Bayar: We Expect to Initiate Altay Tank Qualifications in 2014

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Bayar: We Expect to Initiate Altay Tank Qualifications in 2014

The Undersecretary for Defence Industries Mr. Murad Bayar evaluated the latest status of the National Infantry Rifle development studies, delays in Peace Eagle and General Purpose Helicopter Projects, latest status of “Anka” UAV, delivery process of “Atak” helicopters, latest developments for Turkish National Main Battle Tank “Altay” and his expectations from IDEF 13 Exhibition for Defence Turkey Magazine.

Defence Turkey: Prior to IDEF fair to be held in May, Turkey made a national participation in IDEX fair under the coordination of the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries. How were the interests of foreign delegations and missions to Turkish products and Turkish companies? Could you please share with us your views and observations?
I can say that we were really successful at IDEX 2013 Fair. This year we participated in IDEX Fair with 58 companies at 2500 meter square space. HE Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence, Dubai Prince Al Maktoum, Abu Dhabi Prince Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of National Affairs Al Nahyan and Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Al Rumaity visited our stands, obtained information from our companies regarding their products and made very special evaluations regarding our defence capabilities. I’m really happy to receive such a support from UAE authorities. This shows us that we have established mutual trust in our collaboration with UAE. We also had a chance to host numerous senior delegations from region countries and exchanged views regarding our collaborations with them. I believe we have achieved mutual significant progress primarily with UAE and all Gulf Region countries. The long term collaboration with Turkey is being considered now. For this reason, I sincerely believe the collaborations in this region will further progress in the upcoming period.
Defence Turkey: There has been an increasing collaboration between UAE Tawazun and SSM nowadays. Could you please give us some information regarding these collaborations?
The first step of the collaboration between Tawazun and our Undersecretariat was taken with the LOI signed in February 2009. Since that date, we have increased our contacts with mutual visits as well as fair organizations and we saw that there was a strong will for the establishment of a long term collaboration. In respect of our relations with UAE, as you may already know, Yonca – Onuk and Havelsan signed contracts with UAE regarding Fast Intervention Boat and STAMP Stabilized Weapon System during the previous period. Additional STAMP and STOP weapon systems contracts were signed by Aselsan following these contracts. Again a contract was signed at IDEF 2009 between Roketsan and Burkan Munition Systems regarding the joint production of missile systems. In 2011, a joint venture was established between Aselsan and UAE IGG companies in line with the offset liability and IGG Aselsan facilities will initiate its activities regarding the production of STAMP and STOP systems in midst 2013. At IDEX 2013 fair, a contract was signed between Roketsan and Tawazun regarding the delivery of “Cirit” Laser Guided Missile to UAE Armed Forces.
In view of these developments, as per the current situation, we have acquired mutual experiences in terms of making collaborations in addition to our will for collaborations. These acquisitions make our will for defence collaboration more strengthened. We signed a collaboration protocol with Tawazun at IDEX 2013 fair. Within the scope of this protocol, we aim to evaluate defence industry collaboration between two countries as well as towards 3rd countries and even investment opportunities and to generate new opportunities.
The collaboration offices for Tawazun in Turkey and for SSM in UAE were allocated. By this way, we will be supporting each other for the studies aiming at generating new business opportunities. I believe we will be sharing more tangible information regarding all collaboration studies as well as new projects with you in the following days.
“We arranged introductory meetings for 21 Turkish Defence and Security Companies and Tawazun during OSSA event.”
Defence Turkey: The officials of Tawazun visited our country in the previous days. What were the topics discussed during such visit?
Within the frame of the LOI signed between Tawazun and SSM at IDEX fair in 2009, many projects (such as Yonca-Onuk Boats, Aselsan STAMP) were signed and enacted. Following the visit of Abu Dhabi Prince Sheikh Muhammad to Turkey in 2012, the studies regarding the collaboration protocol between Tawazun and SSM were identified and such protocol was signed during IDEX 2013. As of the end of 2012, SSM and Tawazun allocated offices for each other in Ankara and Abu Dhabi and the process for the establishment of Tawazun Turkey was initiated. Introductory meetings for 21 Turkish Defence and Security Companies and Tawazun were held during OSSA event under the coordination of our Undersecretariat.
Defence Turkey: The development process of National Infantry Rifle is still ongoing. What is the latest status of the project? When will Turkey attain its indigenous infantry rifle? Could you please evaluate the process for us?
The product qualification phase of the National Infantry Rifle Project is still in progress. Following the completion of the production line qualification, we plan to take the Modern Infantry Rifle in the inventory within 2013.
Defence Turkey: What is the latest status of Peace Eagle and General Purpose Helicopter projects? Could you please share your views with us?
As you know, the contract regarding the supply of 4 AWACS aircrafts and Ground Support Centre for meeting the needs of Airborne Early Warning and Control System requirement of Air Forces Command was awarded and enacted on 23 July 2003. The payments were made to Boeing as per the performed activities in line with the Contract Payment Schedule. As per the Delivery Schedule, the deliveries were planned to be completed by the Company in 2008. The primary reasons of the delay are the nonfulfillment of the development activities by the Company and several force majeure events occurred during the process. As per the provisions and conditions of the Contract, liquidated damages for delay were started to apply pertaining to the period of Company’s fault starting from the delivery date. The sanctions are being applied regarding the liquidated damages for delay taking part in the Contract. Due to the delay within the scope of the Program and as per the provisions and conditions of the Contract, the liquidated damages for delay accrued will be collected from Boeing.
Within the scope of the General Purpose Helicopter Project, we are still conducting contract negotiations with Sikorsky. Considerable progress has been achieved during negotiations since 2012, however we are continuing negotiations for some several legal issues.
“We will bring Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) reconnaissance system in Anka in 2014.”
Defence Turkey: Could you please inform us on the latest status of Anka UAV Project and the schedule of mass production?
In respect of the importance of UAV systems in terms of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and within the scope of our studies for developing indigenous UAV system to meet the operational needs of Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), the first project’s contract for the development of Indigenous TUAV (Male-Operative) was signed and enacted on 24 December 2012 with TAI.
The acceptance tests of the first development phase (Block-A) of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Anka UAV developed by TAI was accomplished in January 2013. The 18+ hour long test flight with 23.000 feet was completed successfully. We aim to achieve 24 hour long endurance and 30.000 feet for the second phase (Block-B) of the Project which is to be completed in 2014. Besides, we will add up additional capabilities to the system. The most important study within this scope will be the integration of the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) reconnaissance system, which is jointly developed by Aselsan and SDT, with Anka UAV by increasing its capabilities.
In parallel with the second phase Anka development studies, the contract preparation studies for the production of 10 Anka UAVs to be taken into the inventory of Air Forces Command are in progress. We want that Anka-S UAV to be produced within the scope of the project, the contract negotiations of which will be initiated in the following months, will be equipped with more advanced features than already developed Anka UAV. For this purpose, we will add the below features to Anka UAV system by using mainly the domestic opportunities:
High resolution camera system in order to increase task efficiency,
Encrypted data and control link in order to ensure the security of UAV system and intelligence data,
UAV control capability over satellite in order to operate in wider area.
Defence Turkey: What would you like to say about the studies being conducted regarding Anka-Plus which is the advanced version of Anka?
Considering the level of technological capability and know-how that we have reached thanks to our UAV development studies currently being conducted, we decided to initiate development studies for Offensive UAV system, which is to have more superior features than Anka UAV, at Defence Industry Executive Committee (SSİK) held in July 2012. This UAV system will have higher flight ceiling, longer endurance and more useful load capacity. The Offensive UAV system, which is to be capable of carrying a total of 1.000 kg weapons at different types, will also constitute the significant phase within the scope of the development of Turkish Unmanned Fighter Aircraft. Many subcontracting Turkish companies will take part in the studies to be conducted under the leadership of TAI as a prime contractor. We also plan to obtain significant contributions from our universities.
Defence Turkey: What is the latest status of T-129 Atak project? When will the deliveries of Early Delivery helicopters (EDH) start? Following the delivery of EDH, what will be the delivery schedule of 50 helicopters?
In Recently 2013, we hope to realize the acceptance tests of Atak helicopters which are the first Turkish attack helicopters manufactured by domestic capabilities. They will be delivered in 9 parties. The manufacturing studies of 4 of them were completed and under test phases. Such tests were already completed. There will be trainings to be given to the Armed Forces personnel and they are underway. If all these processes are accomplished, the acceptance process as well as deliveries will start in March. Such projects have a significant importance in terms of inventory and if such accomplishment is realized, they will attract the international market substantially. Atak participated in a tender in South Korea. The decision will probably be announced in the following months. Many other countries will also show interest in the near future. It is a noteworthy potential for Turkey and we want to use this potential both in Turkey and in international market as soon as possible.
“We will complete the qualifications of Altay Tank’s armour system within 2013.”

Defence Turkey: What are the current studies being conducted for the Turkish National Main Battle Tank Project (Altay)?
Some of the Subcomponent Qualification Tests to be realized as per the contract in 2013 will be made over the tank and some of them will be individual system tests. In line with the tests being realized on Manoeuvre Capability (MTR) and Firing Capability (FTR) prototypes, over 3000 km was proceeded with MTR Preliminary Prototype. The required subsystem functional tests are being performed by Aselsan regarding firing tests to be realized with FTR. When these tests are completed, the firing tests activities will be performed in the second half of 2013. Besides, we aim to complete the qualification of armour system developed by Roketsan in 2013. In view of these, we plan to initiate Altay Tank’s qualification tests as of 2014.
Defence Turkey: One of other projects on Turkey’s agenda is the Landing Platform Dock (LPD) project. When it was first announced, the discussions were made whether Turkey would make an aircraft carrier or not. What would you like to say regarding this issue?
The Landing Platform Dock, as the name implies, is not an aircraft carrier. It is not a project that can be classified as an aircraft carrier even in international literature. It has crucial capabilities that will serve as a base are at the sea. Now the tender process is underway where 3 shipyards are competing. We aim to finalize it in the near future. There is nearly 200 m long runway on it which is designed both for helicopters and for other operations. The main task will be the operation for helicopters. However, it may allow an aircraft that is able to make vertical take-off and landing in the future. But as I mentioned, we should not call this ship as an aircraft carrier.
“The first vessel within the scope of Milgem-S project will be delivered after 36 months.”
Defence Turkey: An important decision was taken in Defence Industry Executive Committee (SSİK) meeting held at the end of 2012 for Milgem-S project and it was decided to initiate contract negotiations with RMK Marine shipyard. What is going to take place in the forthcoming period?
The related studies were initiated for contract negotiations with RMK Marine after the Defence Industry Executive Committee (SSİK) meeting held on 3 January 2013 and it is still underway. 6 vessels will be constructed within the scope of the project. The contract negotiations are expected to be finalized in 2013 and the project schedule will begin accordingly. The delivery of the first vessel is planned within 36 months after the project schedule begins and the delivery of all vessels is planned to be completed in 72 months.
Defence Turkey: What is the latest status of Indigenous Helicopter Project and FX-TX programs and is it possible to transform those programs into multinational projects under the leadership of Turkey? What are your views on this issue?
The Indigenous Helicopter Project and FX-TX programs are one of the topics that we will exert efforts in the forthcoming period. Turkey is expanding its targets on these issues. From now on we can say we are manufacturing our national fighter aircraft, indigenous helicopter. We think these will be high-level targets. We are currently at conceptual design phase for national fighter aircraft. When we come to the detail design and development phase of the project, we possibly evaluate for international partnerships. This will also be an alternative for FX-TX project and other projects. Turkey will have to lead for the initiation of such partnerships. In other words, most importantly we should bring the projects to a certain convenience degree and have a finalized program afterwards. It is not appropriate to involve a foreign country in the program which we have not clarified yet. If we make these two programs more clear, I believe they will attract the attention of several countries.
Defence Turkey: The rapid development of Turkish Defence Industry recently has brought forward the design engineer deficit. What are your studies regarding reverse brain drain and the increase for design engineering capacity at the universities?
We are currently studying on design engineer subject through multichannel. Turkey has become a centre of attraction due to the generation and initiation of these projects. In other words, our engineers working outside the country have started to show interests to these projects. We have lots of engineers, specialists turning back to our country. They turn back and start to work at our companies. Previously, those, who had expertise in foreign countries and turned back to their country, should have turned back to routine works and lost their area of expertise. Today, some studies carried out in our sector require postgraduate degrees and this circumstance begins to attract the specialists working outside the country. On the other hand, we have human resources within Turkey and making use of them is of similar importance for us. For this reason, technical programs have been initiated at our universities. We have initiated a program at METU called “Researcher Education Program for Defence Industry”. The objective is to allow specialists working at defence sector to make their postgraduate degree and prepare their dissertation on the projects that they have been working for. The R&D studies being performed at other universities have also become important. We cannot purchase the experience in design engineering. In any case we should give time. Our design engineers in many companies are going through their first experiences. Thanks god, our first trial performance is quite successful. We will make use of the same generation 3 or 4 times. If we say a design development phase takes 5 years, we will make use of our first engineers 5 or 6 six times more within 30 years. The expectations both in Turkish and international programs are developing rapidly. The demands for specialists will arise internally. There will be demand increase in both our technical and military personnel in Turkey.
Defence Turkey: What are your expectations from IDEF 2013 fair?
In recent years, IDEF Fair has taken its part amongst the world’s and region’s most important fairs with its top level and key participants through efficient approaches implemented in fair organization field. The senior level delegations from many countries will participate in 2013 fair as invitees by our Minister, Deputy Minister and our Undersecretariat. We hope many agreements and collaboration protocols will be awarded during the fair. We believe this fair, as per the nature of fairs, will turn the bilateral relations developed in previous years into tangible projects and enable the parties that we have developed new relations recently to see and visit all our companies. Again in IDEF fair, we will have the opportunity to make update on the developments by gathering with related enterprises and institutions as well as to promote them our products newly taken part in the inventory.
Defence Turkey: Would you like to add remarks for Defence Turkey readers?
Please keep on track with our defence sector. I think Defence Turkey is one of the important channels for us in order to announce our studies to international partners and community and I sincerely congratulate Defence Turkey magazine.
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