Turkey to acquire heavy lift airplane

[Pax Ottomana]

Turkey’s Undersecretariat for Defence Industries, SSM, is preparing to issue an RfI for the acquisition of a freighter airplane, sources familiar with SSM’s aerospace procurement programs informed TR Defence on Wednesday.

The requirement was said to be for a single airplane at this time.

“[Turkey] needs this aircraft to haul heavy, precious cargo to long distances. For example, when we needed to transport our new reconnaissance satellite [referring to the Gokturk-1] to the TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries) facilities a few months ago for planned tests and most recently to ship a T-129 [ an attack helicopter] to an international defence exhibition. At the present time, we have to spend a lot of money and rent this service from the international market. The ability to meet this requirement nationally is quickly gaining importance,” stated the report.

Procurement model for the heavy freighter airplane is expected to be a direct purchase with minimal or no domestic industry involvement. RfI is expected to be issued following a long disputed general reelection scheduled for November 1st.

SSM will likely form a new company to be jointly owned with the private sector in order to operate the new aircraft and provide heavy shipping services worldwide while the aircraft is not in use by Turkey.

Turkey to acquire heavy lift airplane | TR Defence

 

[Quasar]

Turkey’s Undersecretariat for Defence Industries, SSM, is preparing to issue an RfI for the acquisition of a freighter airplane, sources familiar with SSM’s aerospace procurement programs informed TR Defence on Wednesday.

The requirement was said to be for a single airplane at this time.

“[Turkey] needs this aircraft to haul heavy, precious cargo to long distances. For example, when we needed to transport our new reconnaissance satellite [referring to the Gokturk-1] to the TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries) facilities a few months ago for planned tests and most recently to ship a T-129 [ an attack helicopter] to an international defence exhibition. At the present time, we have to spend a lot of money and rent this service from the international market. The ability to meet this requirement nationally is quickly gaining importance,” stated the report.

Procurement model for the heavy freighter airplane is expected to be a direct purchase with minimal or no domestic industry involvement. RfI is expected to be issued following a long disputed general reelection scheduled for November 1st.

SSM will likely form a new company to be jointly owned with the private sector in order to operate the new aircraft and provide heavy shipping services worldwide while the aircraft is not in use by Turkey.

Turkey to acquire heavy lift airplane | TR Defence

we already aquired A 400 M (s) for this purpose

 

[IR-TR]

Well, if it's supposed to be bigger than the A400m, that only leaves Russia as an option. Nice to see a modernized IL-76 in TuAF colours. Would enhance ties with Russia too.

 

[xxxKULxxx]

Yes. 1 of these planes would be very good... It will be good for defence industry, TAI etc... Also in the future when we establish Satellite Launch Center it will be another good reason... And when i think many more reasons come to my mind... Yes, yes... We should take 1... And i think it will be quite busy...

BTW i see TR Defence.com is activated after a long time...

 

[madmusti]

Well, if it's supposed to be bigger than the A400m, that only leaves Russia as an option. Nice to see a modernized IL-76 in TuAF colours. Would enhance ties with Russia too.

Ahahahaha no !!!

It will be an Antonov.

 

[xxxKULxxx]

It will be very nice to see a big boy with our colours and with a painting design with Turkish Defence Industry show off...

 

[IR-TR]

Ahahahaha no !!!

It will be an Antonov.

AN124??? WOW That's a freaking beast.

 

[xenon54 out]

It will be very nice to see a big boy with our colours and with a painting design with Turkish Defence Industry show off...

You remeber this big boy?

 

[IR-TR]

You remeber this big boy?

Nice, but the AN-124 is bigger still. But knowing Erdogan's grand desires, perhaps TuAF should purchase a AN-225!

 

[xenon54 out]

Nice, but the AN-124 is bigger still. But knowing Erdogan's grand desires, perhaps TuAF should purchase a AN-225!

I had a conversation some time ago with kul about this plane, thats why i posted it.

 

[Babur Han]

TurAF will only order one heavylift Airplane ?

With the Ambitions in the MENA Region I see the need for more heavy lift Aircrafts than one, also to deploy Altay or T-129 in north West Africa or on the arab Peninsula !

 

[razgriz19]

Nice, but the AN-124 is bigger still. But knowing Erdogan's grand desires, perhaps TuAF should purchase a AN-225!

Theres only one 225 in the whole world!

 

[Pax Ottomana]

A400M is great as a general military transport plane (despite the long delays, shortcomings and the recent crash it experienced in Spain) but it's not a heavy lift freighter in the same family as, say, the AN-124.

Turkey has been seeking to cooperate with Antonov/Ukraine for some time. This might've come up as a good way of finally getting the show on the road. But it can also be a way for Turkey and Russia to help normalize relations again in the aftermath of Syria and Russia's apparently "suspending" the Turkish Stream.

 

[Babur Han]

The Number of 10 A-400 to be ordered is to less for Turkey, in long term they should go for 20 more A-400 M. At the End TurAF will have around 30 A-400 M Airlifter.

 

[IR-TR]

Theres only one 225 in the whole world!

Kidding man. I know one has been completed and in use, the other is in a state of semi-production. Half built.