In a detailed interview with Mr. Hüseyin Avşar, Head of Land Platfoms Department of Undersecretariat for Defense Industries, shares insight regarding the progress made in Turkish Defense Industry; Updates on Altay Main Battle Tank Development program,AKKOR Active Protection System program, the domestic development model, procurement program updates, and future plans for the New Generation Armored Vehicles Project.
Defence Turkey: Dear Mr. Avşar, first of all we would like to thank you for your time. You have recently been appointed as the Land Platforms Department Head. How do you assess the capabilities that Turkey reached in respect to Land vehicle platforms, systems and sub-systems? What is your comment on the sector with its pros and cons?
As you know, the Turkish defense industry achieved great progress in recent years in almost all areas. Regarding the platforms, we reached a certain level within the scope of the projects conducted by our Undersecretariat where we could fulfill the demands of our army to a considerable extent through domestic facilities and capabilities. Today, with the indigenous products they developed, our companies are also actively involved in activities in the international markets where the competition is fierce.
The land systems are surely one of the areas in which the aforementioned progress in the Turkish defense industry emerged most apparently. Today as a country, the point we reached regarding the land platforms both in terms of domestic development projects and the achievements of our companies in the international arena is worthy of commendation. In recent years, our country arrived to a point where it could fulfill approximately all its land systems with its own industrial infrastructure. Particularly, in respect to the platforms, we have companies, which are capable of indigenously designing and manufacturing nearly all types of land vehicles that come to mind. As the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries, we have been conducting our studies and activities with our domestic companies through our ongoing procurement projects. Having said that, we aim toward more indigenousness regarding the sub-systems as part of our projects and in order to increase the number of qualified sub-contractors, we have been making an ardent effort to lead our main contractors and potential contractors to this end. Currently, regarding the land vehicle sector, we have identified deficiencies especially in sub-systems such as engines and transmissions. However, there are ongoing projects initiated by our Undersecretariat regarding these sub-systems. We can say that our foreign dependency regarding the sub-systems of the land platforms will be reduced to the minimum level after these projects are realized.
Defence Turkey: Mr. Avşar, during the last ten years, considering the land vehicle procurement programs, we are monitoring many programs were suspended and could not be launched. However, the programs which were suspended in the last 1-2 years were reactivated and we see that many projects are accelerated again. Within this frame of reference, we observe that our sector fails to fully feed our domestic companies in the recent period. Should a procurement process be made, which extends into the years in the upcoming period, enabling our companies to establish a sustainable industry and therefore reflect their efforts to their activities regarding exports? Is there any plan, any model in your agenda on this issue?
Actually, taking the last ten years into consideration, we see that many important procurement projects were launched. Hundreds of armored tactical and special vehicles such as Tactical Wheeled Vehicles, “Kirpi”, Battle Tank Transporter, Mobile Amphibious Assault Bridge, Amphibious Armored Combat Engineer Vehicle are in the Armed Forces inventory and actively utilized by the users within this period. With the know-how acquired in these projects, our companies won the tenders of similar projects abroad as well. There were certain projects initiated during this period that were suspended to a certain extent as a result of the requirement assessments, but as you have mentioned these projects are reactivated and a significant amount of progress was achieved in many of them.
In the current situation, our land vehicles sector is going through one of its most hectic working tempos due to the demands of the different users and a significant increase is seen in the number of projects conducted within this scope. Certain parts of this busy work schedule is without doubt a result of the existing conditions of our country and the need for domestic security that came to the agenda as part of the struggle against terrorism. From this aspect, the intense pace of the sector could at least be qualified as cyclical considering the projects conducted within the scope of the struggle against terrorism. Then again, the long-term large-scale platform projects are those which we envision to accomplish in the future, continuing extending into future years. Without a doubt, the main factor identifying the demand in the defense industry sector is the user requirements. So, in this respect, periodic fluctuations in the domestic needs are quite normal. Therefore, as the Undersecretariat, considering the sustainability of our land vehicles sector, we support our companies to intently follow especially the export opportunities in addition to the domestic requirements. The fruitful work that our companies achieved abroad are filling us with hope for the future and for the sustainability of our sector.
Defence Turkey: One of the most important projects you have been conducting as the Land Platforms Department is the “Altay” Main Battle Tank Development program. Within the scope of this program, the sector is expecting the launch of the serial production process after the completion of the qualification tests. When will the qualification process be completed? Could you share the next step with us?
First of all, I would like to share the overall framework of our contract setup regarding the prototype qualification process. According to the contract, at the first stage, executions of qualification tests with Altay Prototypes by Otokar were anticipated. Following the successful completion of these tests, the plans were made for the acceptance tests which will be run by the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM) / Land Forces Command Acceptance Committee.
Within this scope, the qualification and test procedures to be conducted prior to the Acceptance tests were prepared meticulously for the execution of the tests in line with the international standards and for proving that the Altay tank is capable of fulfilling performance specifications expected from a New Generation Main Battle Tank (MBT). The relevant institutions and companies which are also the parties of the project exerted intensive efforts for these studies as well. As a result of these studies, around 15 procedures were established for testing the various characteristics of the Altay Tank. Upon the approval of these procedures, we launched the qualification and acceptance tests on April 20th, 2015. As segments of the qualification activities, which have been going on for over a year, we accomplished many tests over 3 different Altay Prototypes, in various geographies of our country, under different climate conditions and quite challenging circumstances. We still have a few ongoing tests.
Hopefully, as a result of the ongoing testing period, we aim to complete the qualification and acceptance activities by the end of 2016. At the end of this period, our vision is to become one of the few countries achieving the ability to indigenously develop the Main Battle Tank which is regarded as the most complicated land platform.
Defence Turkey: What is the planned order volume for the tender regarding the mass production of “Altay” MBT? Moreover, how are the negotiations with the companies proceeding, conducted as part of this mass production tender. Could you please summarize the process?
As a result of the studies conducted by the Land Forces Command, an order of 250 MBTs was planned at the first stage within the scope of the “Altay” MBT Mass Production. As you know, we received a proposal in line with the stipulations of the Contract for the Mass Production of Altay MBT from Otokar company which is the Main Contractor of Altay Period – I and we are continuing our assessment activities in an intensive manner. At this point, our priority is to complete the evaluation of the aforementioned proposal as soon as possible.
Defence Turkey: Is it possible to establish a consortium model composed of our leading companies in the production of tracked vehicles within the scope of the mass production tender? Are there any studies conducted on your side in this respect?
Altay Mass Production Project is a comprehensive, massive project in every aspect. At the same time, it is of utmost importance for the future of our sector. Within this context, by taking all the alternatives into consideration, we strive to focus on the solutions which collaborate with the interests of our country at the maximum level. As a result of all these activities, I believe that as the Undersecretariat we will be creating the most convenient solution toward our mission of procuring the advanced technology products through domestic and indigenous solutions and establishing a sustainable domestic defense industry.
Defence Turkey: Within the AKKOR Active Protection System program, you signed a system development contract with Aselsan at the last quarter of 2015. Could you briefly inform us on the development process and program schedule?
Currently, the system requirement identification studies are being conducted. The data obtained as a result of these studies will provide input for the design of the system, test procedures and finally for the qualification of the system. Following the identification of system requirements, the design stage will be launched. Most of the AKKOR System units will be designed and manufactured by Aselsan. Physical Demolition Material (PDM) will be designed and produced by Aselsan’s sub-contractor TÜBİTAK-Sage.
AKKOR Project is composed of 54 months. Currently, the first three-month period has been completed and the studies are continuing. The design studies are planned to be completed in March 2018. In the following period, the system design verification tests, firing tests over fixed and mobile platforms will be executed.
Defence Turkey: Within the scope of the Anti-Tank Vehicle program, it was decided to initiate contract negotiations with the company FNSS at the last Defense Industry Executive Committee (SSIK) meeting for the procurement of a total of 260 Anti-Tank Vehicles composed of 184 tracked and 76 wheeled vehicles. How are the contract negotiations proceeding in this respect? Could you please inform us on the configurations of the tracked and tactical wheeled vehicles to be procured?
We launched the contract negotiations with the company FNSS in line with the decision adopted at the Defense Industry Executive Committee meeting on March 9 and our activities within this scope are continuing at full steam. Within the framework of the talks, we are carefully examining all the points subject to the contract and exerting all efforts toward preparing a contract which will serve the completion of the project as early as possible and with the highest performance. Here, we aim to make use of all capabilities acquired by our country through our main contractor FNSS. Following the aforementioned studies, we plan to sign the Contract on the Anti-Tank Vehicles Project hopefully in June.
As known, within the scope of this Project, there is an objective to integrate the medium range anti-tank weapons over tracked and 4x4 wheeled vehicles through remote controlled and enclosed weapon stations. In this respect, procurement of Anti-Tank Vehicles in three different configurations composed of Kornet anti-tank system over tracked vehicle, OMTAS system again over tracked vehicles and OMTAS system over wheeled vehicles is planned.
Defence Turkey: Could you please share the recent status of the program for the procurement of Special Purpose Tactical Wheeled Armored Vehicles? What would you like to say on the configurations to be procured and on the process?
The Request for Proposal of the Project was issued to FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.Ş. and Otokar Otomotiv ve Savunma Sanayi A.Ş on September 4th, 2014. The proposals were received on the 7th of September 2015. The project consists of 4 types of vehicles: Command, Radar, Sensor – Reconnaissance and CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicles. The Sensor Reconnaissance and CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicles are in 8x8 configuration and Command and Radar vehicles are in 6x6 configuration. Currently, the proposals are being evaluated and I can say that we are reaching the end of this evaluation process. Upon the completion of the proposal evaluation studies, the results will be submitted to the Defense Industry Executive Committee (SSIK) for the selection of the winning company.
Defence Turkey: As part of the LHD program, procurement of 22 Amphibious Assault Personnel Vehicles, 3 Amphibious Assault Command Vehicles and 2 Amphibious Recovery Vehicles is planned through domestic development method. Could you please inform us on the recent status of this program? Will this procurement program gain momentum in parallel with the acceleration of the LHD program?
The configuration of the vehicles to be procured within the scope of the Armored Amphibious Assault Vehicle Project was updated as 23 personnel vehicles, 2 command vehicles and 2 recovery vehicles as a result of the negotiations conducted with the Naval Forces Command. It was decided to accomplish the Project through a domestic development method. To this end, the best and final proposals were collected from the potential contractor companies and the final stage of the proposal assessment process has been reached. Our activities are continuing in coordination with the LHD project.
Defence Turkey: What kind of activities are being conducted within the scope of the procurement of camouflage systems which will increase the units’, weapons’ and tactical vehicles’ camouflage facilities and capabilities in line with the demands of the Land Forces Command?
As known, we initiated a project named Improved Camouflage Systems. Upon our Undersecretariat’s receipt of the demand regarding this issue, we rapidly examined the existing infrastructure and capabilities in our country. Then, in light of the data we obtained as a result of these studies, we set up our project model. The input we collected demonstrates that our country has a quite competent infrastructure on this subject and indicates that our industry is at a very good level, even to compete in international tenders.
Our aim is to fulfill our Armed Forces’ requirements with domestic resources as soon as possible. We are conducting our studies in an accelerated manner in order to issue the Request for Proposal to our relevant companies in May and then to sign the contract after completing the evaluation of the proposals.
Defence Turkey: Could you please wrap up the latest status of the demining system project composed of 50 demining systems, logistic support, training and required documentation through the Domestic Development model?
Within the scope of this project, for building procurement models both for the platform type of the relevant vehicle and for the mine clearance systems to be integrated, comprehensive studies were conducted up until this point, by involving the leading domestic and foreign companies in the process. As a result of these studies, we agreed that the Altay Tank’s hull which we developed indigenously as a Mine Clearance System (MCS) vehicle platform would be a convenient solution. Besides, when taking into considering the point arrived at by the Turkish defense sector, it was observed that our domestic companies would easily develop the mine clearance sub-systems to be integrated to the platforms by utilizing their facilities and capabilities at a maximum level. As may also be understood from the platform selection, the MCS project activities are currently being conducted in parallel with the activities regarding the Altay mass production project.
Defence Turkey: Considering the flexible layered Cage Armor System Project for Armored Vehicles, you published the Request for Proposal in the beginning of this year. How is the assessment of the proposals proceeding? What are your views and comments on the capabilities to be acquired as a result of this program?
We planned the Flexible Layered Cage Armor System Project in two phases. We will be procuring our emergency immediately through the direct procurement model. In this way, we will be covering the part of our Security Forces’ and Land Forces’ demands. In order to fulfill our requirements in line with the project model that we envisaged at the Request for Proposal Document, we will be conducting our domestic development activities simultaneously through our contractor in the next stage. In this respect, the proposal evaluation activities of the project are completed and we anticipate to sign the contract with the Contractor identified by the SSIK within June. Within the scope of the project, in order to increase the survivability of our Tanks and Armored Vehicles, flexible layered armor systems to provide maximum protection against the threats identified by the user, to be installed over all types of Armored Vehicles and Tanks and to be available for utilization under all types of land and climate conditions will be procured.
Defence Turkey: Mr. Avşar, you are not only directing the procurement process of the Armored Personnel Carriers of the Turkish Armed Forces, but also of the Turkish National Police (EGM). Within this context, could you inform us on the procurements made to be utilized in interior security operations and on the ongoing programs?
As you know, through an amendment made in 2011, the emergencies of the Turkish National Police (EGM) were included into the scope of the Law No. 3238 stipulating the establishment and tasks of the SSM. Therefore, we are conducting numerous projects toward fulfilling the requirements of EGM as well. We have procured many Anti-Riot Vehicles (TOMA) and Armored Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles for EGM until today. We have various ongoing projects for the procurement of different types of armored vehicles, personnel carriers and construction equipment. The aforementioned projects that we have been executing for the EGM cover a significant part in our total project portfolio.
Defence Turkey: Could you please inform us on the new programs planned to be initiated in the upcoming period?
One of the crucial projects that we plan to put on our agenda is the New Generation Armored Vehicles Project. As part of this project, the domestic development and procurement of many new generation armored vehicles in various configurations will be explored. Still, detailed studies are being conducted in line with the operational requirements identified by our relevant requiring authorities. Additionally, the procurement activities regarding the Tactical Wheeled Armored Vehicle demands of the Land Forces, Gendarmerie General Command and Turkish National Police will be maintained.
Defence Turkey: Lastly, are there any remarks that you would like to convey to the readers of Defence Turkey Magazine?
Land platforms have always been a sector acting as a locomotive of our defense industry in our country. The performance of this sector in both domestic projects and exports is a clear indicator of this fact. As we always do, we will continue to make efforts in order to offer our army and security forces indigenously developed systems based on advanced technology and raise the domestic participation rate in our projects to the highest level possible. Hereby, I would like to thank all my colleagues working for all these studies, taking part in the accomplishment of all these projects and exerting efforts selflessly, and to you for giving me the opportunity to share our opinions regarding the sector.
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