2019 Outlook for the Turkish Defence & Aerospace Industry and Goals for 2020
Issue 97
The Turkish Defence and Aerospace Industry, breaking new records in terms of turnover and export figures in 2019, has successfully accomplished critical stages and reached delivery phases in Land, Naval, Air, Weapon/Ammunition/Missile and Electronic System projects, which were initiated under the coordination of the Presidency of the Defence Industries (SSB) as per the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) and the Security Forces, and carried out under the leadership of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation (TSKGV) companies and in cooperation with TÜBİTAK Institutes (Informatics and Information Security Advanced Technologies Research Center – BİLGEM, Marmara Research Center - MAM, Defence Industry Research and Development Institute -SAGE and Space Technologies Research Institute - UZAY), private sector companies, SMEs and universities.
We, as Defence Turkey magazine, have prepared the 2019 outlook report for the Turkish Defence & Aerospace Industry and compiled major activities and deliveries planned to be realized in 2020.
Major Activities and Deliveries in 2019
LAND
• The first vehicles were delivered within the scope of the Weapon Carrier Vehicles (STA) Project, the contract of which was signed between the SSB and FNSS. At the ceremony held on December 25, two KAPLAN-10 tracked weapon carrier vehicles were delivered to the Land Forces Command. The Weapon Carrier Contract covers a total of 260 vehicles, 184 of which are tracked (KAPLAN-10) and 76 of which are wheeled (PARS 4x4), and weapon turrets for use on these vehicles. The qualification activities of PARS 4x4 are planned to be completed in January 2020.
• Within the scope of FIRAT-M60T AMT Modernization Project, modernization of 169 tanks was completed in 2019. Within the scope of the contract amendment signed on July 24, 2018, the AKKOR PULAT Active Protection System (AKS) is installed on 40 of 169 tanks and the Telescopic Periscope System (TEPES) is installed on 73 tanks, which were named M60TM after modernization. In addition, 90 40mm automatic grenade launchers were supplied in 2018 for use in tanks.
• Within the scope of the Armored Combat Vehicle (ZMA/ACV) Platform Modernization Project Contract worth TL 900 Million signed between the SSB and Aselsan on December 31, 2019, some of the ACV-15 ZMA Platforms in the inventory of the Land Forces Command will be modernized. The 25mm NEFER Weapon System, Laser Warning System, Close Range Surveillance System, Driver’s Vision System, Direction Finding and Navigation System, to be used in vehicles within the scope of the project, will be provided by Aselsan. FNSS will provide the Air Conditioning System, Heating System, Fire Extinction System and Explosion Suppression System. FNSS will also upgrade the armor and mine protection levels of vehicles and provide maintenance services. Deliveries under the contract will be realized between 2021 and 2023.
• The Special Purpose Tactical Wheeled Armored Vehicle (ÖMTTZA/SPTWAV) Project Contract was signed. Within the scope of the contract signed between the SSB and FNSS, the FNSS will deliver to the Land Forces Command and Gendarmerie General Command a total of 100 8x8 (PARS-III) and 6x6 (PARS III SCOOTER) vehicles in 5 different types, through a domestic development model. Within the scope of ÖMTTZA project, 30 6x6 command vehicles, 45 8x8 sensor and reconnaissance vehicles, 15 6x6 radar vehicles, 5 8x8 CBRN vehicles, 5 8x8 Armored Combat Vehicles (ZMA) will be delivered.
• A total of 47 ATEŞ Armored Mobile Border Surveillance Vehicles (Lot-I: 20 units in May 2019 and Lot-II: 27 units in December 2019) have delivered under the ATEŞ Mobile Border Security System Project carried out by Aselsan, as the Main Contractor, and covering a total of 57 vehicles. As the ATEŞ Armored Mobile Border Security Vehicle platform, Katmerciler’s HIZIR 4x4 MRAP was used. The electronic sensors on the vehicle and the security management software enabling interoperability of these sensors were provided by Aselsan.
• Acceptance tests of the second, third, fourth and fifth lot deliveries of SERHAT-II Radars were successfully completed within the scope of the Counter Mortar Radar System (SERHAT-II) Supply Contract worth US$ 40.320 million, signed between the Ministry of National Defence (MoND) and Aselsan on June 28, 2018 and such radars were delivered to the TAF. The first lot delivery had been realized after the acceptance tests made on December 10-18, 2018 and other deliveries under the contract are planned to be completed in 2020. The L-Band SERHAT-II Mortar Detection Radar, having a 360° detection capacity and fixed antenna of cylindrical phased array, was placed on an extendable mast on Otokar’s COBRA-II Tactical Wheeled Armored Vehicle.
• At IDEF ‘19 (May 2019), a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Caterpillar Defence UK and MoND for the joint development of a new diesel engine for use in the FIRTINA-II Self-Propelled Howitzer. The new diesel engine will be developed based on an existing diesel engine of the company and will be V12 type and have a capacity of 1,200 hp. The development activities of the new engine will be carried out at the 1st Main Maintenance Factory Directorate in Arifiye with the technical support of Caterpillar Defence UK. The new diesel engine to be used in FIRTINA-II will be matched with Allison’s X1100-5 full automatic transmission system in line with user’s request. The production of 140 New Generation FIRTINA (II-II) Self-Propelled Howitzers, which were ordered as per the needs of the Land Forces, was started in 2018 Q4. The first batch of FIRTINA-II Self-Propelled Howitzer is planned to be delivered in 2020.
• Within the scope of the Serial Production Phase, the deliveries of the KORKUT Self-Propelled Low Altitude Air Defence Gun System were started on March 30, 2019. As of November 2019, the number of delivered vehicles reached to a total of 17 - composed of 4 Command & Control Systems (KKA) and 13 Weapon System Vehicles (SSA). 2 Weapon System Vehicles and 1 Command & Control Vehicle manufactured during the prototype phase had been delivered to the Turkish Land Forces Command (TLFC) in 2016. The Project covers the supply of a total of 42 Weapon System Vehicles and 14 Command & Control Vehicles from Aselsan through domestic development model. The 30-ton class and 6 wheeled ZMA-30 Tracked & Armored Combat Vehicle (ZMA/ACV) manufactured by FNSS is utilized as a carrier platform.
• Within the scope of the 8x8, 10x10 and 12x12 wheeled Tank Carrier, Container Carrier and Recovery Vehicle Project launched by the SSB Land Platforms Department, a total of 476 vehicles consisting of 134 Tank Carrier Vehicles (TTA), 65 DROPS Container Carrier Vehicles and 277 Recovery Vehicles will be supplied. As part of the demand for Tank Carrier Vehicles (TTA), the initial contract was signed between the SSB and BMC Company on August 10, 2018 and 72 TUĞRA TTAs were ordered in the first stage. The delivery ceremony of the TUĞRA TTAs manufactured by BMC and Öztreyler companies with indigenous and local facilities was held on November 26, 2019. BMC’s TUĞRA TTA with an engine of 620hp weighs 125 tons with its trailer and has the carrying capacity of net 70 tons.
• Prototypes of Light Class Unmanned Land Vehicles were developed.
• In 2019, the Tactical Wheeled Armored Vehicle VURAN, Land Vehicles Fuel Tanker AKTAN, Modular Container and Carrier Vehicle entered into the inventory for the first time.
• The delivery of the land platforms such as KİRPİ-II, EJDER YALÇIN, VURAN, AKTAN, Masked Armored Bus (GİZKO), Armored Recovery and Maintenance Vehicle Aracı (ZKBA) continued.
NAVAL
• The 4th vessel of the MİLGEM Project, TCG Kınalıada Corvette (F-514), was put into the service of the Naval Forces Command (TNFC) on September 29, 2019.
• The contract for the Pakistani Naval Forces (PN) MİLGEM (Jinnah Class Frigate) Project was signed on September 6, 2018 and the activities regarding the project were launched on March 11, 2019. The construction of the first ship as part of the project was officially launched with the ceremony for the first sheet cutting on September 29, 2019. The first ship is planned to be delivered in Turkey in August 2023 and the final ship is planned to be delivered in Karachi in 2025 within the scope of the PN MİLGEM Project that covers a total of 4 frigates. Due to the VLS integration at the back of the bow gun (for the LY-80/HHQ-16 Medium Altitude Air Defence Missile System) the Jinnah Class will be longer and heavier compared to the ADA Class.
• As part of the I Class Frigate Project that is the second phase of the MİLGEM Project, the contract signed in the beginning 2019 with STM Company, selected as the Main Contractor in 2018 by the SSB, entered into force on September 27, 2019. After the Sea Acceptance Tests to be conducted upon the launch of the TCG Istanbul Frigate (F-515) in the first months of 2021 and the equipping activities, the ship is planned to be put into the service of the Turkish Naval Forces Command (TNFC) in the second half of 2023.
• The Test and Training Ship TCG Ufuk (A-591) with intelligence capabilities (ELINT/SIGINT) was launched to sea at Istanbul Denizcilik Shipyard in Tuzla on February 9, 2019. STM Company is the Main Contractor of the project and the TCG Ufuk with a full length of 99.5 meters, 14.4 meters of width and 2,400 tons of displacement weight, is expected to be delivered to the DzKK on July 31, 2020. Capable of 18+ knots of maximum speed and featuring a helicopter platform of 10 tons, the TCG Ufuk Test and Training Ship is also the first intelligence ship of Turkey that is fully developed and built through indigenous facilities and capabilities.
• TCG Anadolu Multi-Purpose Amphibious Assault Ship (LHD) was launched to sea in May 2019. The equipping activities of the ship taken to the dry dock within a few days are ongoing. The TCG Anadolu aimed to be delivered by the end of 2020 is planned to be in the full displacement weight of 27,436 tons and with a length of 230.8 meters. The TCG Anadolu will feature a 202-meter long flight deck with 6 landing spots, its length at waterline will be 207.2 meters, maximum width will be 32 m, maximum speed is projected as 20.5 knots (at full weight displacement). The deployment speed of the ship is projected as 16 knots while its deployment speed and maximum cruising range is foreseen as 7.000 nm + 2.000 nm.
• One of the Type 214TN REIS Class Submarines that is being built at the Gölcük Shipyard Command as part of the New Type Submarine Project, the TCG Piri Reis (S-330) Submarine’s launch and first welding ceremony to the beam of the 5th submarine TCG Seydi Ali Reis (S-334) was held on December 22, 2019. The TCG Piri Reis Submarine that is presently being equipped will be put into the service of the TNFC in 2022, upon the completion of the Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), Harbor Acceptance Tests (HATs) and Sea Acceptance Tests (SATs). Its full length is 68.35 m, height is 13.1 m (16.5 m when the periscopes are elevated), width 6.3 m, draft survey 6.0 m and surface weight approximately 1,850 tons. The submerged weight of the REIS Class Submarines are around 2,040-2,050 tons and are operated by 40 (27+13) personnel.
• A contract was signed on February 8, 2019 between the Aselsan-STM-Havelsan-ASFAT Partnership and the SSB on the Half Life Modernization of 4 PREVEZE Class Submarines that were put into the service of the TNFC in 1994-1999. According to the contract, which entered into force on July 17, 2019, the delivery of the submarines to be equipped with new generation Sonar, Surveillance and Attack Periscopes, Satellite Communication System, Integrated Communication System, Electronic Support System, Marine Radar, WAIS System and Harpoon Fire Control System, will be accomplished in 2023-2026, respectively. According to the Project schedule, the TCG Sakarya – the first submarine will be delivered in 2023 after the SAT (Sea Acceptance Tests). Then, the modernization of the three remaining submarines will be completed at intervals of nearly 10 months. The ISUS-83/2 SYS in the submarines will be replaced with ADVENT based MUREN Combat management System (CMS) within the scope of the ‘MUREN CMS PREVEZE Class Implementation’ Project signed in August 2017 and conducted with the cooperation of the TNFC Research Center Command (ArMerKom), Gölcük Shipyard and TÜBITAK.
• The delivery of the 8 Fast Patrol Boats ordered as part of the New SAT Boat (MRTP-24U) and Fast Patrol Boat (MRTP-12) Projects conducted by Yonca Onuk Shipyard as the Main Contractor to fulfill the demands of the TNFC was launched in February 2019 and the boats were delivered in 2019. The first of the New SAT Boats with a total length of 26.3 m and width of 5.48m have been delivered to the TNFC in the last days of 2019 where the second boat is planned to be delivered in the first half of 2020. Armed with a 25 mm STOP naval gun system the New SAT Boat with the displacement of 55t+ is capable of achieving 54 knots of speed. The Fast Patrol Boats weigh 11 tons and are 12.65 m in length.
• The contract on the procurement of 105 ARES 35 Control Boats within the scope of the Control Boat Project of the Coast Guard Command was signed on February 17, 2019 between the SSB and ARES Shipyard. In order to keep up with the contract schedule, ARES Shipyard will be completing the construction and equipping activities of each of the ARES 35 Control Boats to be built with carbon reinforced composite with multiple molding technique in 10 days. 3 boats will be built every month and the SSB will be conducting the acceptance of 6 boats at the ARES Shipyard once every two months. According to the contract, the delivery of the 105 ARES 35 Control Boats will be completed within nearly 5 years. The delivery of the ARES 35 Control Boats will be launched in 2020. The boats will be 11m long, 3,30 m wide; they will weigh 85 tons and will be capable of reaching a 160 nm cruising speed.
• The Floating Dock Supply Project was launched for the supply of a floating dock weighing 10,000 tons, required by the MoND Shipyards Directorate General, to be deployed at the Izmir Shipyard Command at Alaybey, Izmir and a contract was signed by HAT-SAN Gemi İnşaa Bakım Onarım Deniz Nakliyat Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi and ASFAT A.Ş. on August 2, 2018. The keel laying ceremony of the floating dock was held on February 6, 2019 and the platform was planned to be completed in October 2019 and delivered to the Izmir Shipyard Command in December 2019. However, the aforementioned delivery could not be accomplished on the planned date and was postponed to January 2020. The completely built Floating Dock is expected to be delivered in the middle of January 2020. The deadweight of the Floating Dock, also capable of serving the platforms that will be included in the inventory of the TNFC in the upcoming period, is 10,000 tons. The full length of the dock is 175.60 m and its internal width is 35.54 m. The Floating Dock is capable of submerging or lifting within an hour. There are two electro-hydraulic type mobile cranes on the Dock. These cranes are capable of carrying 10 tons of weight in 10 minutes.
AIR
• The roll-out ceremony for the ANKA-AKSUNGUR High Payload Capacity UAV was held on January 28, 2019 and the maiden flight of the platform was conducted on March 20. The qualification process of the ANKA-AKSUNGUR High Payload Capacity UAV is planned to be completed by 5 February 2020 and the UAV is planned to be delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) during the first quarter of 2020. The ANKA-AKSUNGUR High Payload Capacity UAV has two prototypes; 19-001 (T-01) and 19-002 (T-02) and the manufacturing activities of its third prototype, defined by the company as the “customer aircraft version” are expected to be completed soon. Powered with two water-cooled, turbocharged TEI-PD170 diesel engines each with 170 hp and 2.1 liter-volumes, AKSUNGUR’s length is 12 m, height is 3 m and its wingspan is 24 m. There are 3 external load stations beneath each wing with load capacities of 500 kg, 300 kg and 150 kg. The Maximum Take-Off Weight of AKSUNGUR is 3,300 kg and the platform is designed to function with an external load of 750 kg in Attack/ Sea Patrol Task configuration at an altitude of 25,000 ft for 12 hours, with 150 kg payload in Signal Intelligence Task configuration at an altitude of 40,000 ft for 24 hours.
• The contract on the Heavy Class Attack Helicopter (ATAK-II) Project was signed on February 22, 2019 between the SSB and Turkish Aerospace (TUSAS) to fulfill the requirements of the TLFC. The development activities of the T129 Mk-II Heavy Class Attack Helicopters continue, and the first test flight is planned to be conducted in 5 years (T+60 months) after the contract’s entry into effect. According to statements, the helicopters will have a maximum take-off weight of nearly double of the capacity of the T129 Mk-I and will be among the attack helicopters of the highest class in the world in this area. The duration of the project is projected as 8.5 years (T+102 months). The 2 types (Sea and Land versions) of Heavy Class Attack Helicopters in the 10 ton class configuration are planned to be developed and the delivery of the 3 helicopter prototypes is planned to be delivered to the SSB along with the Technical Data Package. The TS3000 turboshaft engines with 3,000hp propulsion capacity to be utilized in ATAK-II Helicopters are developed by TEI.
• The first certification flight of GÖKBEY Turkish Light Transport / Utility Helicopter (TLUH)’s first flight prototype T625 P1 was conducted on June 29, 2019 at the facilities of Turkish Aerospace (TUSAS). The prototypes (civilian and military configurations) of the twin engine Turkish GÖKBEY Helicopter in the 5 ton class and with a passenger capacity of 2 pilots + 12 passengers is designed and manufactured by TUSAS. The CTS800-4A Turboshaft Engines with 1.361shp power capacity manufactured by Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Company (LHTEC), used in prototype helicopters, will be replaced with TS1400 engines produced by TEI in the serial production models. One of the GÖKBEY TLUH Prototypes will be equipped with TS1400 Turboshaft engines in 2020 and the ground tests will be executed in the first stage. Flight tests will be conducted following the ground tests (in 2021 according to my projections).
• The deliveries were completed in July 2019 with the delivery of the last four CH-47F Chinook Helicopters out of the 11 helicopters ordered as part of the Heavy Lift Helicopter Supply Project. 6 CH-47F Chinook Helicopters were ordered for the TLFC, 4 CH-47Fs were ordered for Special Forces Command and 1 Chinook was ordered for the MoND within the scope of the Project. 6 helicopters ordered for the TLFC were delivered in 2016 (in groups of three in July and November) and the 7th CH-47F Helicopter was delivered in August 2018.
• The 8th and 9th aircraft out of the 10 A400M Atlas Strategic Transport Aircraft ordered for the Air Forces Command (TurAF) as part of the A400M Program were delivered to the TurAF on June 21, 2019 and August 7, 2019. Presently 9 A400 Atlas Strategic Transport Aircraft are in the service of the 221st Air Transport Fleet Command under the 12th Air Transport Main Base Command at Erkilet, Kayseri and the delivery of the 10th aircraft is planned to be realized in 2022.
• The A400M Aircraft Retrofit Contract Signing Ceremony was held on October 3, 2019 at the 2nd Air Maintenance Factory Directorate by ADS and ASFAT A.Ş. With the Project, the 2nd Air Maintenance Factory Directorate will be acquiring a very critical capability and will be able to serve friendly and allied nations and our region in terms of the maintenance of A400M aircraft.
• The 3rd and 4th F-35A Lightning II jets manufactured for the Turkish Air Force (TurAF) with tail numbers 18-0003 and 18-0004 accomplished their maiden flights in February 2019. The delivery process of the jets was completed in March and the aircraft reached Luke Air Base in Arizona in April. There, the jets were operated by Turkish pilots attending the training activities at the air base. The fifth F-35A Lightning II manufactured at the Fort Worth Texas facilities of Lockheed Martin for the TurAF performed its maiden flight on October 1, 2019. After flying for nearly an hour, the 18-0005 tail numbered jet (call sign AT-05) landed at Fort Worth facilities where it took off from. Production of the TurAF’s 6th F-35A jet with the tail number 18-0006 (call sign AT-06) was completed in November 2019. Our partnership in the F-35 Lightning II JSF Program which is the greatest Defence program in terms of both value and scope in the history of the Republic of Turkey was suspended on July 16, 2019 as a result of the S-400 crisis encountered with the US Government. Our exclusion from the program started officially. The local companies presently conducting production and deliveries according to their work shares as part of the program with the best value approach will be excluded from the program after March 2020. In line with the National Defence Authorization Act for the Fiscal Year 2020 (Defence Budget) acknowledged on December 17, 2019, the US Department of Defence was assigned as part of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) to transfer the 6 F-35-A Jets manufactured for Turkish Armed Forces to a storage zone for long term storage. In the “Modernization Programs as part of National Defence Strategy” section of the budget, it was stated that a fund of US$ 440 Million would be allocated for the procurement of the F-35A jets ordered by Turkey.
• The first flight test of the T129B Mk-I Light Class Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopter’s Phase-II version equipped additionally with Aselsan’s Helicopter Electronic Warfare Self Protection System (HEHSIS) and communication systems was successfully accomplished at TUSAS facilities on November 13, 2019. Following the detail tests, the delivery of the ATAK Phase-II to the Turkish Land Forces Command (TLFC) will start in mid-2020. Phase-II configuration is expected to be implemented retrospectively to 21 T129B Mk-I Phase-II helicopters that had been manufactured and delivered so far.
• Within the scope of the T129 ATAK Program, a total of 91 aircraft will be delivered to the TLFC (59 firmed and 32 optional) and a total of 27 aircraft (24 firmed and 3 optional) will be delivered to the Ministry of Interior (for the demands of the Gendarmerie General Command – GGC and General Directorate of Security’s Aviation/Aerospace Department). Therefore, as part of the ATAK Program where a total of 118 T129A/B Mk-I Helicopters (83 definite) is expected to be manufactured, as of January 3, 2020 the delivery of 56 helicopters has been accomplished; 50 helicopters (9 T129A EDH + 41 T129B) were delivered to the TLFC, 6 were delivered to the GGC (a total of 18 T129Bs were ordered). The 55th helicopter was delivered on December 26 and the 56th helicopter was delivered on December 31, 2019. In this way, TUSAS accomplished the delivery of 14 T129Bs in 2019.
• The production of T700-TEI-701D Turboshaft Engines that will be used in T70 Utility Helicopters to be manufactured within the scope of the Turkish Utility Helicopter Program (TGMHP) is being conducted at TEI facilities. The delivery of the first 4 engines manufactured was accomplished on May 13, 2019. Within the context of the program, TEI will execute the production of a total of 248 T700-TEI-701D Turboshaft Engines composed of 218 T70 platform engines and 30 spare engines.
• Regarding the additional order of a total of 12 ANKA UAVs composed of 4 ANKA-B and 8 ANKA-S UAVs, TUSAS signed the contract with TNFC/SSB in mid-2019. Following the signing of the main contract, TUSAS and TEI signed a sub-contract for the supply of TEI-PD170 turbodiesel aviation engines (13 engines) to be used in the aircraft. CMX-15D FLIR payload will be used in the ANKA Block-B and Block-s UAVs that will be delivered to the Turkish naval Forces Command (TNFC) in 2020 and some of the aircraft will be equipped with Aselsan’s SARPER SAR/GMTI/ISAR radar and AIS Automatic Identification System. The CMX-15D FLIR payload and the SARPER SAR/GMTI/ISAR radar (are also used in the three leased ANKA Block-B UAVs currently under the service of the TNFC.)
• Within the scope of the Turkish Utility Helicopter Program (TGMHP), first helicopter of the 109 T70 helicopters to be manufactured by TUSAS as the Main Contractor was rolled out from the hangar with a ceremony held on November 25, 2019. An intensive flight test program with qualification and certification purposes will be executed in 2020 and the deliveries are planned to be launched in 2021. As part of the TGMHP, a total of 109 T70 Helicopters in two different configurations based on S-70i™ IBH model will be delivered to a total of six different users (Turkish General Staff [Special Forces Command SFC/ÖzKK, 11], Land Forces Command [TLFC, 22], Air Forces Command [TurAF, 6], Gendarmerie General Command [GGC, 30], Security General Directorate [EGM/SGD, 20] and Directorate General of Forestry [OGM, 20]) within a duration of 10 years.
• Baykar Makina delivered 98 BAYRAKTAR TB2 Tactical UAVs and BAYRAKTAR TB2-S AUAVs to the Turkish Armed Forces and security forces. 150,000 flight hours were completed as of November 23, 2019, and the first flight test were completed with the prototype aircraft of the AKINCI Attack UAV with tail number PT-1 on December 6, 2019 at Çorlu Airport in Tekirdağ. The BAYRAKTAR AKINCI Attack UAV with a length of 12.3 m, wingspan of 20 m and a take-off weight of 5,500 kg has a total of 1.350 kg payload carrying capacity; 900 kg external and 450 kg internal payloads. The AKINCI Attack UAV İS powered with two AI-450C turboprop engines manufactured by Ukrainian Motor Sich Company. Each of the engines has a power capacity of 450 hp (285 shp) with 5 blade props that work with Jet-A1 and JP-8 fuels in the first stage. Later, they will be equipped with AI-450T turboprop engines with a capacity of 750 hp (544 shp) that will be manufactured locally. The AKINCI Attack UAV is expected to be launched into service at the end of 2020.
• According to the Armed Mini/Micro UAV Project contract signed between the SSB and Asis A.Ş., 8 SONGAR Armed Drone Systems with 5.56 mm machine guns and a 200 bullets capacity will be supplied. The delivery is planned to be realized in 2020.
• In line with the Kamikaze Mini UAV Systems Supply Project Contract signed by the SSB and STM Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş. in December 2019, 356 new generation kamikaze UAV KARGU-IIs, with an increased duty period, altitude and autonomy, featuring low noise level and improved target acquisition algorithm, will be delivered. The deliveries are expected to be completed in 2020. In 2020, STM will also accomplish the delivery of Autonomous Tactical Fixed Wing Striker UAV ALPAGUs. STM previously conducted the delivery of around 130 KARGU-I kamikaze UAVs to the TAF and security forces and KARGUs successfully performed in local and international operations.
• On November 16, 2019, the SSB announced the launch of the KERKES-Global Positioning System Independent Autonomous Navigation System Development Project enabling the UAVs to function in environments without a GPS. With the help of this system, the UAV starts to function with the installed map and successfully performs its tasks by comparing the map with the data obtained from the field, without requiring a GPS.
• As part of the Swarm UAV Project launched by the SSB in 2019, STM successfully accomplished the flight, motion, formation, rotation and assault tests with over 20 KARGU-I Rotary Wing Attack Drone (Kamikaze Drone) Systems in the first half of 2019.
WEAPONS/ MUNITIONS/ MISSILES
• Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) for GÖKDENİZ Naval Platforms was launched at IDEF ‘19 held on 30 April - 3 May 2019 and the system was rendered available for utilization in naval platforms. Equipped with Particulate Munition (ParM/ATOM), the GÖKDENİZ CIWS System will enable the most effective air Defence against the anti-ship guided missiles, Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV), Aircraft and Helicopters. The System will also be effective against close-in asymmetrical surface threats. As all the sub-systems are inside the turret and units related to power are located under the turret, the GÖKDENİZ CIWS could be easily installed on surface platforms since they do not require any penetration to the hull/under the deck. GÖKDENİZ CIWS’ weight is expected to be around 8.5 tons including the munition and two operator consoles.
• Within the scope of the HİSAR-A Air Defence Missile System Project, firing tests with warheads against • high-speed live targets similar to tactical configuration were held in the first half of October 2019. Previously in 2019, as part of the Project, Fire Control Unit (FCU/AİC), KMOAİHSFS (horizontal firing) and FFS (Missile Launching System, vertical firing mode) and HİSAR-A Seeker Guided Test Missile without warhead (AGTF) and HİSAR-A KTF-03 Missile were used in the firing test campaign in March 2019. Upon the completion of the final tests and rendered available for serial production, the first delivery of the HİSAR-A Project is expected to take place in October 2020.
• With the HİSAR-O Medium Altitude Air Defence Missile System, as part of the firing test performed in May 2019, two high-speed target drones, named Banshe Jet 80 was launched simultaneously from two catapults and were flown over the Aksaray HİSAR Firing Range. After detection, identification and monitoring of the aforementioned high-speed target drones, the HİSAR-O System conducted projectile motion from the Missile Launching System (FFS). After the evaluation, it was announced that the system achieved 100% performance results and that the firing was quite successful. The first warhead complete round missile tests with the HİSAR-O is expected to be realized in 2020 and the HİSAR-O System is planned to be included in the inventory in May 2021.
• A series of modifications (since the temperature degrees will be different in ground-to-air utilization, the radome/warhead will be rendered available for performing under high degrees of temperature) are conducted over the Ku-Band, active RF Seeker Head in air-to-air configuration developed for the BOZDOĞAN-GÖ missile to be used in the HİSAR-O Medium Altitude Air Defence System. The first firing with the new missile, named HİSAR-RF, is planned to be realized in the first half of 2020. A flat slab slotted RF antenna positioned over a steering gimbal mechanism will be available on the missile. The HİSAR-RF contains the deployment system in the HİSAR-A/O, yet it has some different features in terms of aerodynamics.
• Firing tests were executed from the ground with the ATMACA Surface - to- Surface Guided Missile (G/M) at the Sinop Missile Test Range first in May and then in September 2019. The first firing test from the sea was successfully conducted from the TCG Kınalıada Corvette on November 3, 2019. A net type floating target at a fixed position was used at the first sea firing test where an ATMACA G/M was utilized without a warhead. The ATMACA G/M is expected to be put into service in the second half of 2020.
• The development of the SOM-B2 Missile with a Dual Stage Tandem Penetrating Warhead, and its ground and flight tests were completed in 2019. The firing tests of the SOM-B2 Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) were conducted in the second half of 2019 and the targets were destroyed through high precision shooting. Meanwhile, the new capabilities added to the SOM-B1 ALCM in line with operational requirements were verified with the successful test fire conducted by the TurAF in November 2019. Development activities of the SOM-C1 (High Explosive Blast-Fragmentation Warhead) and the SOM-C2 (Dual Stage Tandem Penetrating Warhead) that are the variants of SOM with ASuW capability and equipped with a KEMENT data link, are still ongoing. The serial production contract was signed between the SSB and Roketsan in October 2018 and it was stated that so far, a total of 495 SOM ALCMs have been ordered in two different groups (80+415). However, since the TR-40 turbojet engine manufactured by French Safran Power Units, with 250-340 kgf propulsion capacity is used in the SOM group, the project may be affected by the sanctions imposed by the French Government. On the other hand, according to the news in the Ukrainian press of December 2019, a contract on the supply of the AI-305 Turbojet Engine with 310kgf propulsion capacity manufactured by SE Ivchenko-Progress Company has been signed by Ukraine and Turkey a short while ago.
• The guided fire tests of the Short Range BOZDOĞAN (IIR Guided) and the GÖKDOĞAN Long Range (RF Guided) Missiles developed as part of the GÖKTUĞ Project, conducted for the production of the first indigenous and national air-to-air missiles, were successfully accomplished in November and December 2019. The flutter tests of the BOZDOĞAN missile were launched with the cooperation of TÜBİTAK-SAGE and the 401st Test Fleet Command in April 2019; the test fire was run from the F-16 wing on the ground in November 2019 and the missile successfully destroyed the high-speed target drone at an altitude of 4 km. The execution of the air-to-air fire tests were planned to be held in 2020 with the BOZDOĞAN Missile and the project is planned to be completed in 2021. The BOZDOĞAN Missile with a range of 25km, capable of speeding up to 3 Mach, is expected to be included in the inventory of the TurAF in 2021. The ground guided fire tests of the GÖKDOĞAN Long Range Air-to-Air Missile developed in parallel with the BOZDOĞAN short range Air-to-Air Missile was completed again at the end of 2019. The execution of the air-to-air tests of the GÖKDOĞAN Long Range Missile, which will have a range of 65-70 km, is planned to take place in 2020 and the missile is planned to be included in the inventory in 2021.
• The delivery of the first S-400 Triumph Long Range Air and Missile Defence System composed of two separate battalions each with 8 launchers according to the contract signed between Turkey and Russia on April 11, 2017 was completed on 12-25 June 2019 (first battalion) and on 27 August-15 September 2019 (second battalion). After the installation and training operations with the first S-400 Battalion assigned under the auspices of the 1st S-400 Fleet (call sign ZAFER/TRIUMPH) located at Mürted Airport Base Command, the test activities were launched on November 25, 2019. The delivery of the missiles to be used in the first S-400 System was accomplished by sea in the beginning of December 2019. Missiles transferred from Russia by sea were disembarked at Derince Port and then transported to Ankara. The first S-400 System is expected to be operational in April 2020.
• In April 2019, the contract on the Project for the Development of a 20 mm Cannon for the domestic development and production of the Gatling type gun with a caliber of 20mm that will be used in various land, sea and air platforms, particularly the T129 ATAK Helicopter, was signed by the SSB and TR Mekatronik Sistemler A.Ş. - a joint venture of TUSAS – Sarsılmaz Silah Sanayi A.Ş. According to the project schedule, the production of 4 prototypes will be accomplished within 30 months and the serial production of 30 guns will be realized during the first phase.
• The indigenous laser gun ARMOL successfully passed acceptance tests and was included in the inventory of the TurAF. With the participation of the SSB, Aselsan, Roketsan, TÜBİTAK BİLGEM and Ermaksan, the Laser Technologies Center of Excellence was established and started operations.
• A record was beaten in terms of muzzle energy during shooting with the Electromagnetic Rail Gun System TUFAN. The Center of Excellence for Electromagnetic Launching Technologies was built with the participation of Aselsan and TÜBİTAK SAGE and it has started operations.
• The delivery of the indigenously designed and manufactured guidance kits HGK-84, HGK-82 KGK-82, KGK-83, LGK-82, LGK-84 and TEBER, MAM-C and MAM-L smart munitions and UMTAS, L-UMTAS Missiles continued in 2019 as well. In accordance with the contracts signed both with the MoND and the SSB, Aselsan, during nearly 5 years, accomplished the delivery of over 1,500 LGK series and also over 1,500 HGK series smart munitions to the TurAF and the deliveries continue on a monthly basis. In line with existing orders, the deliveries are expected to continue until the end of 2020. LGK-82 and LGK-84 LGBs have similar features with GBU-12 and GBU-10 Paveway II LGBs in terms of shape and size, yet their internal design is completely different from Paveway IIs. The GBU-10/12 Paveway II LGBs have pneumatic propulsion systems for the blades, while the Aselsan LGK-82/84 munitions utilize an electric Blade Propulsion System. On the other hand, the laser sensor within the munitions (semi-active laser seeker), thermal battery and Guidance Computer are completely manufactured by Turkish companies. One of the most critical components, the laser detector, is also an indigenous product. Likewise, the control algorithms used in LGK-82 and LGK-84s are different.
• The Miniature Bomb known as the Indigenous SDB (Small Diameter Bomb) is being produced under the cooperation of Aselsan – TÜBİTAK/ SAGE. Significant progress was made in the certification flights conducted in 2019 with the Miniature Bomb and Multiple Transport Racks and the activities are almost finalized. The Miniature Bomb is expected to be included in the inventory of the TurAF in 2020. With the help of the Multiple Transport Rack (Smart Rack) is capable of destroying a total of 8 enemy targets up to a range of 55 nm (100 km) in a single sortie by carrying 4 Indigenous SDBs in the single station of the F-16 jet and 8 Indigenous SDBs in two stations. The total weight of the Miniature Bomb is 135 kg and there is a kinetic piercing warhead and a PBX-9 explosive that weighs nearly 8kg on the bomb. The front part of the Miniature Bomb is manufactured with custom production steel and during the tests the bomb penetrated a 1m-thick concrete wall reinforced with steel.
• A new fire test was conducted on December 20, 2019 as part of the AKYA Indigenous Heavy Class Torpedo Development Program executed under the coordination of the Presidency of Defence Industries with the participation of many local companies, with Roketsan as the Main Contractor. According to the latest information, the test was conducted at a depth of 40m on a floating test platform. According to the Strategic Plan 2017-2021 document published by the SSB in February 2017, 50% of the critical sub-system qualification activities as part of the AKYA Indigenous Heavy Class Torpedo Program will be completed in 2020 and the remaining 50% of such activities will be completed in 2021. In this way, foreign dependency in terms of critical sub-systems will be abolished within two years. The AKYA Indigenous Heavy Class Torpedo is expected to be utilized in the PREVEZE Class Submarines that will be equipped with the MÜREN CMS for the first time.
• The deliveries of 7.62 mm MPT-76 and 5.56 mm MPT-55 and SAR223 Infantry Rifles, KNT-76 Designated Marksman Rifles (1,200+) and Indigenous Local Handgun TP9SF METE to the TurAF and Security Forces continued. As of November 2019, the number of MPT-76s in the inventory exceeded 52,000. As of October 2019, the number of 5.56mm infantry rifles (MPT-55, MPT-55K and SAR223) manufactured by MKEK, KaleKalıp and Sarsılmaz exceeded 43,500.
• Developed and manufactured by MKEK to be utilized in the M60T Fırat and Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tanks, the indigenous 120mm HE-T (MOD300) Tank Gun Munition’s serial production was launched. In line with the first contract that covered a total of 8,000 munitions, the delivery of the first 1,000 tank guns, was accomplished in December 2018. The efforts towards the production and delivery of the remaining 7,000 munitions to the TLFC continued in 2019. The muzzle energy of the 120 mm HE-T Munition with a complete round weight of 27.5 kg is 870 m/s and its effective range is 4 km. In the meantime, MKEK has been developing 120 mm HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) munition for the ALTAY AMT.
ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
• The New Generation Network Enabled Data Integrated Combat Management System (ADVENT) began in 2010, launched with the cooperation of the TNFC Research Center Command and Havelsan to fulfill the modern Combat Management System (CMS) with Network Centric Warfare of the TNFC’s air, surface, underwater and land platforms and was integrated to the 4th ship, the TCG Kınalıada Corvette of the MİLGEM Project, and was delivered on 29 September 2019. In 2020, the ADVENT CMS retrofit operations will be conducted over the 3rd MİLGEM Corvette, the TCG Burgazada, and in the aftermath, the first trials in terms of Network Enabled Capability and Joint Engagement capabilities will be realized in 2020 with the participation of the TCG Burgazada and TCG Kınalıada Corvettes. The ADVENT CMS will not only be installed in surface ships; it will also add a capability as an indigenous and national CMS to all the submarines that may be either modernized or built from scratch, with the name MÜREN, and to naval and air platforms with the name MARTI. Today, a 100% national ADVENT CMS is achieved with the utilization of 51 Sub Systems, 120 Software Configuration Components, nearly 550 Software Units and 13 million lines of code.
• The High speed Indigenous and National Şimşek drone developed by TUSAS was shot successfully in the guided missile test executed in Sinop on December 11, 2018 (with the RIM-162B Block 1 Improved SeaSparrow [ESSM] Guided Missile) with the Multifunctional Phased Array Radar (ÇAFRAD) System’s (there are 2-3 similar in the world) technological demonstration prototype and its delivery was accomplished in the first half of 2019. The prototype system installed at the Naval Electronic Warfare Test and Training Field (at the Naval Academy) of the Research Center Command (ArMerKom) at Tuzla is still being utilized for the activities planned for ÇAFRAD Phase-II. Gallium – Arsenide (GaAs) based Transfer/Receive (T/R) Modules exist in the prototype system and Gallium – Nitrat (GaN) based T/R Modules will remain in the serial production model to be manufactured as part of Phase-II. The ÇAFRAD System is actually composed of 4 radars comprising the Multi-Functional Radar (MFR), Illuminator Radar (IR), Long Range Radar (LRR) and the IFF System.
• The TurAF Low Altitude Radar (AIR) System Project Contract was signed. Within the scope of the AIR System Project contract signed between the SSB and Aselsan on May 1, 2019 during IDEF ‘19, 5 Low Altitude Radar Systems will be supplied. In the company’s public announcement (PDP) upon the permission of the SSB dated May 17, 2019, the total amount of the contract was stated to be TL 450 Million. On account of the technology it owns, Aselsan will complete the Project within a short period of 3 years and deliver the first AIR System that will operate in S-Band frequency (the same frequency band with EIRS) with a mobile structure with an AESA type antenna (to be carried over a tactical vehicle with 8 wheels) to the TurAF in 2022.
• Within the framework of the New Generation Radar Electronic Support/Electronic Attack (REDET-II) Project, the first Radar Electronic Support System was delivered to the TLFC in November 2019. While Aselsan’s Radar Electronic Support System Device formed over the BMC product BMC 380-26Z Tactical Wheeled Vehicle with armored cabins and in 6x6 configurations fulfills the functions of detection, identification and navigation, the Radar Electronic Attack System Device enables the jamming and neutralization of the target radars.
• Delivery of the MUKAS System manufactured by Aselsan as part of the Radar Jamming and Deception Simulator (RAKAS) and Communication Jamming and Deception Simulator (MUKAS) Project was accomplished in 2019. Of the two systems both formed over 6-wheeled vehicles produced by BMC, RAKAS was developed for the TNFC and MUKAS was developed for the TLFC. Aselsan was the main contractor of the Project on the Supply of RAKAS and MUKAS, the contract of which was signed on September 7, 2012 and the delivery of one RAKAS and one MUKAS system formed over a tactical vehicle will be accomplished within the scope of the project. Besides, mobile generator systems formed over a 4-wheeled tactical vehicle each for RAKAS and MUKAS (to generate power required in areas without a network) and 10 portable OPKAR Electronic Attack Systems will be delivered to the TLFC with MUKAS. The remaining deliveries within the Project are expected to be completed in 2020.
• As part of the Project for the Implantation of the National Electronic Warfare Suite for Yavuz Class Frigate (MEHS), the third (TCG Yavuz) and fourth (TCG Turgutreis) MEHS were delivered to the TNFC in 2019. Within the scope of the Yavuz-MEHS Project executed by Aselsan with national resources, the Cutlass-B1 ESM System located at the tip of the foremast of the Yavuz Class Frigate was replaced with the ARES-2NC ESM System antenna and EW Suite Operator Console was integrated to the SHM, merely the panels of the Chaff/Flare Launchers were altered while the Launchers (Mk36 SRBOC System and Mk137 Launchers) remained the same. Moreover, the processor units were changed, and the system was rendered automatic. The existing launchers and circuit breakers were preserved, and all other hardware were renewed.
• The flight tests of the National UAV Satellite Communication (SatCom) System manufactured by the C2Tech Company, one of the affiliates of Turkish Aerospace (TUSAS), were successfully completed over ANKA-S UAV in December 2019. In August 2018, C2Tech Company signed a contract with TUSAS on the utilization of Ku-Band National UAV SatCom System in an ITAR Free structure in ANKA-S UAV platforms. The C2Tech National UAV SatCom terminal features an 18-inch (45.72 cm) dish type antenna, and has a weight of 13.750 kg and data transfer rate of 20 megabytes. As part of the Project, the initial stages of the product tests were launched in May 2019 and the first test flight over the ANKA-S UAV was realized in October 2019. In the first stage, C2Tech will accomplish the delivery of two Ku-Band National UAV SatCom Systems in accordance with the contract. As per the new contract to be signed subsequently with TUSAS, C2Tech will be making the delivery of additional National UAV SatCom Systems to be used in ANKA-S UAV platforms (initially over 8 ANKA-S ordered for the TNFC). According to the information we received, initially the delivery of National UAV SatCom System with a 10Mbps data transfer rate capacity will be delivered in the first group, starting from the second group new version of the National UAV SatCom System where antenna design with 20 Mbps data transfer rate will be delivered. The data transfer rate of the SatCom terminals delivered within the first group may be increased to the level of 20Mbps through modem exchange. The SatCom system requirement of the 10 ANKA-S UAVs previously delivered to the TurAF was fulfilled through 10 Ku-Band SatCom systems with a 10 Mbps data transfer rate capacity delivered in form of 2+4+4 by the company ViaSat which is located in the US. However, since the product is subject to ITAR export restrictions, new export licenses have to be obtained from the US Congress for the additional requirements. On the other hand, due to the ITAR restrictions, the utilization of the ViaSat’s SatCom terminal over the Armed UAV is not favored by many.
• The delivery of the third group of the 122 mm Sakarya Multiple Rocket Launch System Fire Control and Communication System Project for fulfilling the requirements of the TLFC, conducted by Roketsan as the Main Contractor, was successfully launched in 2019. As part of the third and largest group of the Project, Aselsan accomplished the delivery of the Launcher Communication Systems to Roketsan in September 2019 and the delivery of Fire Control Centers in November 2019.
• Aselsan completed the delivery of the ADOP-2000 System’s Second Group to the 54th Mechanized Infantry Brigade Command of the TLFC in 2019. Delivery of the Second Group is composed of FIRTINA K/M Howitzer Task Computers, portable system sets, a Training Center, Armored Personnel Carriers and Tactical Wheeled platforms that are equipped with systems enabling the fire support components’ execution of their command control and observation functions on the battlefield. The whole group of the Armored Personnel Carriers and Tactical Wheeled platforms was equipped out of Aselsan’s campuses and they were delivered to the 2nd Main Maintenance Factory Directorate in Kayseri.
• The Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) of the ARES-2SC/P Submarine Electronic Support (ES) System manufactured for the second submarine PNS/M Khalid as part of the modernization of Agosta-90B Class Submarines of the Pakistan Navy were successfully completed in the last quarter of 2019 at Aselsan’s Gölbaşı Campus with the participation of an acceptance delegation composed of the representatives of Pakistani Naval Forces and the Main Contractor STM. Within the scope of the Project, Factory Acceptance Tests of the first ARES-2SC/P Submarine ES System (for PNS/M Hamza Submarine) were completed in June and system was delivered in the second half of 2018. Integration of the ARES-2SC/P to the PNS/M Hamza Submarine was completed in November 2019 and system was successfully run. Port and Sea Acceptance Tests of the PNS/M Hamza Submarine will be executed in 2020.
• The contract for the Ku-Band Satellite Communication System Project was signed with the SSB on April 10, 2014. Within the scope of the Project, numerous Ku-Band satellite communication ship-borne terminals in Type-1 and Type-2 configurations were successfully integrated to surface platforms under the service of TNFC. Aselsan was the Main Contractor of the Project where the last Ship Satellite Communication System was put into the service of Naval Forces Command in February 2019, upon the completion of its acceptance processes.
• Delivery of the X-Band Satellite Communication System in line with the contract valued at US$ 38 million for the Supply of Military Satellite Communication System for KILIÇ Class Rifle Boats Project (KASUMSİS) signed between Aselsan and the SSB on May 12, 2015, started in 2019. Within this framework, the acceptance process of the Project’s first ship the TCG Meltem was completed in April 2019, the acceptance processes of the second ship the TCG Tufan and third ship the TCG Bora were completed in the last quarter of 2019, with the participation of the representatives from the SSB and the TNFC. The Factory Acceptance Tests over the Project’s first ship the TCG Meltem were launched in November 2018 and the X-Band Satellite Communication System received full marks during Operation Sea Wolf performed in May 2019. Through KASUMSİS, the KILIÇ Class Rifle Boats gain IP based, uninterrupted and secure communication capability, within the coverage area of the satellite and under any sea conditions.
• A new contract for the construction of an additional 22 Modular Temporary Base Zones (MGÜB) was signed between the SSB and Aselsan on August 7, 2019. In response to the requirements of the TLFC, the base zones in modular structure being developed by Aselsan with indigenous and national resources serve the TurAF with high-end reconnaissance, surveillance and weapon systems utilized in the fight against terrorism and homeland Defence. The total number of delivered base zones reached 36 as of August 2019. Aselsan is the main contractor of the Project and the construction and installation activities of 15 base zones as part of the project continue.
• The delivery for the 68th province as part of the JEMUS Project was accomplished in the last quarter of 2019. The sixth and seventh phases of the Gendarmerie Integrated Communication and Information System (JEMUS) Project, the first phase of which was signed with the Gendarmerie General Command in 2003, were completed and the 68th system was achieved. The final acceptance of the Erzurum province system has been accomplished and in this way the coverage zone of the JEMUS vehicular radio reached 653,782 square kilometers (in every city at an average of 95%). As part of the JEMUS Project, deliveries with a total amount of US$ 664 Million were made regularly by Aselsan in 2003-2019. Installation activities of JEMUS Radio Systems are being carried out in the 13 remaining cities.
• Within the scope of the efforts exerted for the first indigenous communication satellite - TÜRKSAT-6A Engineering Model, payload panel tests were completed with the participation of client institutions at the Satellite Assembly, Integration and Test Center in the last quarter of 2019. Different from Turkey’s former communication satellites, TÜRKSAT-6A will be the first communication satellite that will be manufactured fully with domestic resources. The satellite will provide TV broadcast in Ku Frequency band to the western coverage area composed of Europe and North Africa and to the eastern coverage area that consists of Middle East and Central Asia in addition to Turkey and was designed in a way to contain a total of twenty channels. As part of the TurAF Satellite Communication System (TUMSIS) Project, the X-Band payload with military purposes developed by Aselsan will also remain over the TÜRKSAT-6A Satellite. TÜRKSAT-6A will have three different models during the design process and the Thermal Structural Qualification Model of the satellite was completed in December 2018. The activities regarding the Engineering Model are being successfully conducted in parallel with the preparations of the Flight Model of the satellite, which is also in the final phase.
• Developed for security applications, the indigenous and National Face Recognition Algorithm has achieved performance tests.
• In 2019, RF Jammer/ Neutralization Systems in various types such as Mobile Type, Vehicle Type and Bomb Disposal Type, Drone/Mini UAV RF Jammer/ Neutralization System, Second Generation Mobile Type Jammer System (MİLKAR-5T), KANGAL Jammer System, GERGEDAN RF Jammer System for the Modular Temporary Base Zone and Fixed Facility Protection as part of İHTAR Project, Mobile V/UHF Electronic Attack System (MİLKAR-3A3) and various types of Software - Based Radios were delivered.
Important Activities and Deliveries Planned for 2020
The launch of 46 different projects is expected to be realized by the SSB in 2020. The following is a compilation of the projects, each containing critical deliveries and activities that will be realized through indigenous and national facilities.
LAND
• The deliveries of vehicles in different types and characteristics such as VURAN, KİRPİ-2, New Generation Criminal Investigation Vehicle KIRAÇ, Crime Scene Investigation Vehicle, Masked Armored Small Vehicle GİZKO and Armored Ambulance to Security Forces will be accomplished.
• The delivery of armored trucks with masked turreted weapons within the scope of the Armored Trucks and Automobiles Project for the Turkish National Police will be launched for the first time.
• Mine Resistant Rescue Vehicle (MKKKKA) manufactured for the TLFC will be used for the first time.
• The initial deliveries as part of the 6x6 Mine Resistant Vehicle Project will be launched.
• The first howitzers within the scope of the indigenously manufactured Air Portable 105 mm Light Towed Howitzer (BORAN) Project will be delivered to the TLFC.
• Qualification Tests of the Armored Amphibious Assault Vehicle (ZAHA) will be launched.
• Tenders will be launched for certain groups of Light Class, Medium Class and Heavy Class Unmanned Land Vehicles and vehicles of certain classes will be included in the inventory.
NAVAL
• Multi-Purpose Amphibious Assault Ship TCG Anadolu will be delivered at the end of 2020.
• Test and Training Ship TCG Ufuk will be delivered.
• Two Emergency Response and Diving Training Boats being built by DESAN Shipyard will be delivered to the TNFC in May.
• The second New SAT Boat will be delivered to the TNFC.
• As part of the Supply Contract on the Replenishment at Sea and Combat Support Ship (DİMDEG) being built by Sefine Shipyard, the Detail Design Phase of the ship will be completed.
• The activities regarding the Preliminary Design Phase of the PREVEZE Class Submarine Half Life Modernization Project will be completed.
AIR
• AKINCI Attack UAV will be delivered at the end of 2020.
• Delivery of ATAK PHASE-II Helicopters will be launched upon the completion of the detailed tests.
• Delivery of Kamikaze Mini UAV Kargu-2s with improved features will be launched.
• Delivery of the Fixed – Wing Autonomous Tactical Attack UAV Alpagu will be launched.
• Delivery of the Improved Mini UAVs will be initiated.
• The contract for the Cargo UAV will be signed; its design and development activities will be launched.
• In response to the needs of the TLFC, a contract will be signed on the Basic Training Helicopter Project.
• Delivery of the 6 ATR-72/600 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, ordered for the TNFC within the scope of the MELTEM III Project, is expected to start in 2020. The contract of which was signed on December 21, 2005 and which had taken effect on April 20, 2006. Previously, it was declared that the deliveries would be take place in 2019-2020. The first of the 6 ATR-72/600 Sea Maritime Patrol Aircraft modified through the structural modification at TUSAS facilities (the transformation of the aircraft into Maritime Patrol Aircraft with Anti-Submarine Warfare capability with the integration of the task equipment of AMASCOS 300 Airborne Sea Status Control System) and were transformed into the Turkish Maritime Patrol Aircraft (TMPA) had been sent to the Flight Test Center of Alenia Aermacchi (Leonardo) at Torino – Caselle for the Certification Tests that were conducted by the Italian Certification Authority and Finmeccanica after its maiden flight on July 14, 2016. The second aircraft was sent to the same center in April of 2017.
• The remaining 12 HÜRKUŞ-Bs out of the 15 HÜRKUŞ-B New Generation Basic Trainer Aircraft with final orders in line with the Contract and the official acceptance processes of the 3 HÜRKUŞ-B New Generation Basic Trainer Aircraft that were delivered to the TurAF in December 2018 for flight and acceptance tests are expected to be completed in 2020. The HÜRKUŞ-B Training Aircraft are being operated by the 122nd Fleet Command (Call Sign AKREP) under the auspices of the 2nd Main Jet Base Command in Çiğli, İzmir.
WEAPON/ MUNITION/MISSILE
• Low Altitude Air Defence Missile System HİSAR-A will be included in the inventory.
• ATMACA Ground-to-Ground Guided Missile (G/M) will enter the inventory.
• Developed as part of the GÖKTUĞ Project executed for the production of the first indigenous and national air-to- air missiles, the BOZDOĞAN Short Range (IIR Guided) Missile will be included in the inventory after the completion of test firing from the aircraft.
• Medium Altitude Air Defence Missile System HİSAR-O’s complete round missile shooting tests with warheads will be conducted.
• Delivery of the KORKUT Low Altitude Air Defence Systems will continue.
• As part of the Portable Air Defence Missile System Project (HİSAR-K), the fire tests of guided test missiles with warheads will be conducted.
• Delivery of the HGK, KGK, LGK and TEBER Guidance Kits; SOM-A, UMTAS, L-UMTAS, OMTAS Missiles, MAM Smart Munitions and Anti-Submarine Warfare Missiles will continue.
• Delivery of the MPT-76, Indigenous Handgun METE and 5.56 mm Infantry Rifles will continue.
• Delivery of the grenade thrower supporting the MPT-76 Infantry Rifle will continue.
• The development of the deployment systems that enable the artillery munition used in the FIRTINA K/M Howitzers to reach their targets in the most efficient and effective way through indigenous resources will be provided.
ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
• The tender for the Project for the Protection of Critical Facilities against Mini/ Micro UAV Threats will be accomplished.
• Delivery of the ASELPOD Targeting Pods to the TurAF will continue in accordance with the Serial Production Contract signed in 2016.
Within the scope of the RAKAS - MUKAS Project, the delivery of the Radar Jamming and Deception Sim • ulator (RAKAS) System will be accomplished.
• ES and EA Systems will be delivered under the New Generation Radar Electronic Support/ Electronic Attack (REDET-II) Project.
• The installation activities will continue throughout the country within the scope of the City Security Management System and Plate Recognition System Project.
• Delivery of the Modular Temporary Base Zones will continue.
• Deliveries of various types of RF Jammers, Neutralizers, Anti-Drone/UAV System and Radios will be conducted.
• Deliveries as part of the X-Band Satellite Communication System Project will be launched.
• The contract on the National Scanning System (MILTAR) Project that aims the indigenous production of systems regarding the scanning of the x-ray vehicles and containers that are manufactured merely in 7 countries in the world will be signed.
• The integration of the national IFF devices to various air and naval platforms, particularly to F-16s will be accomplished as part of the Friend or Foe Identification System (IFF) Mod 5/S Project.
• Aselsan’s new type PRC V/UHF Software Defined Tactical Hand Radios (EHKET) with Electronic Warfare Protection, operating at 30-512 MHz frequency range, 5 different types of wave forms, capable of frequency hopping and selecting new wave forms when requested will be launched into service.
• In line with the contract signed between the MoND and Aselsan on December 16, 2016, the delivery of the first KALKAN-II 3-Dimensional Air Defence Radar to the TLFC is expected to be accomplished in 2020. The performance characteristics of the KALKAN Medium Altitude 3 Dimensional Air Defence Radar that has been in the inventory since 2008 has been augmented, certain units have been replaced with indigenous and new generation products and the delivery of the first group of KALKAN-II Radars with the configuration renewed according to the criteria set by clients was planned to be accomplished in 2019. 24 KALKAN-II Radars were ordered to be used as the main seeker radar of the Air Defence Early Warning & Command Control System (HERİKKS).
• Within the scope of the contract on the Weapon Location Radar Supply Project valued at US$ 176.850 Million signed between the MoND and Aselsan on December 16, 2016, the delivery of the first Weapon Location Radar (WLR) is expected to take place in 2020. Aselsan will deliver to the TLFC a total of 9 Weapon Location Radars with AESA (Active Electronic Scanning Antenna) technology and a detection range of 100 km. The Aselsan WLR Systems will replace the two COBRA WLRs with 40 km range in the inventory.
• The project on the supply of a system based on Wide Band LTE technology which is planned to be launched for the utilization by Secure Public Communication and development of a DMR + LTE hybrid terminal for the Turkish National Police is planned to be signed.
OTHER
• Proposals regarding the Combined Multiple Mini Satellite Development Project will be collected by the SSB in 2020.
• Proposals for the GÖKTÜRK-3 Synthetic Aperture Radar Satellite System Development Project will be collected in 2020.
• 6 satellites in different types are expected to be placed into their orbits in space in 2020. These are the TÜRKSAT-5A Communication Satellite (within the second quarter of 2020, weighing 3,5 tons), the ASELSAT Cube Sat (5 kg), Turkey’s first high resolution micro satellite theLAGARİ-SAT Cube Satellite (70 kg), the PİRİSAT Nano Satellite (10 kg), the Grizu 263A Pocketqube Satellite (approximately 1 kg) and the SSS-2B SAT Small Satellite System (4 kg).
• New projects regarding hybrid engine systems and energy storage systems are aimed to be realized in 2020.
• The construction of the 2nd Runway of the Sabiha Gökçen Airport will be completed in 2020 and the construction of the new terminal will be launched
