LHTEC to Provide Engines for Turkish ATAK Helicopters

2008-09-05T18:22:00.001+03:00

INDIANAPOLIS --- The Turkish Army announced that it has selected the AgustaWestland T129 helicopter, powered by two Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Company (LHTEC) CTS800-4A engines, as part of the Tactical Reconnaissance and Attack Helicopter (ATAK) Program for the Turkish Land Forces Command.

LHTEC is a 50:50 partnership between Honeywell and Rolls-Royce that forecasts the lifetime revenue potential for CTS800 engine applications to be over $1 billion, including aftermarket sales.

Under the agreement, 50 helicopters and 100 engines including spares have been ordered in a deal valued at around USD $96 million. The contract provides options for an additional 40 engines. Production of ATAK T129 helicopters will begin in 2011 and continue to 2018.

Ben Driggs, Honeywell Vice President Marketing of Propulsion Marketing and Product Management and LHTEC board member, said: “The Turkish Army selection of the CTS800-4 powered AgustaWestland T129 underscores the benefits this engine provides to our customers.

“The state of the art design and technology result in world-class performance and reliability, along with reduced operating and maintenance costs. These features will meet the needs of our customer over the life of the ATAK program. LHTEC looks forward to being a part this exciting program.”

Ken Roberts, President of the Rolls-Royce Helicopters business and LHTEC board member, added: “This award further illustrates the strength of the LHTEC engine series. Already in service powering the Super Lynx 300 for the Royal Malaysian Navy, the Royal Thai Navy, the Royal Air Force of Oman and the South African Air Force, the CTS800 has also been selected to power the UK Ministry of Defence’s Future Lynx helicopter program.”

The CTS800 also provides the boundary layer control system for the ShinMaywa US-2 amphibian aircraft, currently in development by the Japanese Navy, and is the prototype engine for the Sikorsky X2 high-speed technology development rotorcraft that made its maiden flight in August 2008.

The CTS800 family of engines, which have accumulated over 35,000 flight hours, range from 1,360 to 1,700 shp with the CTS800-4N equipped with a full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) that reduces pilot workload and facilitates the engine’s on-condition maintenance program. Low engine removal rates, excellent “hot and high” performance and best in class fuel burn levels all characterize the CTS800.

Growth versions of the T800/CTS800 engine include a 1,680 shp class version being offered for emerging civil and military applications

Defense-aerospace.com , LINK

Sweden's giant defense contractor opens Ankara office

2008-09-04T00:07:00.002+03:00

Saab, which is Sweden's largest defense contractor, yesterday opened an office in Ankara, where a meeting on defense technology cooperation between Sweden and Turkey was hosted on the same day.

Saab is one of the largest aerospace firms in Europe, with 2007 sales totaling $2.82 billion. About 81 percent of Saab's sales in 2007 came from defense operations and 19 percent from civil system sales.

Swedish Ambassador to Turkey Christer Asp hosted a reception at his residence yesterday evening for the opening of the Saab office in Ankara. Earlier in the day, during a meeting called "Sweden-Turkey Defense Technologies Day," Asp said his country is a "reliable partner" for Turkey in the defense sector.

Speaking at the same gathering, Murad Bayar, head of the Undersecretariat for the Defense Industry (SSM), said Turkey has been planning to form a partnership in international markets with Sweden concerning defense industry products and projects.

Today's Zaman, LINK

Korea Signs $400 Million Contract with Turkey on Transfer of Tank Technology

2008-07-30T16:23:00.001+03:00

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration said Wednesday (July 30) that Korea has signed a $400 million deal with Turkey to help develop a new tank by 2015, using over 50 percent of Korea's indigenous technology on the armored vehicle.

The deal was signed between Korean tank manufacturer Hyundai Rotem and Turkish carmaker Otokar in a ceremony attended by Korean Defense Minister Lee Sang-hee and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.

The contract also includes the transfer of technology owned by Korea's state developer, the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), according to the Korean defense procurement office.

The contract is very significant in that Korea is now exporting not only defense goods, but also defense technology, the defense procurement office said in a media release.

Korea competed against Germany for the $400 million project to help develop Turkey's new main battle tank, which will be the country's first-ever indigenous tank, according to the defense procurement office. Turkey plans to produce some 200 units of the next generation tank, provisionally named Turkey National Main Battle Tank, upon completion of its development.

Turkey is one of the largest purchasers of Korean defense articles and is set to buy some $100 million worth of weapons, including 155mm self-propelled artillery, from Korea this year alone, according to the defense procurement office.

Korea developed its first indigenous tank, the K-1, in 1988 and is set to replace the main battle tank with the next generation K-2 tanks starting 2010.

Seoul exported some $850 million worth of defense articles last year, with the export expected to grow to over $1 billion this year for the first time in history, the defense procurement office said in the media release.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Korean press reports say that South Korea will transfer key technologies regarding engine, gunnery and snorkeling systems to Turkey, which initially wants to build about 250 advanced main battle tanks, totaling about 60% of the technology required to build the Turkish tanks. Turkey will develop a fire control system on its own.
Korea’s $400 million technology transfer fee includes production costs for four prototype tanks and components, and expenses for about 20 Korean engineers seconded to Turkey for the program.)

Defense-aerospace.com, LINK

Turkish Air Force Selects Northrop Grumman's Newest Navigation System for Its C-130 Aircraft

2008-07-22T15:15:00.000+03:00

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. --- Northrop Grumman Corporation has been selected by the Turkish Air Force to provide the newest fiber-optic gyro inertial navigation system, the LN-260, for use on its C-130 aircraft.

The LN-260 inertial navigation system provides platform navigation and low-noise navigation inputs to steady radar pictures, help precisely direct communications antennas, or guide sensors to enable highly accurate positions for ground and aerial targets for the C-130s. The LN-260 offers high performance, high reliability, light weight and low power consumption to combat aircraft.

“This is the first commercial international sale of the LN-260 and its first application to the C-130 platform,'' said Jim Myers, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman Navigation Systems Division. “This win will highlight the capabilities of the LN-260 and demonstrate to U.S. and international customers how Northrop Grumman navigation systems can enhance the performance of all classes of existing military aircraft.''

“We see a bright future for the LN-260 inertial navigation system,'' said Gorik Hossepian, Northrop Grumman vice president of Navigation and Positioning Systems. “In addition to being selected for the Turkish Air Force C-130, the LN-260 has been selected for the U.S. Air Force F-16 Multinational Fighter Program and the U.S. Navy F-5 upgrade kit. LN-260 units have been delivered for each of these programs.''

The LN-260 is a completely integrated inertial navigation system (INS) with a 24-channel embedded global positioning system (GPS) receiver. The fully integrated, tightly coupled GPS is selective availability/anti-spoofing module-compliant and its inertial design provides superior performance relative to other embedded INS/GPS systems. Its modular, open system architecture allows it to be easily adapted to new applications, to new system requirements and to improve performance of mission equipment and flight control systems.

ASELSAN Inc., Northrop Grumman's co-production partner in Turkey for over fifteen years, will manufacture and deliver the LN-260 INS/GPS units to Tusas Aerospace Industries Inc. (TAI) for installation on Turkish Air Force C-130 aircraft. ASELSAN will also manufacture LN-260 units for additional Turkish Air Force programs.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Defense-aerospace.com , LINK

Boeing Successfully Completes Flight of 1st AEW&C Peace Eagle Aircraft Modified in Turkey

2008-07-17T18:13:00.001+03:00

ST. LOUIS --- The Boeing Company has successfully conducted the first flight test of the first 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft modified by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in Ankara for Turkey's Peace Eagle program.

During the 2.5-hour flight from Ankara on July 16, pilot Ron Johnston and first officer Mark Mitchell performed a series of functional tests that verified the airworthiness of the aircraft's systems and structures.

The aircraft included newly installed aerial refueling capability, an advanced Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) antenna, ventral fins and mission system equipment.

"This flight is a tribute to the skill and hard work of TAI while successfully executing a very complex modification effort in transforming a 737-700 into an AEW&C platform," said Mark Ellis, Boeing Peace Eagle program manager.

Boeing will validate the aircraft's mission system over the next several weeks, before painting the plane with Turkish Air Force markings.

The Peace Eagle program includes four 737 AEW&C aircraft plus ground support segments for mission crew training, mission support and system maintenance. Boeing modified the first aircraft at its facilities in Seattle. TAI is modifying the remaining three aircraft in Ankara.

The 737-700 features 21st century avionics, navigation equipment and flight deck features. Because of its advanced technology, the aircraft requires minimal downtime for maintenance. The 737 series has a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment.

In addition to Northrop Grumman's MESA antenna with integrated identification friend-or-foe capabilities, the aircraft features a flexible, open architecture for cost-effective future upgrades, an extensive communications suite and aerial refueling capability.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.1 billion business with 71,000 employees worldwide.

First A400M Military Transporter Rolled Out

2008-07-01T19:18:00.001+03:00

In a ceremony presided over by His Majesty Juan Carlos I, King of Spain, Airbus Military has rolled out the first complete A400M military transport aircraft from the Final Assembly Line facility in Seville, Spain on June 26, 2008.

Designed initially to a recognized requirement for a new airlifter for European air forces, the A400M incorporates the state-of-the-art materials and technology that are being continuously perfected in today’s civil aircraft fleets. Features such as electronic flight controls, carbon composite structures and an automated handling system will bring new standards of operability and safety to military aircrews.

Launched under a single contract in 2003 with 180 orders for seven European launch customers, the A400M represents the most ambitious military procurement program ever undertaken in Europe. The launch customer nations, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom were subsequently joined by Malaysia and South Africa, which recognized the potential of the new airlifter for their own requirements and brought the total number of commitments to 192.

Being the shareholder of Airbus Military S.L., as National Insdustrial Institution, Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI) has been participating in the design & development activities of the program.

“Today is a great day for our industry,” said Carlos Suarez, CEO of Airbus Military and Head of MTAD: “It is the result of the combined efforts and determination of all those involved in the program. It has been supported by the national governments - our customers, the industrial partners, the suppliers, and the employees who have worked to produce the aircraft. I would like to thank and congratulate them all.”

“This event demonstrates our joint determination to show that EADS can design and manufacture a long-range military transport aircraft which will set new standards in airlift and open further potential in international markets. It also serves to justify the confidence which our customers placed in us when awarding the initial contract,” said Louis Gallois, CEO of EADS.

The initial contract, worth some 20 billion Euros was signed with a single interface between Airbus Military and OCCAR, (Organisation Conjointe de Coordination en matière d’Armement), the contractual body representing all seven European customer nations).

Versatility is the characteristic that best describes the A400M, it being conceived with both tactical and strategic capability. With a payload of up to 37 tonnes over ranges of up to 4700 nm, the A400M is designed to carry all loads and vehicles in the European Staff Requirement (ESR) inventory, serve as an aerial delivery platform and act as an in-flight refueller for both fast jets and helicopters.

The A400M is the first truly new military transport aircraft of its category designed in over 30 years, with twice the capacity and twice the payload of the current aircraft types that it will replace. It is all set to become the new standard in military airlift.

Under the A400M program, a total of 10 A400M aircraft will be procured for the Turkish Air Force Command. To compensate for the 10 A400M aircraft to be procured by Turkey, TAI shall undertake the structural work share which is corresponding to 7.15% of the total work and systems work package, which is 1.26%.

As a partner of Airbus Military S.L., TAI has been participating in the design and development activities of the A400M aircraft with the leading European aerospace companies namely; Airbus (France, Germany, Spain and UK), EADS CASA (Spain) and FLABEL (Belgium) from the beginning of the program.

With this program, TAI shifts to “build-to design” method from “build-to-print.” Being a partner of Airbus Military S.L. (AMSL), our Company will not only own design rights, but also become a partner of Design Organization Approval (JAR-21 PART JA) under AMSL since AMSL has design rights, in general, and type certificate (JAR-25). These approvals will make TAI a company, that has control over all the processes including design, test, certification and delivery.

Taking place as a risk sharing partner in the program, TAI will manufacture the parts under its responsibility in each new aircraft order. The parts, which are under the responsibility (design & production) of TAI are; forward center fuselage, rear fuselage upper shell, parachute doors, emergency exit doors, tail cone, lightning and water/waste systems and aileron and spoiler.

In addition to structural components, TAI is level 1 responsible of the lighting and water/waste systems of the A400M program. Furthermore, the fuselage harness fitting of the A400M is also manufactured by TAI engineers.

defense-aerospace.com , LINK

The Contract of the ATAK Program Becomes Effective

2008-06-25T18:41:00.002+03:00

AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that the contracts of the Turkish Attack and Reconnaissance Helicopter (ATAK) Program have become effective and the program has officially started at the ceremony held at the facilities of the Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI) today.

The ATAK Program was initiated with the aim to meet the 50 firm and 41 optional Attack/Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopter requirements of the Turkish Land Forces Command (TLF) by the integration of high-tech avionic equipment, hardware and software which will be developed nationally.

AgustaWestland was announced as the winning bidder at the March 30, 2007 meeting of the Defense Industry Executive Committee. Contract negotiations for the ATAK Program started in April 2007 between the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM), TAI, ASELSAN and AgustaWestland. The Prime Contact, Major Subcontract Agreement and Subcontract Agreements, which had been signed on September 7, 2007, have become effective and the ATAK Program has officially started at the ceremony held at the facilities of the Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI) today.

TAI is the Prime Contractor of the ATAK Program, whereas ASELSAN and AgustaWestland are the subcontractors of TAI. As the Prime Contractor of the ATAK Program, TAI shall be responsible to ensure that the performance of the T129 ATAK Helicopter meets the operational requirements of the Turkish Land Forces Command. The helicopters will be manufactured at Turkey’s Center of Aerospace, TAI.

The T129 ATAK Helicopter shall be equipped with not only modern and proven weapon systems, but also avionic and weapon systems designed and produced indigenously. The mission computer and targeting, navigation, communication and electronic warfare systems will be developed and produced by ASELSAN, which is one of the leading defense companies of Turkey. The high performance new engine, Automatic Flight Control System and Air Vehicle Monitoring System will be integrated by AgustaWestland, one of the global leaders in rotorcraft industry.

The development phase will be realized through the cooperation of local defense and aerospace companies resulting in an “independent” product, which can be modernized in every respect during its life time of 30 years.

From the [coming into effect] of the contract, the planned duration of the ATAK Program is 114 months, and the first T129 ATAK Helicopter will be delivered in the 60th month.

With the Collaboration Agreement, signed between TAI and AgustaWestland, let alone having the right to use and administer the intellectual property of the T129 ATAK Helicopter, TAI shall be the sole source for its work share under the ATAK program for all potential future world-wide sales of the T129 ATAK Helicopter. The Collaboration Agreement also provides TAI with the right to sell and market the T129 ATAK Helicopter worldwide.

Defense-aerospace.com, LINK

Boeing Supports and Celebrates Growth in the Turkish Aviation Market

2008-06-18T18:23:00.000+03:00

ISTANBUL --- Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia, and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, today met with media in Istanbul to review recent Boeing activities and to comment on the Turkish aviation market.
Dailey expressed his confidence in the rapidly growing Turkish market. "Boeing believes Turkey is well positioned and has huge potential in the European market. For instance, Turkish Airlines is among the few European flag carriers undergoing expansion rather than consolidation, despite difficult economic conditions. Turkish private carriers are demonstrating impressive performance and expanding the Turkish aviation market by executing differentiated business models".

Dailey said the Turkish aviation market, which has been going through a rapid growth, would need approximately $21 billion worth of 250 new airplanes over the next 20 years. He underlined that in the next 20 years Boeing predicts that worldwide demand will be over 28,000 aircraft worth $2.8 trillion.

"Boeing sets its strategy based on our customers' needs," Dailey said. "We listen to them and offer the best solutions to meet their requirements. This commitment led us to design the fuel-efficient and environment friendly 787 Dreamliner by working with airlines, industry bodies, regulators and governments to reduce to the level of fuel burn in every aspect of the air travel industry. The 787 Dreamliner will be the most profitable airliner for long range flights and will offer Turkish carriers the best option for their long haul expansion plans."

"According to our Current Market Outlook, Turkey will increase its market share in the intercontinental flight market in the upcoming years. To meet the growing demand for long-haul service, we believe the highly fuel efficient, passenger-pleasing 777 is the best fit for the Turkish market. The 777 is one of our success stories. Both the 777-300ER model and the -200ER Worldliner, the world's longest range commercial airplane, are ideal for supporting Turkey's competitive position in the intercontinental market. "

"At the Airex Air Show last week in Istanbul, we welcomed many leaders from the Turkish aviation industry. The increase in participation at the air show is a good indicator of the growing sector in Turkey. I want to reiterate Boeing's commitment to Turkey. Not only through words and through deliveries of the world's best airplanes, but also through deeds. Contributing to educational and cultural endeavors in Turkey will continue to be a high priority for Boeing."

defense-aerospace.com

Cobra rears up

2008-06-17T15:43:00.003+03:00

Otokar, the largest manufacturer of wheeled armoured vehicles in Turkey, has brought two of the latest versions of its Cobra light vehicle to Eurosatory.
The first is the Cobra 20mm cannon carrier, which is fitted with a French Nexter Systems weapon system armed with the proven 20mm M621 cannon. Development of this version commenced in 2007 and earlier this year Otokar received its first production contract for an amphibious version for an undisclosed customer in the Arabian Gulf, with the first vehicles due to be delivered next year.
Second is the Cobra Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS), which is fitted with day/thermal sights to enable targets to be engaged under almost all weather conditions.
The machine gun is laid onto the target by the gunner using a flat panel display and associated joystick from within the vehicle under complete armour protection. The vehicle commander is also provided with a screen on which the gunner’s picture is displayed.
Cobra has an all-welded steel armour hull that provides protection from small arms fire and shell splinters, with various appliqué armour packages being provided for higher protection levels. A recent development is a mine protection package.
Into the hull are integrated the suspension and powerpack of the US AM General HMMWV (High Mobility Multi Purpose Wheeled Vehicle) Expanded Capacity Vehicle (ECV) version. This is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine developing 190hp coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission and two-speed transfer case.
Cobra is in service with the Turkish Land Forces Command (TLFC) for a variety of missions and has already been exported to a number of overseas customers, with the latest including Georgia. Otokar can be found on Stand H140.

Jane's Defense , LINK

New sights from Aselsan

2008-06-17T15:39:00.002+03:00

Aselsan (Stand D220) has grown into one of Turkey’s largest defence electronics companies, offering a wide variety of products. New to the market are the Boa and Python thermal imaging sights. Both are based on the same sensor, but with different optics for different applications.
Python is the standard infantry unit, with a x3 optical magnification with x2 and x4 electronic zoom. Boa is a specialist long-range sight for snipers and recon use, and has a x6 optical zoom. Both are rugged, lightweight units that offer full daylight/darkness capability, with no bloom or shutdown when hit by direct light. Other examples of Aselsan’s capabilities include the ASIR thermal camera, SELFLIR-200T thermal imager, software-defined radios, and a manpack RCIED jammer. As a result of its modular architecture, the RCIED can be configured to give coverage against the range of commonly encountered IED-detonating frequencies, such as VHF, UHF, ISM, GSM-I and GSM-II.
At the other end of the spectrum, the company has developed a Pedestal Mounted Air Defence System (PMADS) for on-the-move SHORAD. The sensor system combines thermal and daylight TV cameras with a laser rangefinder, and the whole system can be integrated into a wider air defence net. A variety of SHORAD missiles can be integrated with the system, with an Igla installation being displayed here at Eurosatory.

Jane's Defense , LINK

New Turkish remote-controlled weapon station hits the market

2008-06-07T00:33:00.002+03:00

Turkey's Yuksel has developed a new remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS) called IMTAKS, in partnership with MKEK. So far, two examples of IMTAKS have been built, one prototype and one pre-production. It has been developed for use in defending static locations - scanning pre-programmed arcs, as well as for installation on various types of armoured fighting vehicles

Jane's Defence

The new remote controlled weapon station IMTAKS form the Turkish company Yüksel.

For the first time the Turkish company Yüksel presented at DSA 2008 a new remote controlled weapon station. This new remote operated system can be use for various weapons system. The system show to the DSA 2008 was equipped with a assault rifle and a machine gun.

The IMTAKS can be adapted to feed from the left or the right side of the weapon by exchanging the ammo box via reversing the easy accessible bolt switch on cradle of the system. He can be slaved to direction data obtained from an external target acquisition system or Battle Management Systems, or conversely provide target positioning and directional data to friendly forces through the BMS. All system functions can be controlled by real human voice, except firing. It can be operated within full specification in all climatic theatres.

Armyrecognition.com, LINK

Top Turkish General Says Turkey, Iran Coordinating on Strikes Against Kurds

2008-06-06T16:17:00.001+03:00

ISTANBUL --- A senior Turkish general says Turkey and Iran have carried out coordinated strikes against Kurdish rebels based in northern Iraq. Over the past few months, Turkey has reportedly intensified its attacks against bases of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK.

The deputy head of Turkey's armed forces General Ilker Basbug told Turkish television that Turkish forces have collaborated with Iran in attacking bases of the Kurdistan Workers' Party in northern Iraq, and will do so again if necessary.

In the past, Turkey and Iran have pledged to cooperate against the rebels, but the general's comment is the first confirmation that the two countries have been working together against the PKK, and PJAK, the group's Iranian wing.

International relations expert, Soli Ozel of Bilgi University says the cooperation is a watershed in Turkey's fight against the PKK. "Turkey bombed PJAK that is the anti Iranian Kurdish organization and it flew into the region using Iranian airspace," he said. "That tells you volumes what is cooking about PKK PJAK because PJAK is the twin of PKK for Iran."

During Turkey's more than two-decade fight against the PKK, Ankara frequently accused Tehran of providing direct assistance to the PKK, a claim denied by the Iranians. But the present Turkish government has been working hard to improve relations with Iran. Observers say closer cooperation between the two countries will be a blow to the PKK.

Turkish armed forces are continuing to bombard Kurdish rebel bases in northern Iraq, while its continuing its diplomatic efforts to isolate them. The head of Turkey's armed forces, General Yasar Buyukanit, on Thursday called for an end to logistical support to the rebels.

"In the past the PKK were supplied by mules carrying arms," he said. "Today they are supplied by trucks. How can this be? All counties should recognize they are a terrorist organization."

That call, according to observers, is directly aimed at the leaders of the Iraqi Kurdish-controlled enclave, where PKK bases are located. Like Iran in the past, Ankara has accused the Iraqi Kurds of supporting the PKK.

But here too, the last few months have seen relations improving. The prime minister of the Iraqi Kurdish region Nechirvan Barzani this week said they were optimistic that relations with Turkey are improving. The warming of relations, says Bilgi University's Soli Ozel, is an indication of how isolated the PKK has become.

"The PKK, for all intents and purposes, has well lived out of its usefulness, for anyone concerned and everyone want to get rid of them, and this is what is happening," he said.

But the PKK insurgency is still essentially a Turkish problem, with Turkish Kurds still make up the overwhelming majority. Despite the PKK being designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union, pressure still remains on Ankara to extend greater cultural and economic rights to its Kurdish population, as a key part of the strategy to defeat the insurgency.

LINK

Boeing Supplier Turkish Aerospace Industries Completes 1st In-Country Modification of Peace Eagle AEW&C Aircraft

2008-06-05T18:37:00.001+03:00

ST. LOUIS --- The Boeing Company today announced that Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has completed the first in-country modification of a 737-700 into an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) platform for Turkey's Peace Eagle program.

The transformation of Peace Eagle No. 2 follows two years of extensive modifications at the TAI facility in Ankara, Turkey, including the installation of a reinforced section on the upper fuselage that supports the Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) antenna. Workers also installed several other antennas, consoles, cabinets, wire bundles, ventral fins, power distributions systems, heat exchange panels and cooling ducts.

The Peace Eagle program includes four 737 AEW&C aircraft, plus ground support segments for mission crew training, mission support and system maintenance. Boeing modified the first aircraft at its facilities in Seattle. TAI is modifying the remaining three aircraft in Turkey.

Check out of the aircraft and its mission system is under way, with a functional check flight of the aircraft scheduled for early this summer.

"The TAI assembly and test team has been outstanding in its execution of this complex modification effort while overcoming a series of design and logistical challenges," said Mark Ellis, Boeing Peace Eagle program manager. "TAI's ability to maintain a high level of workmanship and execution while performing their first complete integration of an AEW&C system is very impressive."

The 737-700 features 21st century avionics, navigation equipment and flight deck features. Because of its advanced technology and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment, the aircraft requires minimal downtime for maintenance.

Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with Northrop Grumman's MESA antenna with integrated Identification Friend-or-Foe capabilities. The system also includes a flexible, open architecture for cost-effective future upgrades, an extensive communications suite and aerial refueling capability.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.1 billion business with 71,000 employees worldwide.

defense-aerospace.com, LINK

Russia, US battle for Turkish missiles

2008-03-19T23:28:00.002+02:00

A recent statement by the US has reignited a long-running battle between Russia and the US over Turkey’s long range air and missile defense acquisition project, estimated to be worth around $4 billion.

Kathryn Schalow, the spokesperson of the US Embassy in Ankara, reiterated that the US has not been negotiating with Turkey over any possible deployment of US missile defense systems in its territory.
Her remarks came in response to increased Turkish media speculation that the US has been seeking to deploy missiles on Turkish soil as part of its missile shield project, under which Washington has long been negotiating with both the Czech Republic and Poland for the installation of anti-missile systems in both countries to counter long-range missiles that may come from what it terms “rogue states.”

A statement made by the Pentagon following a visit paid by US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to Ankara in late February did say that Gates had touched on the missile defense issue with Turkish officials, but fell short of going into detail. It was this statement that contributed to increased speculation by the Turkish media. While denying reports that the US has been negotiating with Turkey over the deployment of missile systems on Turkish soil, Schalow, however, said in a statement to Today’s Zaman on Monday that while in Ankara, Gates touched upon Turkey’s missile procurement plans.

“Defense Secretary Gates said that any purchase by Turkey [of missile systems] should be in coordination with NATO’s defense. He said that Turkey should discuss this issue with its NATO allies,” she said.

Schalow’s remarks have highlighted long-standing US uneasiness over the fact that Russia has also been competing in Turkey’s missile acquisition project worth billions of dollars.

Turkey’s Undersecretariat for the Defense Industry (SSM) gave the green light to an initial acquisition of four long range air and missile defense systems worth around $1.2 billion in March of last year when it issued a Request for Information (RfI).

Russia, which has already offered its vertically launched S-300 Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM) may instead offer the more advanced S-400 missiles in Turkey’s tender depending on the availability of the systems. The US’s Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, meanwhile, have jointly been offering a combination of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC 3) and PAC 2 low- to high-altitude surface-to-air missiles (SAM) based on Foreign Military Sales (FMS) credit. The Chinese HQ-9 (reported export designation FD-2000) air-defense system is also competing in the tender.

However, the main competition has been taking place between Russia and the US as Turkey has reportedly increased the number of missiles that it wants to acquire from four to 12, making it worth around $4 billion. The US has long been pressing Turkey to consider interoperability problems that may occur with NATO in the event Ankara opts for Russian missiles.

Despite an earlier preference that emerged among top Turkish commanders toward Russian missiles, local defense industry sources told Today’s Zaman that Turkish generals are now more in favor of the US systems. However, the SSM, the country’s main military procurement body, might go for the Russian systems if Moscow comes up with an offer to transfer high technology as well as a larger share of work to local companies in the project as part of the Turkish policy of putting emphasis on boosting local industry, which currently dependent on imports for almost 75 percent of its main systems.

It is not yet clear when Turkey will announce the winners of the tender.

Radar deployment on Turkish soil

Independent of the rivalry taking place between Russia and the US over Turkey’s missile acquisition project, the deployment of a search radar on Turkish soil as part of the US’s missile shield project planned to be implemented in Czech and Polish territories, might be on the agenda, though sources declined to comment on the issue.

But Turkey seeks deployment of missiles if necessary on its soil if the US missile shield program is integrated with NATO’s missile system rather than being part of bilateral US missile plans. This policy stems from Ankara’s sensitivity over not becoming a target to Iran’s possible missile attacks.

The powerful “forward based” radar system would be placed in southeastern Europe, possibly in Turkey, the Caucasus or the Caspian Sea region, Air Force Lt. Gen. Henry Obering, head of the Pentagon’s Missile Defense Agency, said in remarks delivered almost a month ago at a defense technology conference sponsored by Aviation Week magazine.

In an apparent response to media reports that US Vice President Dick Cheney would raise the issue with Turkish officials in his planned visit to Ankara later this week, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said that such a plan would trigger an arms race and was detrimental to the interests of regional states, Iran’s official IRNA new agency reported on Monday. “Of course, Turkish officials have not commented on the issue. The US missile base is a military and security threat to the region,” he was quoted as saying by the agency.

Today's Zaman, LINK

Iraqi official reports Turk air attack

2008-03-05T16:42:00.000+02:00

ISTANBUL, Turkey - Turkish warplanes attacked Kurdish separatist rebels in northern Iraq less than a week after the end of a large-scale ground operation, an Iraqi official said Wednesday.

Turkey's military did not confirm or deny the report.

Saleh Ali, a captain in the Iraqi border guards, told The Associated Press that Turkish aircraft bombarded Dashti Barzji, an uninhabited area in Irbil province about 15 miles from the border. He said there were no reports of casualties or damage.

The private Turkish station NTV cited unnamed Iraqi Kurdish officials as saying Turkish helicopters had carried out attacks in the region of Sidekan, 30 miles south of the border.

On Friday the Turkish military ended an eight-day ground incursion against the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, who have been accused of using havens in northern Iraq to launch guerrilla attacks against Turkish targets. U.S. officials pressured Turkey to quickly wrap up the operation.

The decision to end the incursion prompted criticism in Turkey, where the opposition accused the government of bowing to pressure from Washington to end the campaign prematurely.

Senior Turkish military officials have said the ground incursion was a success and Turkey political and military leadership has strongly denied any U.S. influence on the decision to withdraw troops from Iraq.

The PKK took up arms against the Turkish state in 1984 and has fought for Kurdish self-rule in Turkey's southeast. The conflict has killed up to 40,000 people.

Yahoo News, LINK

Turkish troops withdraw from Iraq

2008-03-01T03:04:00.002+02:00

By CHRISTOPHER TORCHIA, Associated Press Writer

ISTANBUL, Turkey - Truckloads of weary and unshaven Turkish troops returned Friday from Iraq as Turkey ended an eight-day cross-border offensive against Kurdish rebels, meeting U.S. demands for a quick campaign.

Washington and Baghdad welcomed the move, but Turkey warned that the forces would return if necessary.

A key test of the effectiveness of Turkey's ground incursion could come in the weeks ahead with the arrival of spring, the traditional start of the fighting season of the rebel Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK. In the past, guerrillas have taken advantage of the melting snows and infiltrated Turkey from bases in Iraq, and any surge in PKK attacks could trigger another tough response from the Turkish military.

"It is very clear that an established group like the PKK will not be eliminated with one or two more cross-border operations. Turkey needs pinpoint operations against the group's leadership, like Israel's operations against Palestinian groups," said Sinan Ogan, head of the Turkish Center for International Relations and Strategic Analysis in Ankara.

Moreover, the discrimination and poverty that triggered the Kurdish insurgency in Turkey in 1984 persist, although the government has taken steps in recent years to ease restrictions on Kurds as part of its bid to join the European Union. The PKK's power has dwindled since its 1990s heyday, and Europe and the United States consider it a terrorist group, but it still enjoys support in the country's predominantly Kurdish southeast and some urban centers.

The PKK has tempered its demands over the years, initially calling for an independent state and later for autonomy in the southeast and cultural rights. The conflict has killed up to 40,000 people.

Turkey's first major incursion into Iraq for about a decade reflected the sensitive nature of its alliance with the United States, which provided intelligence to the Turkish military but sought a short campaign to preserve the relative calm of the mostly Kurdish region of northern Iraq. The troop withdrawal came a day after President Bush and Defense Secretary Robert Gates told Turkish leaders they should end the offensive as soon as possible.

"Any influence, either foreign or domestic, on this decision by the Turkish Armed Forces is out of the question," the Turkish military said. "Terrorist activities in Iraq's north will be observed in the future and no threat against Turkey from this region will be allowed."

Gen. Yasar Buyukanit, the military chief, said it was "pure coincidence" that the withdrawal was announced one day after Gates issued his appeal during a visit to Ankara, Dogan news agency reported.

"This decision was made because the operation had reached its targets," Buyukanit said. "When the U.S. defense secretary stepped into Turkey, the withdrawal had been partly realized."

CNN-Turk television quoted Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan as saying: "Everything has been realized according to the plan. No civilian has been harmed in the operation."

Firat, a pro-Kurdish news agency, quoted PKK officials as saying the Turkish withdrawal was made under pressure from Kurdish militants and that it amounted to a victory for the rebels. Senior rebel commander Murat Karayilan congratulated his fighters, the agency said.

Turkey, which barred U.S. troops from using its soil as a springboard to invade Saddam Hussein's Iraq in 2003, had expressed frustration with Washington and the U.S.-backed Iraqi government for their perceived failure to crack down on the PKK.

In Washington, National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said Turkey's incursion "was a targeted and relatively short operation."

"But I would certainly expect that in the future, that unless the PKK gives up terrorism, that we're going to have to continue to work with the Turks and the Iraqis to go after them," Johndroe said.

Iraqi authorities had said they do not support the PKK but objected to Turkey's military action. Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, himself a Kurd, welcomed the end of the incursion.

"This withdrawal indicates the credibility of the Turkish government's statements that the military operation is limited and temporary," his office said in a statement.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, also a Kurd, credited the U.S. with playing an "instrumental" role in pressing Turkey to leave.

The Turkish military said the operation targeted 300 rebels in Iraq's Zap region, and 240 of them were killed. Turkish losses stood at 27. The PKK has disputed Turkey's estimate of slain rebels, and independent confirmation of the toll in the remote area is virtually impossible. Turkey has previously said there were up to 3,800 PKK militants in northern Iraq, and as many as 1,500 inside Turkey.

"Without a doubt, it is impossible to render the entire terrorist organization ineffective with an operation in only one region. However, it is shown to the group that Iraq's north is not a safe area for terrorists," the military said.

The military said commando units, airborne troops, tanks and armored personnel carriers were used in the operation, and F-16 warplanes and long-range artillery pounded suspected rebel positions. It said troops, trained for winter warfare, took the PKK by surprise. However, there had been reports prior to the incursion that many PKK rebels had dispersed, fearful of an attack.

Soldiers in trucks driving through the border town of Cukurca and into Turkey's interior on Friday gave thumbs-up signs. Some had camouflage paint on their faces, wore snow boots and woolen caps, and held machine guns.

Despite Turkey's avowal that its only target was the PKK, one analyst speculated that Turkey also delivered a warning to Iraqi Kurds who run a virtual mini-state in northern Iraq. Turkish officials fear their separatist aspirations could inflame similar sentiment among Turkish Kurds, who only recently were awarded limited cultural rights such as Kurdish-language courses and television broadcasts.

"They made a point — they can do what they want in that region," Aliza Marcus, author of "Blood and Belief: the PKK and the Kurdish Fight for Independence," said of Turkey's leadership. "The message to Iraqi Kurds is: 'Be careful. We are here.'"

Yahoo News, LINK

Operation Firtina

2008-02-28T18:58:00.001+02:00

Regional Command Capital Surgeons provide Basic Medical Assistance in Kabul’s rural remote areas.

Over one thousand persons were visited and treated by Regional Command Capital’s surgeons in cooperation with Afghan medical services during a one-week operation named “Firtina” which ended last Saturday in the area of Bagrami, south of Kabul.

Throughout the week, local leaders and elders were engaged by the Turkish battlegroup operating in the area, to promote development and governance and to assess the actual needs of the population, especially during the extremely harsh winter that is currently affecting Afghanistan.

Joint teams composed by Afghan National Army Medics along with Turkish, French, US and Italian military surgeons provided basic health care to people suffering of various pathologies like gastritis, artralgy and bronchitis.

Blankets and winter clothes were also donated to those households designated by the Maleks (the heads of village) according to urgency.

Operation Firtina Video (.WMV/3.52MB)

ISAF NEWS, LINK

US urges Turkey to keep operation short; Ankara declines to set a date

2008-02-28T18:39:00.003+02:00

The U.S. increased the pressure on Ankara for a quick end to the operation against the PKK separatists. In Ankara the U.S. Defense Secretary said it should "be short" while in Washington President Bush said Turkish troops should withdraw "as soon as possible". But Turkish officials declined to give timetable for withdrawal, saying it will continue "as long as necessary". (UPDATED)

U.S. President George W. Bush repeated on Thursday their calls to Turkey for a quick end to the northern Iraq incursion on the day the U.S. Defense Secretary visited Ankara to hold high-level of talks. Bush said Turkish troops should withdraw from Northern Iraq "as quickly as possible." "The Turks need to move, move quickly, achieve their objective and get out," he told a White House news conference.

However Turkey said its offensive against outlawed PKK separatists in northern Iraq will continue "as long as necessary," rejecting US pressure. Despite Turkish refusal to give a timetable for a pullout, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said after talks in Ankara he believed Turkish leaders got his message. Speaking after meeting with Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul in Ankara, Gates said the operation, launched on February 21, should be "as short and precisely targeted as possible".

Gonul responded that "Turkey will remain in northern Iraq as long as necessary" and the troops will return home once PKK hideouts are destroyed. "There is no need for us to stay there after we finish (off) the terrorist infrastructure... We have no intention to interfere in (Iraqi) domestic politics, no intention to occupy any area," he told reporters.

Gates, who also met with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Abdullah Gul, had said Tuesday the offensive should last no longer than "a week or two" but Turkish army chief Yasar Buyukanit made it clear that Turkey would not be constrained by deadlines. "A short time is a relative term. Sometimes this can mean one day and sometimes one year," he said after talks with Gates, adding that the United States has been fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan "for years."

Thousands of Turkish troops, backed by warplanes and attack helicopters, crossed the border on Feb. 21 to root out PKK separatists and destroy their numerous bases. It is Turkey's first major ground offensive against the PKK in northern Iraq in a decade. According to the latest official statement on the operation, 230 PKK militants and 24 Turkish troops were killed since the operation launched.

Turkish television said between 3,000 and 10,000 soldiers had entered Iraq, but several Iraqi officials and a military source with U.S.-led coalition forces in Baghdad said only a few hundred troops were involved. Turkish General Staff or the government hasn't officially specified the size of the operation, but they repeat it will continue "until the goals are reached".

Turkish warplanes meanwhile bombed separatist PKK positions in northern Iraq and intensive fighting was reported on the ground near a major rebel base, Iraqi security sources told AFP. Turkish fighter jets and artillery pounded several locations near a key PKK base in Zap, near the Turkish border, and intensive clashes erupted on the ground, according to both international and local news agencies. Turkish forces were also dropping leaflets over the snow-bound mountains calling on the militants to surrender.

Senior military sources in southeast Turkey told Reuters several hundred Turkish soldiers were ferried across the border by helicopter into northern Iraq on Wednesday evening. A senior military source said around 10,000 troops were involved in the northern Iraqi operation, much centered around a key PKK bas in Zap valley. Units of several hundred special forces, backed by soldiers, were leading the charge against PKK camps across an isolated part of northern Iraq, which is not under the control of the semi-autonomous northern Iraqi Kurdish administration, Reuters reported.

Hurriyet, LINK

Turkey rejects sending more troops to Afghanistan

2008-02-28T18:38:00.000+02:00

Turkey's Chief General Staff Gen.Yasar Buyukanit rejected U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates' demand from Turkey to send combat teams to Afghanistan.

''We battle against terrorism even at the moment. Turkish soldiers are at a war against PKK. Therefore, it is not possible for us to send any soldiers for the combat against terrorism in Afghanistan'', Buyukanit said.

Turkey, which has commanded the ISAF twice, has around 750 troops in the Kabul area. In addition, there are around 100 Turkish military and civilian personnel based in Vardak in southern Kabul who make up provincial reconstruction teams.

Hurriyet News Paper, LINK

Unbound Turkey: A Rising Regional Powerbroker

2008-02-27T17:11:00.002+02:00

NEWTOWN, Conn. --- With its large military, burgeoning economy, and pivotal location as a bridge between two continents, Turkey has emerged as a crucial player involving regional geopolitics in both the Caspian Basin and the greater Middle East. As detailed in its most recent "Turkey Military Market Overview," Forecast International anticipates that Ankara’s growing role as a regional powerbroker will be strengthened in coming years as its geopolitical bandwidth expands eastward.

Turkey’s multiple strengths – including its sizeable population, growing economy, strategic geographic position, and well-equipped armed forces (second-largest in the NATO Alliance) – serve to cement it as both an anchor against regional instability and as a nation with a significant role to play in Near East power politics. Although its long-standing mission statement has been incorporation with the West, in recent years the country has tilted its foreign policy focus towards its historical backyard of the Middle East and has played upon shared ethnic and cultural backgrounds with several energy-rich former Soviet republics in Central Asia.

“Turkey has shifted from being an internally focused, Western-aspiring nation, relying upon U.S.-NATO security guarantees against the threat of Soviet aggrandizement, to one realizing its ability to exert its influence eastward,” said Forecast International Europe/Middle East Analyst Dan Darling.

Two key events have altered Turkey’s foreign policy focus in the past two decades: the collapse of the Soviet Union and the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. The first relieved pressure on Turkey’s north and freed it to reposition its security focus; the second created strains within its traditionally close relationship with Washington over the possibility of an independent Kurdish state being carved out of the fragments of a splintered, post-Saddam Iraq. With a significant Kurdish population of around 20 percent and ongoing battles with the outlawed militant grouping known as the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), Turkey is wary of a Kurdish state emerging on its southeastern border and acting as inspiration to minority separatist sentiments.

Battling the PKK has become the principal security priority for Ankara, as relations with archrival (and fellow NATO Alliance member) Greece have improved enough in recent years to allow military attention to swing from Turkey’s western to its eastern borders. But Turkey’s sole focus hasn’t rested upon the threat of an independent Kurdistan; instead, the country has worked at becoming a diplomatic shareholder in the Middle East. Bilateral relations with regional competitors Syria and Iran have improved in recent years, due to shared concerns over Kurdish separatism, and, in the case of Iran, converging energy interests.

“Quite simply, Turkey is seeking ways to diversify its energy sources from dependence upon Russia, while simultaneously increasing its clout as a central transit point for European supplies,” Darling said. “And with Azerbaijan onboard and Turkmenistan in the mix, Iran provides another logical option.”

Yet despite the improved atmosphere between Ankara and Tehran, Turkey is also wary of a nuclear Iran upsetting the fragile regional power balance and has embarked on a competition for the supply of four to five batteries of Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) systems known as the Turkish Long-Range Air and Missile Defense Systems (or T-LORAMIDS). Turkish attention upon retaining its defensive edge does not end there, either. Turkey – which has had economic growth of over 5 percent annually since 2002 – seeks to ensure its strategic lordship over regional rivals and as such, remains a significant importer of sophisticated military hardware.

Turkish defense expenditure in 2008 is set to reach $11.39 billion (2.21 percent of estimated GDP), and it is believed nearly half of this total to be ring-fenced for major arms procurement programs. The Turkish armed forces are set to embark on a broad modernization process that will see several major procurement platforms undertaken, including the planned purchase of 100 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters over the next 10 to 15 years.

The primary focus of the Turkish procurement arm, the Turkish Defense Industries Undersecretariat (SSM), has been to expand and improve the country’s domestic defense-technological industrial base. A chief means of doing this has been through the contractual inclusion of significant offsets and technology transfers for Turkish industry where acquisition projects are concerned. Recent contracts awarded to South Korean firms for the basic jet trainer and new-generation main battle tank are examples of this approach.

“Because of its unstable neighborhood and the advancing scope of its strategic interests, Turkey will remain a significant shopper on the global defense market,” Darling added. “While the goal of the SSM is to eventually achieve self-supply for 50 percent of Turkish armed forces acquisitions, the present reality is that this remains a future vision. In the meantime, with the U.S. no longer regarded by Ankara as the sole-source for its defense hardware, the market for those foreign firms willing to meet the SSMs contractual demands remains strong.”

Forecast International, Inc., is a leading provider of Market Intelligence and Analysis in the areas of aerospace, defense, power systems and military electronics. Based in Newtown, Conn., USA, Forecast International specializes in long-range industry forecasts and market assessments used by strategic planners, marketing professionals, military organizations, and governments worldwide.

defense-aerospace.com, LINK

Turkish troops kill 77 Kurdish rebels

2008-02-27T16:18:00.002+02:00

CUKURCA, Turkey - Turkish troops have killed 77 Kurdish rebels in night-long clashes in northern Iraq, the military said Wednesday. Five soldiers were also killed.

Meanwhile, more than 40 military trucks ferried troops toward the Iraqi border Wednesday, a day after heavy snow slowed down Turkey's ground incursion against Kurdish rebels.

F-16 warplanes and helicopters were seen flying over the border town of Cukurca toward Iraq.

The death toll for the rebels reached to 230, the military said. The death toll for soldiers stood at 24. The military said three pro-government village guards were also killed during the operation that began last week.

Iraq has demanded an immediate end to the operation. Turkey, however, says it will continue the incursion until it achieves its military goals.

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, before his arrival in Turkey later Wednesday, said in India that he will tell Turkish leaders they need to wrap up their military operations in northern Iraq quickly, and that the ongoing assault must not last longer than a week or two.

Gates also said he will call on Turkey to address some of the complaints of the Kurds and move from combat to economic and political initiatives to solve the problems.

"It's very important that the Turks make this operation as short as possible and then leave. They have to be mindful of Iraqi sovereignty," said Gates.

He added: "I measure quick in terms of days, a week or two, something like that, not months."

It was the first time that Gates put any time limit on the incursion, which Turkey launched in northern Iraq on Thursday against rebels from the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK. The rebels are fighting for autonomy in the largely Kurdish region of southeastern Turkey, and have carried out attacks from northern Iraq.

The Turkish military said Tuesday that warplanes and artillery hit targets in Iraq but that snow had hampered combat operations of some units, which instead engaged in patrols and supply runs.

It is the first confirmed Turkish military ground operation in Iraq in about a decade. The conflict has killed up to 40,000 people since 1984. The U.S. and European Union consider the PKK to be a terrorist group.

Yahoo News, LINK

Gov't gives no timetable for return

2008-02-26T17:10:00.003+02:00

Turkish fighter jets struck at the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) positions yesterday in northern Iraq as troops pressed on with a cross-border offensive on the fourth day of the ground operation.

The air and ground operations are going on, government spokesman, Cemil Çiçek, told reporters after the cabinet's meeting.

Our target is the PKK terrorist organization, not the Iraqis. We do not have other thoughts or authorization, he said, assuring that the operation will be limited to attacks on terrorists.

Çiçek declined to give a time frame on the return of the Turkish troops. He only said Turkey no longer wants to be disturbed by terrorists infiltrating from northern Iraq. Our troops will return as soon as the objective of the operation is achieved,� he said.

The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) are launching an operation that makes us proud, Çiçek said. The government is planning to dispatch a high-level representative to Iraq this week, according to some news reports. As Turkey's special envoy to northern Iraq, Oğuz Çelikkol, was appointed as ambassador to Greece, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's foreign policy advisor, Ahmet Davutoğlu, is expected to travel to northern Iraq, reports said.

The official Web site of the Iraqi Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) announced the troops' location and said they moved 25 kilometers deep into northern Iraqi territory. TSK released new footage of the incursion yesterday, showing soldiers in white camouflage boarding a Sikorsky helicopter that took off from an unnamed base along with Cobra helicopters.

I'm a Turkish commando, I'm everywhere, the soldiers said while boarding the helicopter. They could be seen waving and making the V sign for victory.

Soldiers carrying machine guns and assault rifles could be seen advancing in deep snow on rugged hills. The footage also showed a convoy of military vehicles transporting soldiers and black and white images of unspecified terrorist targets destroyed by air strikes.

News reports revealed that security measures were strengthened on the Turkish side of the border to stop terrorist infiltrations. The soldiers continued search and rescue activities on the border and held military exercises in Silopi near the Iraqi border, said the reports.

Turkish troops launched a group operation into northern Iraq late Thursday in the largest cross-border offensive in years against PKK hideouts, bombing target positions and fighting the terrorists on the ground.

In a statement posted on its Web site, the General Staff announced Sunday that it had killed 112 PKK terrorists and lost 15 soldiers so far since the beginning of the incursion, including a major and a captain who were the pilots of a Turkish chopper that went down near Amadiyah on Saturday.

The military did not provide any further details about the death toll when the Turkish Daily News went to press yesterday. Around 4,000 PKK terrorists enjoy safe haven in northern Iraq and use the region as a springboard to launch attacks in Turkey's southeastern Anatolia.

Iraq fears that a prolonged Turkish incursion into northern Iraq could trigger clashes between Turkish troops and Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga security forces, the country's national security adviser said yesterday.

Mowaffaq al-Rubaie said such fighting could have "very serious consequences" for a part of Iraq that has been relatively stable compared with the rest of the country.

Tears for the martyrs

Hundreds of mourners bid a farewell yesterday to three soldiers in Ankara who were martyred as a result of the counter-PKK operations.

The state and army echelons including the prime minister, President Abdullah Gül, Parliament Speaker Köksal Toptan, the Chief of General Staff and political party leaders attended the funeral at Ankara's Kocatepe mosque. A group of citizens protested the members of the government and the cabinet during the funeral.

Gen. Büyükanıt met with the relatives of the martyrs and offered condolences.

Turkish Daily News, LINK

Turkish defense industry eyes expansion

2008-02-26T17:05:00.001+02:00

The Turkish defense industry is among the world's top defense industries in terms of rapid development and expansion to overseas markets. Annual exports of the industry is expected to reach $1.5 billion within three years, according to industry sources.

The sector has customers from Europe, the Midde East, the Far East and even Africa, according to foreign defense industry sources such as Aviation Weekly, Jane's Defence Weekly and Defense News.

The industry is dominated by enterprises that act under government supervision, but recently, private companies have also begun exporting their products.

The Turkish defense industry was founded as a result of the enforcement of a weapons embargo implemented by the United States, as the embargo – against the Turkish military's intervention in Cyprus - underlined the need for a self-contained infrastructure. After the intervention in 1974, the armed forces set up various foundations and companies such as Aselsan, Havelsan and Aspilsan were formed.

As these steps were inadequate to cover the increasing needs of the Turkish Armed Forces, the Defense Industry Development and Support Administration Directorate (SaGeB), today known as the Undersecretary of Defense Industry, was founded in the 90s.

More than 200 companies:

Today there are over 200 companies in the industry with an annual turnover ranging between $3 and $4 billion. The Undersecretary of Defense Industry is collaborating on projects with Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) in order to increase the number of companies.

State-owned Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKEK), a giant of the sector, contributes to the economy with 750 types of civilian products so far. Exporting to 40 countries, MKEK also meets 84 percent of weapon and ammunition needs of TSK with 250 types of military products.

The number of Turkish companies producing land and air vehicles is currently seven, while four companies are producing sea vehicles, seven rockets-missiles, 15 electronic military software and seven informatics. Aselsan produces the pedestal-mounted stinger and 9600 frequency-hopping radio, while Roketsan produces the 122 mm Multiple Launch Rocket System and YONCA-ONUK supplies interceptor boats. Havelsan produces the Simulator and Electronic Warfare Test and Training Pitch while Otokar is the producer of the Cobra Armored Personnel Carrier Vehicle.

Aselsan's activities:

Aselsan, which produces high-tech warfare tools such as national task force computers, guided missile mechanisms as well as night watch systems, is a leading exporter. The company has developed radio, radar and night watch systems, providing secure military information in the communication sector.

Tusaş Aerospace Industries (TAI), another large company, features in its portfolio joint productions of F-16 aircrafts, CN-235 light transport/maritime patrol/maritime surveillance aircrafts, SF-260D trainer aircrafts, Cougar AS-2 search & rescue (SAR), armed search & rescue (CSAR) and utility helicopters. It also has product development programs such as target drones and pesticide aircrafts. TAI is the main carrier of Turkey's “unmanned aerial vehicle program.”

Tusaş Engine Industries (TEI) produces aircraft/chopper engines and gas turbine parts, as well as engines for F-16s. TEI exports 90 percent of its products to the United States, France, Oceania, Romania and Switzerland. In collaboration with European giants Airbus, EADS and FLABEL, TEI has joined in the design and development process of Airbus A400Ms.

NATO projects:

The Undersecretary of Defense Industries (SSM) also aims to increase the share of Turkish defense industry in North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) projects from 4 percent to 20 percent by the end of 2011. Greece's share currently stands at 5 percent while Britain has a share of 8 percent, France 9 percent and Italy 11 percent. The U.S. has a share of 15 percent while Germany's share is 26 percent. The total share of other countries that are included in NATO defense investment projects constitutes 18 percent.

Spending $9.9 billion on average annually for defense, Turkey ranks fourth among 10 Middle East countries and fifth among European countries in terms of defense expenditure. Besides, Turkey is the leading country in Europe by the context of armed forces asset.

The leading Middle East country in defense expenditure is Iran, followed by Saudi Arabia and Israel. Britain ranks first in Europe, followed by France, Germany and Italy.

Turkish Daily News, LINK

Turkish forces launch cross-border ground operation into northern Iraq

2008-02-22T19:34:00.002+02:00

The Turkish General Staff announced Friday Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) have launched a cross-border ground operation into northern of Iraq against the PKK targets.

"Long-range weapons and Turkish Air Forces jets pounded targets between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on February 21 to neutralize members of the terrorist organization PKK/ KONGRA-GEL stationed in north of Iraq and to destroy organizational infrastructure in the region," a statement of the General Staff said.

According the statement, TSK launched a cross-border ground operation into north of Iraq as of 7 p.m. on Thursday following this successful artillery bombardment.

The ground operation is being supported by Turkish Air Forces jets, the General Staff said.

"Turkish Armed Forces, which paid significant attention to Iraq's territorial integrity and stability, will return to Turkey after it achieves the planned goals," the General Staff also said.

Meanwhile on Friday Turkish jets were seen taking off from a military airport in southeastern province of Diyarbakir and heading to the Turkish-Iraqi border.

In a related development troops were deployed along Turkey's border with Iraq to prevent terrorists from infiltrating into Turkey.

Also, jets and helicopters were seen flying across the border on reconnaissance missions.

TheNewAnatolian, LINK

Turkey readies for ground operation

2008-02-19T02:51:00.001+02:00

Turkey readies for ground operation

The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) is preparing for a comprehensive ground operation into northern Iraq against the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) organization, expected to take place in spring.

The TSK is currently developing its strategy for the operation, which will most likely be launched in the middle of March. The ground operation is planned to be the final strike against the terrorist organization. It will follow upon a series of aerial attacks that have seriously disrupted the organization, bringing it to the brink of collapse. Reports indicate that communications between PKK leaders was seriously disrupted by the operations and that the distrust that emerged following the severing of communications has brought the organization to the edge of dissolution. The TSK has set up military bases at high elevations in the Cudi, Gabar, Küpeli, Tanin and Kato mountains, strategic points used by the PKK militants for infiltration into Turkey. The bases will include helicopter landing facilities, thermal cameras and artillery equipment.

TSK Special Forces based in Bolu, Kayseri, Isparta and Manisa have been trained for the purpose of destroying the remaining PKK presence in northern Iraq. The Land Forces Command is currently working to determine the number and state of armored vehicles, trucks, trailers, mobile medical units and mobile kitchens in the transportation units. A thorough review is being undertaken to check the state of equipment, clothing and food supplies of the units based in the region.

The spring operations will coincide with the withdrawal of the units that carried out operations in the winter and the deployment of replacement units. Military sources indicate that the spring operation will be carried out in two separate regions, one along Turkey's borders with Iran and Iraq and one inside Turkey, near the provinces of Tunceli, Bingöl, Siirt and Diyarbakır.

The military units that will take part in the spring operation are being picked by the authorities at the Land Forces Command and Gendarmerie Command. The number of training sessions for the command units based in Bolu, Kayseri, Isparta and Manisa has been increased in preparation for the ground operation in spring. Two large military units from Bolu have been deployed to the region. The Land Forces Command is currently working to determine the quantity of military equipment proper for use in the operation.

Turkey will also reportedly use unmanned Heron surveillance airplanes, which will be provided by Israel. These will play an indispensable role in the combat against terrorist activity. The Heron will be used to screen and monitor a large area, including northern Iraq and the Gabar, Cudi, Küpeli, Kato, Yazlıca and Tanin mountains.

These will play an indispensable role in the combat against terrorist activity. The Heron will be used to screen and monitor a large area, including northern Iraq and the Gabar, Cudi, Küpeli, Kato, Yazlıca and Tanin mountains. The intelligence thus gathered will be swiftly evaluated and used in military strikes.

The TSK had previously deployed 50,000 troops in the border region before the cross-border operation on Dec. 16, when Turkish warplanes began pounding PKK bases. During the operations, which also included members of the TSK Special Forces Unit, the regular forces backed the main units by performing mine sweeping. Reports say that the number of troops deployed along the border will not go below 50,000.

The Pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP) held a march to Mt. Cudi last week in an attempt to protest the projected military action.

Todays Zaman, LINK

Pakistan agrees to further defence co-operation with Turkey

2008-02-15T20:54:00.000+02:00

Pakistan and Turkey have agreed to co-operate in research and development (R&D) on a broad range of defence projects, including the joint production of cluster bombs.

Talks on the progress of co-operation are due to be held in April, when a Pakistani military delegation is scheduled to visit Ankara. The meeting is also intended to prepare the agenda for annual bilateral military talks in Islamabad in November.

The first meeting, which took place in Ankara between 18 and 21 October 2007, identified the areas of potential co-operation in defence, research, technology and production.

According to details obtained by Jane's , the main development and production projects the two countries will concentrate on are:

- NBC (nuclear, biological and chemical) detection, protection and decontamination equipment produced in Turkey;

- 81 mm mortar ammunition;

- production of cluster bombs with 300 to 400 bomblets each for different missions;

- production of precision-guided munitions;

- stealth technology to lower the radar cross-section of aircraft;

- detection systems for use against improvised explosive devices;

- precision-guided bomblets for conventional munitions;

- turbojet motors;

- co-operation in the sale and production of 122 mm short- and long-range multiple rocket launcher ammunition (Turkey's Roketsan and Machines and Chemical Industries Board are proposing sales and joint production with Pakistan);

- co-operation on AB103-104 MK82 fuses to train Turkish military personnel (as Pakistan sold the ammunition to Turkey in 2006);

- co-operation on producing automated combat manoeuvring instrument systems; and

- co-operation on early warning suites - including jammers for communication and radar sensors - for CN-235 aircraft.

Janes Defence, LINK

Under the ALCAS Program, TAI Delivers the First Work Package 1.3.5 Central Wing Box Front Spar Subassembly to Airbus

2008-02-15T04:04:00.000+02:00

Within the framework of Advanced Low-Cost Aircraft Structures (ALCAS) Program, under the platform of European Union’s Framework Programs, the first “Work Package 1.3.5 Central Wing Box Front Spar Subassembly,” designed and produced by TAI, was delivered to Airbus on February 7, 2008. The subassembly, which is 3.5 m x 2.0 m, weighs 85 kilograms.

The objective of the ALCAS Program, which is included under the “Aerospace and Space” theme under the 6th Framework Program of the European Union, is to reduce the operating costs of relevant European aerospace products, through the cost effective application of carbon fibre composites to aircraft primary structure, taking into account systems integration.

The project will seek to reduce aircraft operating costs by realizing the weight saving potential of composite materials, by reducing the manufacturing costs of composite components, and by reducing maintenance costs. This project will include new design concepts and methods that exploit the full potential of these materials, as well as novel manufacturing and assembly processes.

The project will be organized into four technical platforms:

-- The Airliner Wing platform covers inner wing and centre box of a large civil airliner, focusing on the centre box to lateral wing root joint, the landing gear and pylon integration and the highly loaded, complex curvature lower cover.

-- The Airliner Fuselage platform addresses key fuselage challenges and complex design features, including large cut-outs and large damages in curved panels, keel beam and landing gear load introduction, tyre impact damage, post-buckling and elementary crash analysis.

-- The Business Jet Wing platform focuses on reducing cost by combining parts into an integrated wing structure, includes architecture studies to identify the best wing joint configuration.

-- The Business Jet Fuselage platform studies double curved rear fuselage with sandwich shell concept and VTP/HTP and engine integration.

A Project Management and Training platform will integrate the technical activities and ensure a coordinated approach to generic tasks such as knowledge capture, dissemination and exploitation. Under the program, which is coordinated by Airbus-UK, the four platforms are shared by Airbus-UK, Airbus-Germany and Dassault-France.

50% of the budget of the program, which is carried out by a consortium of 60 shareholders, and in which representatives from 18 countries participate, is provided by the European Commission under the 6th Framework Programs. Furthermore, ALCAS’ work packages, which are in the responsibility of TAI, are supported under TÜBİTAK-TEYDEB.

Taking part in two different work packages of the Airliner Wing Platform, TAI is responsible from the research, development, design and production of “1.2.7 Lateral Wingbox-Rib 09” and “1.3.5 Central Wing Box Front Spar.”

Since the beginning of the program (February 2005), TAI’s design and development team has been carrying out its activities, in coordination with related manufacturing groups, on easy manufacturing, high strength and light products

TAI, which delivered the “Work Package 1.3.5 Central Wing Box Front Spar Subassembly” on February 7, 2008, aims to realize the delivery of “Work Package 1.2.7 Lateral Wingbox-Rib 09,” which is an advanced and innovation level composite design, in the third quarter of 2008.

www.defense-aerospace.com, LINK

Cockpit records of airstrikes

2008-02-07T14:40:00.000+02:00

Turkish jets hit 70 'detected and verified' Kurdish rebel targets in northern Iraq

2008-02-06T19:15:00.000+02:00

Turkish fighter jets attacked targets in northern Iraq on Monday, the Turkish military said, the fifth major strike against Kurdish rebels this year.

The planes hit 70 targets that were "detected and verified by intelligence sources," the Turkish military said in a possible reference to the U.S. intelligence it is receiving.

The Turkish government has fought for more than two decades against Kurdish rebels who seek autonomy in southeastern Turkey. For years, the PKK rebel group has launched attacks into Turkish territory from virtual safe havens in northern Iraq.

The warplanes hit PKK targets in the Avasin-Basyan and Hakurk regions of northern Iraq during a 12-hour operation, the military said on its website.

Turkey has confirmed a total of five aerial attacks inside Iraq since Dec. 16, though Iraqi Kurdish officials have reported other airstrikes.

As in previous raids, there was no immediate way to independently assess the effect of the latest strike in a remote mountainous region.

Adem Uzun, a member of the rebel command, said 15 to 20 Turkish jets bombed rebel areas in northern Iraq, according to Firat, a Kurdish news agency. The rebels suffered no casualties, the news agency reported, citing an interview with Uzun by a Denmark-based Kurdish TV station.

Senior Iraqi Kurdish officials said earlier Monday that Turkish jets bombed mostly abandoned areas near the towns of Khnera, Khwakurd and Sidakan.

There were no casualties among civilians or Iraqi Kurd fighters, said Jabbar Yawar, an undersecretary at the ministry governing the forces.

StarTribune.com, LINK

Turkey Requests Used Helicopter Gunships From U.S.

2008-01-28T11:48:00.000+02:00

WASHINGTON and ANKARA — Turkey, which urgently wants attack helicopters to help fight separatist Kurdish militants near its border with Iraq, recently asked Washington to sell about a dozen of the U.S. military’s own gunships, officials from both sides said.

“To meet our short-term requirement, we would like to buy a number of attack helicopters that are presently in the U.S. military’s inventory,” one senior Turkish military official said.

One U.S. business source familiar with Turkish defense matters said the Turkish military particularly was interested in buying the AH-1W or another version in the Cobra family, manufactured by Bell Helicopter Textron, Fort Worth, Texas, from the U.S. Marines. Turkey’s Army also operates the Cobras.

A Turkish procurement official said the military wants to acquire around a dozen Cobra gunships.

The United States had not formally responded to the request by press time, and it was not clear if any such helicopters were available for sale. U.S. Marines are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Turkey last spring made a similar but informal inquiry, and at the time the U.S. government was not willing to declare that its military had attack helicopters available for transfer to the Turks,” the U.S. business source said. “But since then, the political climate has greatly improved between the two nations.”

After attacks by the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) rose in September and early October, Ankara threatened to send its Army into neighboring northern Iraq, where the PKK has bases.

U.S. President George W. Bush, who staunchly opposed a unilateral and large-scale Turkish incursion, pledged at an early November meeting with visiting Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to provide actionable intelligence to help the Turks strike specific PKK targets in Iraq.

Since then, Turkish aircraft repeatedly have struck PKK positions in Iraq, including the group’s headquarters on Qandil Mountain, more than 60 miles south of the border. The Turkish attacks came with Washington’s apparent blessing, and Turkey’s civilian and military leaders have praised “the United States’ help against terrorism.”

The PKK is on the defensive partly because of harsh winter conditions, but may relaunch attacks in Turkey in a few months, as it has in recent springs. The Turkish Army uses attack helicopters against the PKK, and currently is operating seven AH-1W Super Cobras and some other earlier versions of the Cobra family.

The U.S. business source said Turkey also has shown some interest in the U.S. Army’s AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter.

But the Turkish military official said the Army had no infrastructure to support the Apache’s maintenance, and that the Army prefers the Cobras.

Boeing, maker of the Apache, has said several times in past years that it is willing to provide Turkey with new AH-64s through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.

Turkey launched an ambitious but so far unsuccessful bid for joint production of attack helicopters in the mid-1990s, and selected Bell Helicopter Textron in a 2000 tender. But Turkey’s procurement agency canceled that program in 2005 after five years of talks with Bell failed due to major disputes on price and technology transfer.

The procurement office then launched a fresh tender, won last year by the Italian-British AgustaWestland, maker of the A129 Mangusta International. Boeing and Bell boycotted that competition, claiming Turkey’s request for proposal was not compatible with U.S. export laws.

Turkey and AgustaWestland last August signed a contract for the $2.7 billion program’s first 30 platforms, but the project already has run into problems, and at best the first helicopter may be delivered in 2014. A large portion of the price will go to two Turkish companies, the main local contractors: Tusas Aerospace Industries and Aselsan, both based in Ankara.

The contract now faces a probe after an opposition lawmaker earlier this month filed an investigation motion questioning several technical hurdles as well as Turkish procurement authorities’ agreement to an unusually high advance payment of 50 percent. The government has not yet replied to the motion.

“These are serious allegations,” one Ankara-based defense analyst said. “They may put the AgustaWestland deal into uncertainty. And I understand the military doesn’t want to waste more time when it’s bogged down with fighting terrorists.

defenseNews.com, LINK

Turkey installs hundreds of infrared cameras on Iraq border

2008-01-26T12:47:00.000+02:00

ANKARA — Turkey has installed advanced surveillance equipment along its 280-kilometer border with Iraq.
Security sources said the Turkish military has installed hundreds of cameras along border points. The sources said the infrared cameras were linked to a command and control headquarters to ensure rapid response.
"There has been some improvement in our capability to monitor terrorist movements along the border," a security source said.

[On Jan. 22, the Turkish military was placed on high alert along the Iraqi border. About 150,000 troops were said to have amassed in southeastern Turkey near Iraq.]

The sources said the thermal cameras operated mostly at night to monitor the border. They said the cameras were also installed around strategic facilities.

Turkey has also installed advanced equipment along checkpoints and border crossings. The sources said the systems were designed to examine vehicles for explosives and weapons.

The Turkish C2 system has been operating amid intensified military activity along the Iraqi border. The sources said border searches have tightened and even military vehicles were being stopped.

Ankara has been battling both the Kurdish insurgency as well as an emerging threat from Al Qaida. On Thursday, authorities reported the death of a Turkish police officer and two Al Qaida fighters in a battle in southeastern Turkey.

At the same time, the Turkish Army has continued exercises in the southeast. On Jan. 19, about 50 main battle tanks conducted maneuvers with infantry troops in Cizre.

Worldtribune.com, LINK

Israel interested in Turkish army test

2008-01-14T12:51:00.000+02:00

The German military will begin tests on Lockheed Martin's Skyshield rocket defense system in Turkey, the daily Jerusalem Post claimed yesterday.

The Israeli defense ministry will closely follow the tests, which consists of a high-powered rapid-fire cannon that fires a unique 35-mm AHEAD (Advanced Hit Efficiency And Destruction) shell to destroy incoming targets, the paper said. The projectiles are designed to create a cloud ahead of the incoming rocket and penetrate it, inflicting enough damage to prevent it from striking its target.

Senior officials from the American defense company Lockheed Martin were in Israel last week for talks with defense officials about several ongoing projects, according to the daily. The defense ministry was provided with updates on the tests that Germany will conduct in Turkey, checking the system against mortars, short-range rockets and even Kassam rockets. Lockheed Martin is also testing the system to see if it can intercept Katyusha rockets fired by Hezbullah.

Last month, The Jerusalem Post reported that the Israeli defense ministry was looking at rapid-cannon systems as a possible means to defend individual strategic installations from Kassam rockets and mortar shells fired from the Gaza Strip.

While the Skyshield has yet to prove its effectiveness in intercepting and destroying Kassam rockets, if the tests in Turkey are successful, Israeli defense officials said they will look further into the system's capabilities, reported the daily. It further noted that the tests in Turkey are expected to be completed in the coming weeks according to experts close to the project.

Turkish Daily News, LINK

Pratt & Whitney and Turkish Airlines Technic Form MRO Joint Venture

2008-01-08T19:45:00.000+02:00

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. --- Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies Corp. company, and Turkish Airlines Technic Inc. (Turkish Technic), a Turkish Airlines company, signed a joint venture agreement to build an aircraft engine overhaul center in Istanbul today. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The joint venture facility, to be named Pratt & Whitney Turkish Technic Aircraft Engine Maintenance Center LLP, will overhaul V2500 and CFM56 engines. Construction will begin in early 2008 and the first engine is expected to be inducted in 2009. Once fully operational, the center is expected to overhaul up to 200 engines per year and will employ many of Turkish Technic's experienced staff. The new facility will be Pratt & Whitney's eighth commercial engine overhaul center.

"We consider this joint venture initiative to be a success story by joining the expertise of Turkish Technic, a new, independent maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) company that has emerged from an experienced airline MRO center, and Pratt & Whitney, an engine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and an independent engine MRO," said Dr. Ismail Demir, general manager, Turkish Technic. "This initiative is in line with our strategy of becoming a preferred, well known, customer-focused maintenance organization with exceptional quality and service within its region."

"Pratt & Whitney Global Service Partners, together with Turkish Technic, will bring state-of-the-art engine service to the region, providing Turkish Airlines and other carriers with a world class alternative for their CFM56 and V2500 engine overhaul and repair needs," said Jim Keenan, senior vice president and general manager, Pratt & Whitney Global Service Partners. "This is a great opportunity for both of our companies."

Turkish Technic Inc., a subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, is the leading maintenance service organization in its region, providing MRO services for Boeing and Airbus airframe, engine, auxiliary power units, landing gear and components. Turkish Technic serves airlines in Europe, the Middle East, Northern Africa, Turkey and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), with its maintenance base in Istanbul and highly qualified workforce of more than 3,000 personnel.

Pratt & Whitney Global Service Partners (GSP) is a total service provider for engines made by Pratt & Whitney, International Aero Engines, General Electric, Rolls-Royce and CFMI. In addition to engine overhaul and repair services, GSP provides customers with improved engine performance and increased asset value through a portfolio of services including line maintenance, engine monitoring and diagnostics, environmentally friendly on-wing water washes, leased engines, custom engine service programs, and new and repaired parts.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and commercial building industries.

defense-aerospace.com, LINK

TAI Begins Upgrade of Turkish C-130s

2008-01-05T02:00:00.000+02:00

The first Turkish Air Force (TuAF) C-130 aircraft, the avionics modernization of which will be realized by TAI, arrived at TAI’s facilities on December 26, 2007. The aircraft, which took off from the 12th Transmission Base Commandership based in Kayseri, landed at TAI’s facilities, where it will go through series of avionics modernization activities.

Under the C-130 E/B Avionics Modernization (Erciyes) Program, the avionics modernization of a total of 13 TuAF C-130 aircraft (seven C-130E and six C-130B) will be realized by the prime contractor TAI.

With the arrival of the first C-130, the prototype period, which is planned to last 30-months, and comprises the modernization of the first two aircraft by TAI, was initiated. Under the Erciyes program, expected to last 56 months, TAI will oversee the modernization of the remaining 11 aircraft at TuAF 2nd Air Supply and Maintenance Center.

Within the framework of the program, which will be carried out in cooperation with TuAF 2nd Air Supply and Maintenance Center, TAI will integrate 17 new avionics systems and modernize five existing systems. When the Erciyes Program is completed, the aircraft will not only will be compatible with international flight rules, but their flight safety will be increased as well. The aircraft will also become long-term supportable with the modernized systems.

The program is very important for TAI, given the complexity of the modernization and avionics configuration, which are to be carried out completely with national capabilities. In addition to the development of the indigenous mission computer, the software development operations, that will be installed to the computer, will also be realized by TAI.

Under the program, the technical documentation and user manuals will be prepared by TAI and delivered to TuAF. Furthermore, upon delivery of the aircraft, TAI will also provide an Integrated Logistics Support for 20 years.

The procurement process of the equipment of the aircraft to be modernized has started as a result of the subcontracts that have been signed with three local and 15 international aerospace equipment manufacturers.

With the realization of the Erciyes Program, TAI will gain the capability to meet the modernization requirements of all countries with C-130s in their inventories.

defense-aerospace.com , LINK

Armored vehicles back to England

2007-12-31T19:12:00.000+02:00

Turkey sent 18 mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles (MRAPs) to the Adana customs directorate Thursday, for their flight back to England. A British company had sold the vehicles to Olive Group, a security company operating in Iraq, but the customs officers had seized the delivery at the Habur border gate, since military vehicles need parliamentary permission to pass through Turkish territory.

Turkish Daily News, LINK

Turkish warplanes hit Kurdish rebel targets in northern Iraq

2007-12-23T01:38:00.000+02:00

4 hours ago

ISTANBUL, Turkey - Turkish warplanes bombed Kurdish rebel targets in northern Iraq on Saturday in the third confirmed cross-border offensive by Turkish forces in less than a week, a statement posted on the military's website said.

The military said the bombing lasted nearly a half-hour Saturday afternoon, and was followed by shelling from inside Turkish borders. It did not say how deep into Iraqi territory the warplanes penetrated, or which areas were shelled.

It vowed to continue military operations on both sides of Turkish-Iraqi border "no matter how the conditions are."

Turkish jet fighters on Dec. 16 launched the first confirmed air assault on Iraqi soil since the U.S.-led invasion, bombing bases in northern Iraq held by the separatist Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK.

The United States and Iraq both have urged Turkey to avoid a major operation in the area, fearing it could destabilize what has been the calmest region in Iraq.

Turkish forces periodically have shelled across the border, and sometimes have carried out "hot pursuits" - limited raids on the Iraqi side that sometimes last only a few hours.

The rebels have battled for autonomy in southeastern Turkey for more than two decades, and use strongholds in northern Iraq for cross-border strikes.

After a surge in rebel attacks in the past months, Turkey has said it can no longer tolerate the attacks on its troops, and in October Turkey's parliament authorized the military to strike back at the rebels inside Iraq.

During a Nov. 5 meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, U.S. President George W. Bush declared the PKK a "common enemy," and promised to share intelligence on the group.

"The terrorist organization of the PKK will see and understand that there is no secure place left Iraq's north, and it will understand that it has no chances against the Turkish republic," the Turkish statement said.

Two days after the first air assault, Turkey sent hundreds of troops into northern Iraq in another operation, but withdrew them later in the day. The military then said those two operations dealt a major blow to the rebels, but did not say how many rebels had been killed.

In Saturday's statement, it said "hundreds" were killed in operations, citing "intelligence gathered from various sources." It said footage showing the results of the operations would be released in coming days.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reported that more than 1,800 people fled their homes in parts of northern Iran, and Iraqi officials have complained that Turkey's actions are a violation of Iraqi sovereignty. They have also said they recognize the threat posed by the PKK.

Canadian Press, LINK

Turkish Navy Purchases Thales Sensors

2007-12-21T23:11:00.000+02:00

HENGELO, The Netherlands --- In December 2007 the Turkish company Aselsan signed a contract with Thales Nederland for the delivery of sensors for the first MILGEM class corvette that is being built for the Turkish Navy. The sensors are the SMART-S Mk2 surveillance radar and the STING EO Mk2 sensor system. The SCOUT Mk2 surface surveillance radar is an option that has not yet been decided on.

The Turkish companies Havelsan and Aselsan are responsible for the complete combat system on board of the MILGEM class vessels. The Thales systems will be integrated in the Genesis combat management system that is developed by the Software Development Center of the Turkish Navy, and will be modified for MILGEM by the Turkish companies Yaltes and Havelsan.

The MILGEM corvette is being built by Istanbul Naval Shipyard. The first ship (Heybeliada) is expected to be handed over to the Turkish Navy in 2011. The Thales systems will be delivered early 2010. A contract for more ships of the MILGEM class is expected late 2008.

SMART-S Mk2 is Thales' E/F-band 3D medium to long range Volume Search Radar, optimised for operation in littoral conditions. Its size and weight fit Fast Attack Craft and larger types of vessels. SMART-S Mk2 is perfectly suited for Anti Air Warfare and Anti Surface Warfare applications. The system has a coverage of 250 km in range and up to 70 degrees in elevation and is fully solid state, guaranteeing very high availability. SMART-S Mk2's capabilities also include surface surveillance, surface gunfire support and helicopter guidance. This is the tenth SMART-S Mk2 system under contract.

STING is a medium-range, lightweight dual band (I and K) weapon control system, primarily for gun control. It combines a 1.2 m fully solid state radar director with a complete set of electro-optic equipment (TV/IR/Laser), including optronic tracking and an automatic "best sensor" selection process. The IR Camera and Laser Range Finder are supplied by Aselsan. The three sensor data sources (I, K, EO) provide high redundancy, high performance and ECCM resistance. Eleven STING-EO Mk2 systems are under contract today.

Boeing Completes First Mission System Test Flight of Peace Eagle Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft

2007-12-19T19:13:00.000+02:00

ST. LOUIS --- Boeing has conducted a successful first mission system flight test of a 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft for Turkey's Peace Eagle program.

During the flight from Boeing Field in Seattle, Wash., Boeing and Turkish industry engineers tested the aircraft's communications system, including establishing links with a ground-based Boeing system integration lab and local air traffic control towers using UHF, VHF and HF radios. Engineers also tested the internal communications system between personnel within the aircraft.

"This is the first time the integrated mission system has operated in the flight environment and clears the path for additional airborne tests in the months ahead," said Mark Ellis, Boeing Peace Eagle program manager.

The Peace Eagle program includes four 737 AEW&C aircraft plus ground support segments for mission crew training, mission support and system maintenance. Modification of the first aircraft is under way at Boeing facilities in Seattle. Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara, Turkey, will modify the remaining three aircraft.

The 737-700 features 21st century avionics, navigation equipment and flight deck features. Because of its advanced technology and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment, the aircraft requires minimal downtime for maintenance.

Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with Northrop Grumman's Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array antenna with integrated Identification Friend-or-Foe capabilities. The system also includes a flexible, open architecture for cost-effective future upgrades, an extensive communications suite and aerial refueling capability.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.4 billion business with 72,000 employees worldwide.

defense-aerospace.com, LINK

Flash : Turkish Troops Enter Northern Iraq to Target the PKK

2007-12-18T15:25:00.000+02:00

Dec. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Turkey sent 700 soldiers into northern Iraq and had 20 tanks ready to follow them in an assault on Kurdish militants who have carried out cross-border attacks.

Turkish forces penetrated 8 kilometers (5 miles) into Iraq's majority-Kurdish north late yesterday, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani's Patriotic Union of Kurdistan said on the party's Web site. The troops remained in Iraq today, with the tanks prepared to enter Iraq and join the operation against the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, the party said.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice arrived in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk today and will meet with Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari in Baghdad, U.S. Embassy spokesman William Schmonsees said in statements e-mailed from Baghdad. She will also meet Talabani in Baghdad, state television reported. Rice had arrived in the Iraqi capital, Agence France-Presse reported.

The U.S., alarmed over the prospect of a conflict in a relatively peaceful area of Iraq, had been working with Turkey to prevent an incursion. Turkey says Iraq and the U.S., which classifies the PKK as a terrorist group, haven't done enough to stop the group from using northern Iraq as a base.

A spokesman for Turkey's military declined to comment today on the Iraqi report of an incursion. A spokesman for the Turkish Foreign Ministry wasn't immediately available.

Authorized by Erdogan

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government on Nov. 28 authorized the army to attack PKK targets inside Iraq after the Kurdish rebel group stepped up its activities.

Turkish warplanes bombed bases used by the PKK in Iraq's Zap, Hakurk and Avasin regions and the Qandil mountains on Dec. 16, Turkey's military said on its Web site.

Turkish forces have been fighting the PKK, which is seeking autonomy for Turkey's largely Kurdish southeast, for more than 20 years in a conflict that has cost almost 40,000 lives. About 30 million Kurds live in the mountainous regions of Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey. They make up the Middle East's largest stateless ethnic group.

Iraq's Kurds may provoke further Turkish wrath by pushing to extend their self-governing territory southward into the oil fields dominated by the contested city of Kirkuk. The region gained autonomy after the 1991 Gulf War, as coalition forces protected the north from attack by Saddam Hussein's troops.

The question of whether Kirkuk should be controlled by the Kurdish autonomous region may be settled in a proposed referendum.

The Bush administration wants the United Nations to help settle Kirkuk's status, while Turkey prefers a ballot among all Iraqis to decide the city's future. Iraq's constitution calls only for the residents of a disputed area to vote in any referendum on its future.

Tensions between the government in Baghdad and the Kurdish region have been heightened over the signing of oil contracts by the Kurds without the consent of the Iraqi leadership.

Bloomberg, LINK

Greece deploys arms on Aegean islands in violation of treaties

2007-12-18T15:24:00.000+02:00

The Turkish military yesterday accused Greece of deploying arms in the Dodecanese islands and Rhodes in the Aegean Sea, in violation of the treaties of Lausanne and Paris.

�Greece is openly deploying arms in Rhodes and Dodecanese islands which are crucially important for Turkey's national security,� the office of the Chief of General Staff said in a statement on the history of Rhodes, posted on its Web site.

The military's accusation came just 10 days after the foreign ministers of the two countries declared a new set of confidence building measures, which pushes the two countries militaries to cooperate more in the region. However, rapprochement is not that fast in the military field at it is in the political one, recent incidents reveal. Turkish and Greek jets and vessels often confront each other over disputed sovereignty claims. The two countries came to the brink of war in 1987 and 1996 due to disagreement over territorial waters.

�In fact, Greece is moving in line with its 1850-dated Megali Idea policy with its latest moves and while doing so, trying to persuade the world public opinion of the existence of imaginary expansionist Turkish threat toward these islands,� the statement said.

Treaties concluded in 1923 and 1947 restrict Greece from deploying arms on Rhodes and Dodecanese islands while hamper Turkey from placing large numbers of military units on its Aegean coast.

The military also criticized Greece for pressuring ethnic Turks in Rhodes to secure the success of its policies. It said many Turks had to leave their homes as a result of pressure and threats by Greeks. Ottoman Turks ruled the Rhodes and Dodecanese islands for 390 years but had to hand them to the Italians and then to the Greeks during World War I.

Turkish Daily News, LINK

Video records of Air Strikes

2007-12-18T15:21:00.000+02:00

Chief of Staff issued video records of recent air strikes.

Chief of Staff content with night-time air strike results

2007-12-18T15:15:00.000+02:00

All pre-designated outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) targets inside northern Iraq have been successfully hit during air strikes, the office of the Chief of Staff says while the Chief of Staff Gen. Yaşar Büyükanıt denies claims of civilian casualties. The Turkish military confirms that the operation proved its night-time air strike capabilities

ANKARA – Turkish Daily News

A day following the military's cross-border operation into northern Iraq to wipe out outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) bases, the military brass analyzed the results on the field as well as the operational capability of the Turkish Armed Forces.

The office of the Chief of Staff yesterday announced that all designated targets were eliminated, according to initial inspections. Warplanes hit the Kandil mountains and the Zap, Avaşin and Hakurk encampments and reached as far as 110 kilometers into northern Iraq to show that even the Kandil mountains are not beyond the military's reach.

Losses on the PKK side are still being calculated, and Turkish forces did not suffer any casualties. The Turkish military also tested its coordination skills for a comprehensive night-time air strike that involved F-16s that used the Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night system for the first time (LANTIRN) and F-4s that provided cover. Laser-guided bombs were used against PKK targets, too. Chief of Staff General Yaşar Büyükanıt followed the whole operation from its headquarters. The office of the Chief of Staff handed out real-time camera images of bombings recorded by planes that laser pointed targets, as well as images on the results on the aftermath of the operation. The buildings hit by warplanes were mainly concrete structures, discernable from the regular mud-brick houses that remained intact.

The office of the Chief of Staff also said that targets were specified by giving utmost attention to civilian population. �Targets were added after sound confirmation that they were out of residential areas,� it said in a statement. �Not a single civilian target was hit,� said Büyükanıt yesterday, denying Iraqi Kurdish groups' claims that one woman was killed and villages were bombed.

PKK headquarters destroyed

Local reports confirmed that crucial PKK targets were hit and serious damage was inflicted. The private NTV channel said the PKK's central headquarters in Levje village was wiped out and six PKK members were killed, according to northern Iraqi Kurdish sources. The death toll of terrorists may be higher, as the local Kurds indicate that terrorists left mountaintops to settle in more convenient hillsides.

Büyükanıt urged the media to focus more on the message delivered by the operation rather than its results.

�Even if it's winter, even if there is snow, even if they live in caves, we'll find them and hit them,� he said. �These operations will continue all the time.�

Büyükanıt said that United States intelligence was used during the military's attack against terrorist targets. �America gave intelligence,� Kanal D television quoted Büyükanit as saying.

But more importantly, America last night opened [Iraqi] airspace to us. By opening the airspace, America gave its approval to this operation.

Washington will continue sharing intelligence

Concerning Turkish air strikes, the U.S. State Department said Washington respected Turkey's right to defend itself against the PKK terrorists.

"It's the Turkish decision. We respect Turkey's right to defend itself against terrorism," Chase Beamer, a spokesman for the State Department's European bureau told the Turkish Daily News."The PKK, as a common threat for Turkey, Iraq and the U.S. must be eliminated," Beamer said. He said the U.S. was committed to increased intelligence sharing with Turkey, as agreed by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. President George W. Bush at a White House meeting in early November.

"We understand that the targets were PKK targets. We understand that no villages were targeted," Beamer said.

Beamer said he could not confirm the reports about Iraqi claims of civilian casualties, but added that "of course, if there's any loss of life, it's a tragedy."

Suspicious armored vehicles seized

The Turkish military seized at the Habur border gate yesterday 18 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles (MRAPs) that are widely used by the American military in Iraq.

MRAPs were reportedly headed for �Olive Group,� an American private security firm operating in Baghdad.

The Turkish Military intelligence indicated that the vehicles were indeed sold by British Witham SP to Olive Group, but said they were about to be handed to peshmergas of northern Iraq instead. The Chief of Staff reminded that military vehicles could only pass through Turkish territory with a parliamentary motion.

Turkish Daily News, LINK

Turkish air strikes targeted 9 camps and 3,500 armed PKK terrorists

2007-12-18T15:09:00.000+02:00

Official sources in Ankara report that the Sunday bombing of PKK terror sites in northern Iraq was aimed at the PKK's 9 main camps, and an estimated 3,500 armed terrorists there. These camps are the Kandil, Hakurk, Hinere, Lolan, Zap, Metina, Havasin, Haftanin, and Mahmur camps.

In the meantime, following the early morning Sunday bombings of PKK camps in the Kandil Mountain range along the Turkish-Iraqi border, an internet site connected with the Kurdistan Patriotic Union said that the camps had sustained heavy losses. Kurdish-backed Roj TV, which sometimes acts as a spokesforum for the PKK, reported yesterday that the Turkish air campaign against the PKK camps had been in coordination with Iran. Another spokesperson for the PKK, Ferman Garzan, alleged that the Turkish bombing of PKK camps had in fact not caused heavy losses, as the bombs had mostly hit emptied out sites.

Hurriyet Newspaper, LINK

Training aid to Kazakhstan

2007-11-29T23:10:00.000+02:00

One hundred and forty five military servants of the airmobile forces of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan have been trained by Turkish instructors. Deputy Defence Minister of Kazakhstan B. Janasayev has made it public today during the meeting with head of the of Education Administration of the General Staff of Turkey Y. Guler, Kazinform refers to the Ministry’s press service.
The training was held by the Turkish instructors by Commandos, Special Mission and Sharpshooters’ training and Internal security courses on the ground of Ili traiing centre in Almaty.

“The Kazakh-Turkish interaction in military sphere covers a wide range of issues, including such directions as training of Kazakhstani personnel, assistance in preparation of the Naval forces of Kazakhstan, provision with military and technical help of the Kazakh Armed Forces and language training of the militaries,” B. Janasayev noted.

In the whole, more than 450 Kazakhstani military servants were trained by Turkish instructors.

LINK

Turkish gunships attack empty villages in Iraq

2007-11-14T15:22:00.000+02:00

Turkish helicopter gunships attacked abandoned villages inside Iraq on Tuesday, Iraqi officials said, the first such air strike since border tensions have escalated in recent months. It also was the first major Turkish action against Kurdish rebels since Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met President Bush in Washington earlier this month. Meanwhile, Kurdish guerrillas killed four Turkish soldiers in a clash Tuesday in southeastern Turkey, Turkish Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul said. More than 50 Turkish troops have been killed in a series of hit-and-run attacks by Kurdish rebels since late September. Turkey says it has killed dozens of rebels during that time.

Col. Hussein Tamir, an Iraqi Army officer who supervises border guards, said the air strikes occurred before dawn on abandoned villages near Zakhu, an Iraqi Kurdish town near the border with Turkey. There were no casualties, he said.

A spokesman for the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, corroborated Tamir's account. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to media.

Erdogan told party members late Monday that the date of an anticipated cross-border operation was "nearing," a ruling party legislator said Tuesday. The legislator spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release the information.

Tens of thousands of Turkish troops have massed in the southeast ahead of a possible operation in Iraq. The United States and Iraq have pressured Turkey to avoid a large-scale attack on PKK bases in northern Iraq, fearing such an operation would destabilize what has been the calmest region in the country.

US authorities have agreed, however, to share intelligence about positions of Kurdish rebels with Turkey, possibly enabling the Turkish military to carry out limited assaults.

"The United States has declared the PKK as the common enemy. The struggle against this enemy will be maintained until it is eliminated," Erdogan told lawmakers in Parliament Tuesday.

Tens of thousands of Turkish troops have massed in the country's southeast ahead of a possible operation in Iraq.

Kurds are a major ethnic group straddling four Middle Eastern countries - Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria - totaling about 20 million people. Most live in Turkey, primarily in the southeast, where the PKK has been fighting for autonomy since 1984 in a conflict that has killed nearly 40,000 people.

The Jarusalem Post, LINK

Turkey develops radar absorbent materials

2007-11-14T15:19:00.000+02:00

ANKARA, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Researchers from Middle East Technical University (ODTU) of Turkey developed a new radar absorbent materials which could be useful for stealth technology, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported on Tuesday.

The new materials could reduce the visibility of military vehicles such as ships, aircraft, helicopters and submarines on radars by 1/1000, said the report, quoting Prof. Levent Toppare from ODTU's Chemistry Department.

"Materials used in stealth technology should be thin and light in order to ensure the proper functioning of the platform they are used in," said Toppare.

He added that the new materials, which are resistant to fire, salt, moss, friction, water and impacts, are only two millimeters thick.

"The most important feature of the new materials is that they provide high absorption and reduce the radar cross section by 1/1000, which means it enables a 100-squaremeter object to be perceived as 0.1 square meter," Toppare said, adding "in that way, it would be almost impossible for a radar to perceive such an object."

TheNews.cn, LINK