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
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