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com ISSN: 2149 - 2514 • ₺ 150, US $ 30, € 26

ISSUE: 76
NOVEMBER 2019 / 13

Military Science & Intelligence n AEROSPACE n DEFENCE TECHNOLOGIES n STRATEGY

MSI TDR Ready to Respond

to the Future Promotion of the
Sector with its 15 Years of Experience!

years
 CONTENTS

ISSN: 2149 - 2514

ks
Kasaba Wor

ISSUE: 76
Cover: ©

November 2019 / 13

YAYIN / EDITORIAL
İmtiyaz Sahibi ve Genel Yayın Yönetmeni
(Publisher & Executive Editor)
Ümit BAYRAKTAR
ubayraktar@milscint.com

Haber Editörü ve Genel Koordinatör

(News Editor & General Coordinator)
Naile BAYRAKTAR
n.bayraktar@milscint.com

Yazı İşleri Müdürü

(Editor-in-Chief)
Dr. K. Burak CODUR
b.codur@milscint.com

İş Geliştirme Koordinatörü
(Coordinator, Business Development)
Şebnem ASİL
05



EDITORIAL COMMENT
MSI TDR Ready to Respond to the Future Promotion of the
Sector with its 15 Years of Experience!
s.asil@milscint.com

06
Yayın ve Uluslararası İlişkiler Koordinatörü
(Coordinator, Editorial Board & International Relations)
SPECIAL COVERAGE: NSS 2019
Birol TEKİNCE
Naval Systems Seminar Takes a Snapshot of Mission Systems
btekince@milscint.com
n FNSS Defines the Future of Amphibious Operations with MAV
Haber Merkezi / News Desk n Berkin Engineering Showcases its Mature and Diversified Solutions
news@milscint.com
n HAVELSAN Introduces Capabilities of ADVENT Combat
Teknik Yazar Management System
(Technical Writer) n NOVA Power Solutions Explains the Importance of
Alper ÇALIK
a.calik@milscint.com Power Quality for Shipboard Electrical Systems: 70% of Hardware
Editör Malfunctions Caused by Poor Power Quality
(Editor) n ONUR Expands its Solution Set
Turan SALCI
n Roketsan Offers Cost-effective Alternative Firepower for Ships with its
t.salci@milscint.com
Tactical Missile Systems
Muhabir
(Reporter) n STM Describes its Design and Engineering Capabilities in Naval Platforms
Vehbi TUNCA n AYESAŞ Introduces its Integrated Platform Management System and Next
v.tunca@milscint.com
Generation Operator Console
Sorumlu Yazı İşleri Müdürü n YALTES Raises the Bar in Cybersecurity
(Managing Editor) n Highlights of NSS 2019
Ferda BAYRAKTAR
editor@milscint.com
YAYIN KURULU / ADVISORY BOARD
Prof. Dr. Süleyman TOLUN
Prof. Dr. Adil YÜKSELEN
28
SPECIAL COVERAGE
Meteksan Defence Turns Modern Laser Technologies into Efficient Products

34
Prof. Dr. Okan ADDEMİR
Prof. Dr. Zahit MECİTOĞLU
SPECIAL COVERAGE: DSEI 2019 / PART 2
Prof. Dr. Mikdat KADIOĞLU DSEI Becomes First Foreign Fair to be Attended by
n
Prof. Dr. Gonca COŞKUN HAVELSAN’s New International Organisation
Prof. Dr. Yıldırım SALDIRANER
Asst. Prof. Burak ÇINAR n AKSA RUNFLAT Takes Part at the Fair with News of Exports to Pakistan
Asst. Prof. Dr. Ş. Hakan ATAPEK n GES Engineering Builds Up Foreign Business Contacts
Askeri Danışman n HENSOLDT Showcases Advanced Sensor Solutions
(Military Advisor) n A New Product of Menatek: Bradley Bearings
Brigadier General (R) Hüsamettin ESEN n SUPROBOX Highlights Personal Cases, Weapons
Uluslararası İlişkiler Danışmanı Cases and Rack-Type Cases
n FEMSAN Continues its Overseas Activities at DSEI
(International Relations Advisor)

Dr. Savaş BİÇER
n TTAF Defense Strengthens Collaborations
GRAFİK TASARIM / GRAPHIC DESIGN
Kasaba Works
info@kasabaworks.com
FOTOĞRAF AJANSI / PHOTOGRAPH AGENCY
Remove Before Photos
44

SPECIAL COVERAGE
ASPİLSAN Energy Hosts Dr. Rachid Yazami, Renowned for His
Work in the Field of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Onur KURÇ & Tayfun YAŞAR
Military Science & Intelligence (MSI)
Turkish Defence Review (TDR)
Yerel Süreli Aylık Yayın
46 SPECIAL COVERAGE
Innovative Products, from Armed UAVs to Cargo UAVs, by Altınay

UMSA A.Ş. Adına Sahibi

ÜMİT BAYRAKTAR
Yaşamkent Mah. 3147 Sok. No: 10
50

ADVERTORIAL
ARES AERO: Nero Industries’ Answer to Aerial Platforms’ Fire
Suppression System Needs
Çankaya Ankara TURKEY
Phone: +90 312 225 41 73 - Fax: +90 312 225 41 74
Tercüme Hizmetleri / Translation Services
Nova Translation Ltd.
Tepe Prime A Blok A 26
52

ADVERTORIAL
With Less than One Year to Go until DIMDEX 2020,
Demand for Exhibition Space is High
Eskişehir Yolu 9. km Çankaya Ankara TURKEY

54
Phone: +90 312 428 04 84
MESSAGE
Baskı / Printing
Everest Basım Reklam ve
Message from Rear Admiral (Ret) Nikolay Nikolov,
Matbaa Hiz. San. Tic. Ltd. Şti. Chairman of the Governing Board of Hemus-95 Foundation
Maltepe Mah. Litros Yolu Sok. No:2-4
2. Matbaacılar Sitesi 5. Kat F Blok No: 3 NF 7
Zeytinburnu - İstanbul
Phone: +90 212 434 51 34
Military Science & Intelligence (MSI) Turkish Defence Review is published by UMSA Corp. in accordance
56

DEFENCE NEWS
ASELSAN Recruited 1,134 New Personnel in the
n
First Nine Months of 2019
with the laws of the Republic of Turkey. The name and publishing rights of MSI Turkish Defence Review
are the sole property of UMSA Corp. All rights are reserved related to photographs, maps, illustrations and
images. References and citations may be made on the condition that the original source is appropriately
n
ASELSAN Inaugurates a Local Production Facility in Ukraine
cited. Responsibility for the published articles belongs to their authors, while responsibility for the n
HAVELSAN and STM to Cooperate with NATO Communications and
advertisements belongs to the owners. The opinions or claims made in the articles and advertisements do
not necessarily represent the views of UMSA Corp. or MSI Turkish Defence Review. Information Agency in Cyber Security
 n Support Granted for ASPİLSAN Energy’s Project for
Aviation and Rail System Batteries İLANLAR / ADVERTISERS
n Minister Varank Visits BMC’s Production Facility
n Potential Collaborations Discussed during GES Engineering’s
Eurasia Airshow 2020 Mini Cover Wrap
Visit to CNK Aerostructural Assembly
FNSS Back Cover
n ASELSAN Grants Certificate of Appreciation to HARP
Defence for its Support in Indigenisation Works BMC Inside Front Cover
n GES Engineering Unveils for the First Time its Fire SSI Inside Back Cover
Suppression System in Bahrain
AMAC First Page
n Record Participation at BİAS Engineering’s User Conference
n Sarsılmaz Delivers Over 2,000 Units of SAR223P
n Gendarmerie Aviation School Command Gains More ARES Shipyard 9
Power with Graduates of 2019
n İNDES Targets to Increase Exports through DEİK Membership AYESAŞ 11
n Meteksan Defence’s Retinar PTR-X Perimeter Surveillance
DSA 2020 83
Radar Commissioned at Antalya Airport
n Sectoral Cooperation and Qualified Workforce to be Eurasia Airshow 2020 92
Discussed at TSSK’s 7th Project Market and Cooperation Summit
n Öner Tekin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SaSaD,
Eurosatory 2020 89
Visits the New Office of MSI TDR as the First Official Guest FNSS 43
n Prof. Dr. Mahmut Faruk Akşit, President and CEO of TEI, also
Appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors Fotoniks 67
n SEMPRO Brings together CM2-Ps, as the Professionals of
INDES 25
New Generation Configuration Management in Turkey
n SEMPRO Visits MSI TDR at its New Offices Nurol Makina 4
n Representatives from the Sector and Public Institutions
Meet at the Public National Cyber Security Summit Otokar 37
n Defence and Aerospace Companies Top R&D Expenditures
Roketsan 33
n DEFENCE IN BRIEF…
Samsun Yurt Savunma 31

74
AROUND THE WORLD
n U.S. Special Operations Command’s Sailors Also to be
Equipped with Gentex Helmets
Sarsılmaz 17, 57

Satcom Vision 2019 71

n Airbus A400M Breaks its Own Record with a
Dispatch of 80 Paratroopers on a Single Pass SEDEC 2020 87
n Bell and Sikorsky Continue to Compete in the New US Attack
TSSK 7 Project Fair & Cooperation Summit 2020 77
th
Helicopter Project
n Honeywell Continues to Upgrade the T55 Engine - the Unidef 84, 85
Heart of the Chinook
Yaltes 41

78

AMAC EVENTS
n Sector Companies Introduce their Products and Capabilities to AMAC Members
• SSB
Yonca-Onuk JV 61

• AKSA RUNFLAT ANOVA 19, 35, 75

• Nero Industries and Standart Test
Ayyazılım 65
• Nurol Makina
• CES İleri Kompozit BİTES 81
n Meteksan Defence Blazes a Trail at the AMAC Fall Conference DEICO 24
n Sector Representatives Attend Romanian Armed Forces
ESNAD Defense 39
Day Reception as Special Guests
n Independence Day of Nigeria
Nero Industries 56, 59
n National Day and Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Korea Onuk-BG 86
n National Day of the Federal Republic of Germany
Otonom Teknoloji 51
n Turkmenistan National Day
n National Day of Spain
SMS Defence 21
n National Day of Hungary TDI News 40
n New Embassy Building of Bosnia and Herzegovina
TTAF Savunma 23
Opens in Ankara with a Ceremony
www.msidergisi.com 76
n National Day of Zambia
4 - November 2019
EDITORIAL COMMENT
MSI TDR Ready to Respond to the Future Promotion
of the Sector with its 15 Years of Experience!
I
t has been 15 years since the first issue of MSI TDR
met its readers in November 2004, but given the
responsibility we carry as a sectoral publication,
we think that before making our assessment of the
15th year of MSI TDR, we should give priority to our
observations of an event that saw, in our opinion,
various critical developments, and thus open with the
International Military Radar Border Security (MRBS)
Summit organised by the Independent Industrialists’
and Businessmen’s Association’s (MÜSİAD) Ankara
branch on October 2–3.
IDEF should Return to Ankara (!)
Many of the speakers at the MRBS Summit made
speeches that were in stark contrast to what we are
used to. Among these, the most noteworthy was given
by Hasan Basri Acar, Chairman of MÜSİAD’s Ankara
Branch, who made a number of demands, including:
n the establishment of a “Defence Industry Free Zone”
in Ankara,
n the removal of obstacles preventing
SMEs from becoming suppliers in the sector,
n the reversal of the brain drain being
witnessed in the sector, and
n the return of IDEF to Ankara.
Although the return of IDEF to Ankara has been on the
sectoral agenda for some time now, MRBS is the first
event at which this demand has been voiced so loudly,
which is of particular importance, given the presence
of two significant ministers. We will see in time how
this demand, voiced by Acar in front of both Hulusi Akar,
Minister of National Defence, and Süleyman Soylu,
Minister of Interior, will be answered.
After stating that we believe the demands expressed
during this second MBRS event indicate that MÜSİAD
will be more influential in the development and future
of the Turkish defence and aerospace sector, let’s
continue with the 15th anniversary of MSI TDR.
Unusual Jobs from an Extraordinary Team:
From Turkish Edition to English Edition and
AMAC Magazine
A very critical Defence Industry Executive Committee
(SSİK) meeting was held back in May 2004, during which
foundations of many projects being discussed today were
laid, effectively changing the course of the sector. Having
been founded with reference to the decisions made at
that meeting, MSI TDR has since then sought to raise the
bar even higher. The main objective since that time has
been the promotion of the Turkish defence and aerospace
sector, which had little opportunity to make itself voice
at the beginning, both within Turkey to gain the public
support it has needed, and in the international arena, to
open up to the export markets.
For the first issues it was difficult to find even a handful
NOVEMBER 2019
of news stories as a sample from the sector but today,
we meet our readers every month with pages
of news pments from the Turkish defence and
aerospace sector.
One of the critical milestones in this challenging
journey was the introduction of MSI TDR to the
international community, through its monthly
English version –as of April 2014, as the MSI TDR
entered its 10th year.
In November 2015, on the next anniversary of MSI TDR,
AMAC Magazine was launched as the official publication
of the Ankara Military Attaché Corps, and was presented
to the AMAC community and the sector, with a new
outlook provided by the MSI TDR team.
Throughout this process we have strived to raise the
voice of the sector through the Internet and social media
channels, including LinkedIn and Twitter, and have
diversified our promotional services.
We will soon be bringing you the 200th issue of MSI TDR’s
Turkish edition, and this is a unique privilege, especially
in the Turkish defence and aerospace sector.
Given that the 180th issue of Savunma ve Havacılık
magazine was presented to its readers as its last, we
can say that MSI TDR has already broken this record
some time ago, as another groundbreaking success
achieved by a defence and aerospace magazine in Turkey.
This is a clear indication that the journey of MSI TDR,
and the team that have made this journey possible, have
been extraordinary, and we are continuing to develop this
extraordinary team with new members, with more to be
added soon.
That SSİK meeting of May 2004 was chaired by a will
of whom is the President of the Republic of Turkey
today, and today the Committee today convenes under
the Chairmanship of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Under these circumstances and with such support,
we would naturally expect the sector to develop faster
than ever before.
We are aware, however, that we need more than
expectations if we are to progress beyond the point
we have reached today. Within this process, we will
continue to do our part in supporting the sector in its
efforts to reach a successful future, and we will continue
to respond to the promotional needs of the sector both
in Turkey and abroad, with the strength of 15 years of
experience. To do better, we will further endeavour to
bring points that may be overlooked to the agenda of
the sector, and will assume new roles in this direction.
We would like to take this opportunity to express our
gratitude to all stakeholders in the sector, and
especially to our readers, for their support of this
extraordinary team in its efforts to bringing
MSI TDR to its current position.
We look forward to seeing you again next month
in our final issue for 2019, in which we will share
the most important and noteworthy developments
from the month of November.
Ümit Bayraktar
Executive Editor
November 2019 - 5
 MSI SPECIAL COVERAGE: NSS 2019

The 9th Naval Systems Seminar was attended by Admiral Adnan Özbal, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, as well as many other high-ranking officials.
Unless Otherwise Stated, All Photographs : © MSI TDR

Naval Systems Seminar Takes

a Snapshot of Mission Systems
The ninth Naval Systems Seminar (NSS), as the meeting point of the Turkish
military naval sector, was held in Ankara on October 14–15. It was noteworthy
that private shipyards did not participate in this year’s event, as in previous
years. In such an atmosphere, the main agenda of the seminar was mission
systems of military vessels.
Şebnem ASİL / s.asil@milscint.com
K. Burak CODUR / b.codur@milscint.com
Alper ÇALIK / a.calik@milscint.com
Turan SALCI / t.salci@milscint.com

T
he seminar was attended by Admiral Adnan Özbal,
Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, and high
ranking officials from the Ministry of National
Defence (MND), Turkish Naval Forces Command (TNFC)
and the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), and hosted
many participants interested in the field of marine systems.
Admiral Özbal could attended the opening session of the
seminar only briefly due to his busy schedule, and left the
seminar after visiting the stands in the foyer area.
During the event, which hosted 1,300 registered participants,
a total of 30 presentations were made in parallel sessions,
and 28 institutions and companies opened stands in the foyer.
The opening speech of the seminar was delivered by Engineer
MSc Navy Captain (Ret.) Zafer Betoner, who spoke on behalf
of the organising committee. Betoner stated that this year’s
seminar was the ninth to date, the first having taken place in
2008, and confirmed that they had started preparations for
next year’s event. He said that the sector had made great
advances both in the national and international arenas, and
was thus worthy of all kinds of support, emphasising that
the event had brought together decision-makers and Left to right: Hülya Betoner, Admiral Adnan Özbal, Commander of the Turkish Naval
sectoral representatives. Forces, and Engineer MSc Navy Captain (Ret.) Zafer Betoner

6 - November 2019
Rear Admiral (Lower Half) Ramis Akın, Naval Technical Commander
Naval Technical Command Directs Projects
The first speaker in the opening session was Rear Admiral
(Lower Half) Ramis Akın, Naval Technical Commander. At
the beginning of his speech, Rear Admiral (LH) Akın provided
a brief history of Turkish Naval Research Center Command
(ARMERKOM), the Design Project Office (DPO) and the
Project Control Office (PKO), listing the success of these
units in such projects as GENESIS, MILGEM and ADVENT.
He then mentioned the establishment of Naval Technical
Command, saying: “ARMERKOM, DPO and PKO – the
engineering force of TNFC – have been united under a single
command under the name of the Naval Technical Command in
Pendik, Istanbul. Its vision is ‘to design, produce and develop
national, domestic, contemporary and indigenous platforms
and systems for the Turkish Naval Forces, and to reach a
level at which it is able to provide all necessary support by
developing the necessary capabilities required to be in a
permanent state of combat readiness.’ Its mission has
been determined to be ‘to manage the modernisation,
design, development and control functions in projects to
which it is assigned, in line with the common sense principle
and in compliance with contemporary, indigenous and
international standards’.
Currently, the PKO, in coordination with the SSB, ensures
that private shipyards construct such vessels as the
ANADOLU Multi-Purpose Amphibious Assault Ship and
the UFUK Test and Training Ship in accordance with the
requirements of the TNFC.
The DPO continues, with great dedication, to produce all
The TF-2000 will also have a flexible mission compartment in which 10 x 20-foot
containers, four x 12-meter RHIBs or one medium transport helicopter (in addition
to two helicopters that can be deployed aboard the ship) can be deployed.
Alper Köse, Department Head for Naval Platforms at the SSB
kinds of detailed designs and working drawings for
the construction of ISTİF (İ)-class frigate ISTANBUL,
as well as the contract level design of the TF-2000
Air Defence Warfare Destroyer.
Meanwhile, ARMERKOM carries out applied R&D
activities on the critical technologies used in the ADVENT
Combat Management System (ADVENT CMS), electronic
warfare systems, acoustic systems, and cannon and
guided projectile fire control systems.”
Speaking about the road map of the ADVENT CMS, Rear
Admiral (LH) Akın said: “As a national and indigenous
combat management system, all processes related to the
ADVENT CMS are under the responsibility of ARMERKOM and
HAVELSAN with a production line approach, while the TNFC is
fully responsible for configuration control. The system will be
of benefit not only to surface ships, but also to all submarines
to be newly built or modernised under the name of MÜREN
as well as to all naval aerial platforms under the name of
MARTI. ADVENT CMS is planned in the near future to become
the backbone of the Uzun Ufuk Integrated Marine Surveillance
System. This will allow the establishment of a sustainable
command and control capability with common modules
in surface, underwater, air and coastal systems, through
which all kinds of development, testing, configuration and
maintenance costs are associated.”
Rear Admiral (LH) Akın also touched upon the production line
approach: “In both shipbuilding and combat systems, we have
endeavoured to establish infrastructures that will enable us to
proceed with a production line logic, as is the case for ADVENT,
A model of the TF-2000 Anti-Air Warfare Destroyer, exhibited at IDEF’19.
November 2019 - 7
MSI SPECIAL COVERAGE: NSS 2019

Rear Admiral (Lower Half) Mehmet Sarı, Deputy Director General of Shipyards at the MND Enver Küçükerman, Combat Systems Manager at STM
and our efforts in this direction are continuing. I would ongoing indigenisation activities (Tables 4, 5 and 6). Köse listed
like to emphasise once again that developing off-the-shelf the institutions and organisations working on the indigenisation
subsystems involving critical technologies much earlier of sonars, being ARMELSAN, ASELSAN, Meteksan Defence,
than the platforms into Koç Bilgi ve Savunma Teknolojileri, and TÜBİTAK.
which they will be integrated is of great importance.” In his presentation, Köse shared details of the subsystems
Regarding the roles that TNFC will undertake under that are required to be indigenised:
these projects, Rear Admiral (LH) Akın said: ■ Water jet (under development)
■ “The design and integration of combat elements to ■ Li-Ion battery technologies (under development)
be constructed with high combat effectiveness should ■ Air-independent propulsion systems (under development)
be carried out by the DPO using the capabilities of the ■ Unmanned surface and underwater vehicles
sector to the maximum effect. (under development)
■ In these projects, the design and performance ■ Underwater sensors (under development)
responsibility should be borne by the TFNC, ■ Small submarines (under development)
■ and the initial ships should be built in military shipyards. ■ Weapon Systems - Bow Gun and Air Defence Weapon
Once the initial ships successfully complete the necessary ■ Diesel engines
tests and exercises, the remaining ships can then be built ■ Gear boxes
in private shipyards.” ■ Gas turbine
■ Stainless Steel
SSB Announces Subsystems Required ■ CuNiFe pipe
to be Indigenised ■ Submarine auxiliary systems
The second presentation of the opening session was made by
Alper Köse, Department Head for Naval Platforms at the SSB. Military Shipyards Continue to
Köse informed the participants about the current state of the Undertake Critical Roles
SSB’s projects related to naval platforms and subsystems Rear Admiral (Lower Half) Mehmet Sarı, Deputy Director
(Tables 1, 2 and 3). He also gave information about the General of Shipyards at the Ministry of National Defence,

Table 1. Ongoing Projects of the SSB in the Naval Field

Contracted Projects Projects in the Planning and Tender Phase
• Multi-Purpose Amphibious Assault Ship (LHD)
Amphibious Ships •Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC)
• Logistics Support Ship (LSS)
• Supply of Multi-Purpose Open Sea Towboat
• Fleet Replenishment Ship (DİMDEG)
• Port and Coastal Tugboat
Support Ships Construction Project
• National AUV Device Development
• Emergency Intervention and Diver Training Boat
• Research Ship
• New Type Submarine
• Mid-life Modernisation of PREVEZE-class Submarines
• Mid-life Modernisation of BARBAROS-class Frigates
• Anti-Air Warfare Destroyer (TF-2000)
Battleship Group • MİLGEM Project, Supply of the Fifth Ship
Design Project
• MİLGEM Project, Supply of the I-Class Frigate DAS
• Acoustic Countermeasure Decoy System Project
for Submarines (Launcher)
• Test and Training Ship
• New SAT Boat • Fast Boat Design Project
Patrol Ships
• Fast Patrol Boat • Small Naval Vehicles
• Control Boat Supply

8 - November 2019
November 2019 - 9
MSI SPECIAL COVERAGE: NSS 2019

Mehmet Görgülü, Command and Control and Combat Management Systems

Programs Director at HAVELSAN Behçet Karataş, Naval Systems Director at ASELSAN
spoke next, providing information about the capabilities and
Table 2. Delivery Status of Contracted Naval Platform
Projects projects of military shipyards. He said that the shipyards in
Istanbul, Gölcük and Izmir contain 35 factories and workshops
Projects Delivered Continuing Total
engaged in factory level maintenance and repairs, and that
Ship 46 6 52 approximately 6,500 employees in 112 different professions
Boat 77 111 188 are working therein. To summarise this outlook, Rear Admiral
Modernisation 9 8 17 (LH) Sarı said: “The Directorate General of Shipyards is the
Submarines - 6 6 only organisation in our country, that can provide such a wide
range of maintenance, repair and technical support services.”
Total 132 131 263
He also stressed that military shipyards make a difference
Table 3. Military Vessel Exports by the Private Sector with their proactive approaches and intervention capabilities,
permitting the urgent repair of malfunctions, giving examples
Projects Delivered Continuing Total
of a propeller repair in Somalia and a sonar repair in Italy.
Boat 143 32 175
Ship 6 7 13 STM Ready for New Projects with Experience
Dry Dock 3 - 3 Gained in Previous Projects
The opening session of the seminar also saw presentations
Submarine
- 3 3 by the main sponsors of the event.
Modernisation
Enver Küçükerman, Combat Systems Manager at STM,
Design 1 - 1
shared information about company’s activities in the naval
Total 153 42 195 field. Aside from its headquarters in Ankara, the company
now has facilities and offices in Istanbul, Gölcük and Karachi.
Table 4. Indigenisation Studies – Weapon and STM is working on naval platform construction, modernisation
Fire Control Systems
and maintenance/repair projects, and is carrying out
Developing
Purchased industrialisation activities as in the MİLGEM project.
System Turkish
from Küçükerman presented a list of STM’s ongoing projects:
Companies
■ Pakistan Navy Fleet Tanker
Vertical Launching System United States Roketsan
■ Test and Training Ship
Close-Range Air Defence
United States ASELSAN ■ AY-Class Submarine Device/System Renewal
System
■ New Type Submarine
Medium-Range Air Defence ASELSAN ■ Mid-Life Modernisation of Pakistan’s AGOSTA 90B
United States
System Roketsan ■ Mid-life Modernisation of PREVEZE-class Submarines
Surface Air Defence ■ Ormara Naval Base in Pakistan
United States Roketsan
Systems ■ I-class Frigate
Fire Control Radar Netherlands ASELSAN Küçükerman also detailed STM’s preparations for
the National Submarine project and the Fast Patrol
3D Surveillance Radar - ASELSAN
Boat project.
Torpedo Germany Roketsan

Torpedo Jamming and

United States, HAVELSAN Targets “Jointly
Deception
United ASELSAN Managed Naval Force”
Kingdom Mehmet Görgülü, Command and Control and Combat
Submarine Combat HAVELSAN Management Systems Programs Director at HAVELSAN,
Germany
Management System TÜBİTAK made a presentation in which he touched upon the future of
Surface Combat ARMERKOM the systems supplied to naval platforms by HAVELSAN.
France Görgülü emphasised that the different solutions they had
Management System HAVELSAN

10 - November 2019
 NG
ISSI
IS M
WHAT
LETES
OMP
N DC
f MI
ER o
POW

RUGGED ELECTROMECHANICAL ASSEMBLIES

CCA DESIGN & MANUFACTURING

WIRING HARNESSES DESIGN & MANUFACTURING

TURKISH DEFENSE INDUSTRY CRITICAL SYSTEMS SUPPLIER

November 2019 - 11
MSI SPECIAL COVERAGE: NSS 2019

Özgür Özdemir, Logistics Coordination Manager at the SSB Necmi Koldaş, Amphibious Ship Projects Manager at SSB

Table 5. Indigenisation Studies - Auxiliary Elements developed, especially their combat management system,
added intelligence to platforms. He listed the critical
Developing
Purchased issues and technologies in the future to be in the fields
System Turkish
from of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and smart systems,
Companies
cloud computing, Internet of things, digital transformation,
LPI Radar - ASELSAN
big data, autonomous systems and block chain. The level
Command and Control United States, YALTES that HAVELSAN hopes to achieve through its predictions
Consoles Germany AYESAŞ of the issues and technologies that will be of importance
Germany, MİLPER in the future is as part of a “jointly managed naval force”.
Propeller
Austria GÜRDESAN
Germany, ASELSAN Offers Solutions for Various
Shaft System United GÜRDESAN Naval Platform Requirements
Kingdom In his presentation, Behçet Karataş, Naval Systems Director
GÜRDESAN at ASELSAN, highlighted ASELSAN’s broad product family
Cranes Germany for naval platforms, which includes 60 indigenous solutions
Yüksel Makina
that have been developed to satisfy various requirements
WAIS Sweden, Japan I-MARINE of surface and underwater platforms, especially for
weapons systems, sensors and communication.
IFF Interrogator/Responder United States ASELSAN Karataş provided the participants with figures related
United States, to the companies completed and ongoing projects:
ASELSAN ■ New ship construction projects: 74 platforms
Germany,
Communication Systems NETAŞ
United ■ Modernisation projects: 50 platforms
KAREL
Kingdom ■ No of UKSS integrated platforms: >100 platforms
MilSOFT
Data Links United States
HAVELSAN SSB Informs the Military Naval Sector
AYESAŞ In the opening session of the second day of the seminar,
SDT Özgür Özdemir, Logistics Coordination Manager at the SSB,
and Necmi Koldaş, Amphibious Ship Projects Manager
Table 6. Indigenisation Studies - Electronic at the SSB, made presentations.
Warfare Systems In his presentation entitled the “Turkish Defence Industry
Developing Life Cycle Management Platform (TSSÖDYP) and Relevant
Purchased
System Turkish Studies”, Özdemir informed the participants about the activities
from Companies
carried out in this field. The TSSÖDYP was established in 2017
Electronic Support System United Kingdom ASELSAN and now has three working groups: The System Life Cycle
Working Group, the Life Cycle Management and Logistics
ASELSAN Analysis Working Group and the Life Cycle and Logistics Costs
Electronic Attack System United Kingdom TÜBİTAK Working Group. The first two groups are continuing their
SDT activities, while the third group is inactive, as no personnel has
Infrared Surveillance and yet been assigned. The working groups are preparing series
Italy ASELSAN
Tracking System of documents, including guidance documents, handbooks,
manuals, terminology lists and introductory booklets,
Laser Warning System - ASELSAN
that will guide the sector.
Chaff Decoy Launching ASELSAN In his presentation entitled the “Strategy for Naval Vehicles”,
United Kingdom Koldaş gave information about the subsystems and materials
System MKEK

12 - November 2019
 Navy Captain Cihat Eryiğit (PhD), Head of the Systems Engineering Group at
Engineer Navy Captain Erkan Ülkü, Director of the DPO TNFC ARMERKOM

Table 7. List of Subsystems and Materials that will and a vertical launching system that bear the signature of
Benefit from SSB Incentives Turkish companies. The TF-2000 will be capable of launching
Ship cruise missiles from its vertical launching system, and will
Fuel and
Electronics feature a flexible mission compartment in which ten 20-foot
Propulsion systems Lubrication
and Navigation containers, four 12-meter RHIBs or one medium transport
Purification
Systems helicopter (in addition to two helicopters that can be
Active Roll Weapon deployed aboard the ship) can be deployed.
Reduction Gear Damping Systems for Navy Captain Cihat Eryiğit (PhD), Head of Systems
Systems Ships Engineering Group at TNFC ARMERKOM, shared information
Underwater and Surface Variable-Pitch Composite about the design of the ADVENT SYS in his presentation
Electronic Warfare Systems Propellers Materials entitled the “Network Enabled Data Integrated (ADVENT)
Integrated Platform Control Acoustic Combat Management System”. Navy Captain Eryigit stated
Hull Paints that in each software project undertaken, the TNFC is further
and Monitoring System Systems
Machine Control and Sea Water Pipe increasing the share of indigenous contributions, and said
Observation System Circuits that one of the most important phases of this process was
the development of the Genieware middleware. In GENESIS,
that will benefit from incentives, as shown in Table 7. a small part of the application layer remained as a national
Koldaş also shared some of the findings of the SSB regarding revision of a foreign-sourced software, while the ADVENT is
the military naval sector, one of which is the lack of equity in an entirely indigenous software. ADVENT comprises 120
the shipbuilding sector. Assessing this subject, Koldaş said: software configuration items and approximately 550 software
“Unlike the prime contractors in other sectors, financing units, and contains approximately 13 million lines of code.
needs that cannot be met by advances and equity are met
through short-term loans”. Another issue he mentioned MSI TDR Publishes NSS Special Issue
was the consideration of the design and construction MSI TDR, the Official Publication and Media Sponsor of the NSS
phases of naval platforms as separate projects, stating 2019, published a special issue for the seminar, as in previous
that the SSB is planning to establish a Design Assessment years, covering the topics on the agenda of the naval sector.
and Steering Committee together with the TNFC, In the following pages we present to you the NSS Special
universities and Türk Loydu. Dossier, in which we bring together the highlights of both the
Branding was another subject on the agenda, in which the presentations made in the parallel sessions and the stands
SSB is focusing on two points: promoting the merger of established in the foyer at NSS 2019. ◆
domestic shipyards; and holding shipyards that carry out
construction projects responsible for performance-based
logistics systems and maintenance.

TNFC Describes Surface Ships and ADVENT

Representatives of the TNFC gave presentations
in the parallel sessions of the seminar.
Engineer Navy Captain Erkan Ülkü, Director of the DPO,
made a presentation providing information on the I-Class
Frigate and the TF-2000 Anti-Air Warfare Destroyer. He The special issue,
pointed out that one of the leading differences between the published by MSI TDR
for the event, covers
I-Class Frigate and the TF-2000 Anti-Air Warfare Destroyer many of the topics
was its use of indigenous systems. Unlike the I-Class Frigate, on the agenda of the
the TF-2000 is planned to equipped with air defence weapons military naval sector.

November 2019 - 13
MSI SPECIAL COVERAGE: NSS 2019

FNSS Defines the Future

of Amphibious Operations
with MAV
F NSS, the only land vehicle manufacturer to participate at
the seminar, focused on the promotion of Marine Assault
Vehicle (MAV), which is being developed under the Armoured
Amphibious Assault Vehicles (ZAHA) Project. Haldun Olgun,
Business Development Manager at FNSS, made a presentation
describing the outstanding features of MAV when compared
to its global competitors.
Speaking about the amphibious vehicles used around the world,
Olgun said that the AAV7, developed for the U.S. Marine Corps
was one of the most common vehicles in this class, and that
some 1,850 AAV7s can be found in the inventories of
11 countries. According to FNSS, MAV stands out when
compared to the AAV7 in its ability to operate at sea state
4, as well as in its higher ballistic and mine protection,
and its personnel transport capacity.
After safely landing units during amphibious operations,
Armoured Amphibious Assault Vehicles then switch roles
to serve as armoured personnel carriers after reaching the
shore. During the amphibious assault phase of an operation,
these vehicles are launched from a landing helicopter dock
(LHD), and are able to rapidly cover the distance between
the vessel and shore, allowing forces to land safely and with
minimum delay. Once on land, MAV can continue taking part in
operations side-by-side with other armoured vehicles. Aside
from amphibious operations, MAV can effectively take on various
roles in non-combat military operations, such as non-combatant
evacuations, humanitarian aid operations, rescue support in
natural disasters, and peacekeeping and peace force operations.
To summarise its features, MAV:
n has a max speed of 7 knots in water, allowing marine units
to land quickly during the assault phase of an amphibious
operation;
n is capable of rapid self-righting in the event of a capsize;
Admiral Adnan Özbal, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, receives information
about the activities of FNSS during his visit to the company’s stand.
n has a ramp and seven hatches, allowing the rapid evacuation
of personnel in emergency situations;
n can carry up to 18+3 personnel and transport
units to the shore;
n has an ergonomic design that is in compliance with MIL-
STD-1472, ensuring personnel are ready for the operation
after the challenging deployment process, as well as seats
that protect personnel from blasts;
n has a Minefield Breaching System to counter coastal mines;
n has a 2-axis stabilised remote-controlled weapon
system with a 12.7 mm machine gun and
a 40 mm grenade launcher;
n has eight smoke-grenade launchers;
n can generate smoke from its engine;
n features paint, coating and passive cathodic protection
against marine conditions to increase corrosion resistance;
n offers CBRN protection; and
n provides 360-degree environmental awareness for
the crew thanks to its onboard electronic day and
night vision systems. ◆

The prototype of the Marine Assault Vehicle,

which is being developed for the Naval
Forces Command, was showcased at IDEF’19
in May. Since then, the prototype has
undergone pool testing with a fully loaded
combat weight of 30 tons and is now ready
for qualification tests.

14 - November 2019
Berkin Engineering Showcases its Mature
and Diversified Solutions
Admiral Adnan Özbal, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, receives information from
Yücel Atalay, Managing Director at Berkin Engineering, about the company’s products.
T he development and diversity of Berkin Engineering’s
marine platform solutions were reflected in the
company’s participation at NSS 2019. Building on its
participation at NSS 2017, where Berkin Engineering
opened a stand, the company came to NSS 2019 to
display even more products and made a presentation
during the event.
Among the solutions from the expanding product family
of Berkin Engineering on display were the PIU-0430
Programmable Interface Unit, the NDDS-300 Real Time
Data Distribution System and the NMFD-100 Programmable
Multifunctional Repeater, as well as inertial measurement
unit solutions. The PIU-0430 was highlighted by the
company both at the stand and in the presentation.
Naval platforms continue to serve for many decades
after they are launched, and the PIU-0430 differs from
its competitors by taking this long life-cycle into account.
During this long-life cycle, the equipment on such platforms
are updated or replaced many times to take advantage of
technological developments and modernisation programs.
During these activities, the compatibility of the new
equipment with the existing system, especially electronic
interfaces, can sometimes become a significant problem.
These situations can be most likely to occur when, at any
time, a decades-old device is required to be used with a
device that is only a few months old. The harmonisation
of the hardware and software interfaces between two
such devices may need require significant work at the
time of installation aboard the platform, and sometimes,
such harmonisation works may require a special unit
to be designed.
Berkin Engineering developed the PIU-0430 precisely for
Among the solutions from the expanding product family of Berkin Engineering
on display were the PIU-0430 Programmable Interface Unit, the NDDS-300 Real
Time Data Distribution System and the NMFD-100 Programmable Multifunctional
Repeater, as well as inertial measurement unit solutions.
such situations, featuring various interfaces used aboard
land and naval platforms, and thus allowing the rapid
and easy interface integration of different systems. Data
transmitted to the unit via a connection to any device can
be routed to another device that uses a different connection
standard. This routing can be done easily and quickly due
to the programmability of the unit, which can be carried
out by the end user in the field.
The idea for the PIU-0430 was developed into a technology
by Berkin Engineering, for which a patent application has
been made. This technology was described in detail in a
presentation entitled “Redundancy and Soft Porting in
Data Distribution Systems and Interface / Adaptation
Units” made by Burak Akça, Embedded Software
Engineer at Berkin Engineering, on the first
day of the event.
In classical data distribution systems, the CPU boards
and input/output units are separate components but
are combined in single component (board), in multiples
according to required IO ports, in Berkin Engineering’s
solution. These boards communicate with each other via the
intelligent backplane to which they are connected, and if one
fails, the others continue to perform the same functions.
Another important difference in Berkin Engineering’s
solution is the “software porting” approach, for which
another patent application has been made by the company.
In this approach, the controller on the backplane of the
system controls the connections between the input/output
ports and the CPU boards, allowing any input/output ports
to connect to any board on the backplane by a virtual matrix.
Different from classical data distribution systems, these
technologies make PIU-0430 a scalable and adaptable
product, allowing it to serve the user throughout the
life-cycle of the concerned product. ◆
November 2019 - 15
MSI SPECIAL COVERAGE: NSS 2019

HAVELSAN Introduces

© HAVELSAN
Capabilities
of ADVENT Combat
Management System
D uring the seminar, HAVELSAN introduced the
technologies it has developed for naval forces
and joint task forces, with HAVELSAN representatives
making six different presentations.
Ziya Ulusoy, Product Manager at HAVELSAN, gave
information about the MARTI Air Command and
Control System, which has been designed to be
integrated aboard air platforms like, maritime patrol,
reconnaissance/surveillance and airborne early
warning aircrafts and helicopters. HAVELSAN is
continuing its efforts to develop the MARTI Air
Command and Control System together with
Turkish Naval Research Center Command (TNRCC /
ARMERKOM). Developed by HAVELSAN’s own resources,
MARTI is based on and powered by the ADVENT Combat
Management System where it is expected to be used in
HAVELSAN envisages that the engineering simulators to be utilised in the design of new
such fields as intelligence/reconnaissance, submarine submarines to then be used as a training simulator.
warfare, electronic warfare, search/rescue, drug

© HAVELSAN
trafficking prevention, migrant smuggling, human
trafficking and ship hijacking events, and in
preventing marine pollution.
Özgür Özuğur, Technology Development
Group Manager at HAVELSAN, talked about how artificial
intelligence can be used in combat management
systems and about HAVELSAN’s activities in this field.
Musa Altılı, Holographic (AR/VR) Command and Control
Systems Product Group Manager at HAVELSAN, made
a presentation about the use of augmented reality and
artificial intelligence technologies in new generation
command and control systems. These systems, through
which HAVELSAN has moved the battlefield from 2D
screens to 3D space, ensure that the huge amounts of
big data produced, especially under the rapidly changing
conditions in the battlefield, by surface platforms
equipped with new generation weapons, sensors and
radar systems, are processed and presented to users in
a 3D format. He went on to explain how these systems
enable, through artificial intelligence technologies, the
decision-makers at command level to make fast and
efficient decisions. allow integration tests for new submarine projects to be carried out in an
Firuze Ç. Kızılkayak, System Engineer at HAVELSAN, environment that is more realistic than a laboratory, and to quickly develop
introduced the ADVENT LINK, which works under a relatively low-cost training simulator within the same project.
the ADVENT CMS, allowing different communication In her presentation, Eylem Karaaslan, CBRN Product Manager at
protocols to communicate with each other. This system HAVELSAN, introduced the solutions offered by the company in the
supports Link 11, Link 16, Link 22, VMF, FFI and Web field of CBRN information systems. These solutions included:
Service protocols, as well as the Multi-Link Process n CBRN BRIDGE, which ensures the integration of
protocol that enables Link 11, Link 16 and Link 22 to detection and diagnostic systems;
communicate with each other. n CBRN NEWS, which enables operators to collect and transmit
Metin Akçin, Submarine Diving Simulator Project CBRN reports quickly;
Manager at HAVELSAN, made a presentation about n CBRN TRIAGE, which produces reports on the medical
the company’s Engineering Simulator approach, effects of various CBRN events;
which will be used to conduct integration tests during n CBRN MOBILE, which allows these information systems
the development of new submarines, and will then to be used on mobile devices such as mobile phones; and
be transformed into a training simulator allowing CBRN MENTOR, which stands out as an end-to-end solution that
submarine simulator personnel to practice. This will incorporates all these subsystems along with various CBRN sensors. ◆

16 - November 2019
November 2019 - 17
 MSI SPECIAL COVERAGE: NSS 2019

Süleyman Bayramoğlu,
Business Development
Manager, EMEA, at Nova
Power Solutions

Left to right: Süleyman Bayramoğlu, Business Development Manager, EMEA, at

recommends a power solution custom-tailored to the needs of
NOVA Power Solutions; Kurt Worden, Business Development Director at NOVA Power
Solutions; and Steve Ziff, President/CEO of NOVA Power Solutions. a given environment, often taking the form of an Uninterruptible
Power Supply (UPS). UPSs are widely available “off the shelf” as
NOVA Power Solutions ready-to-use products and are mostly used during power failures
Explains the Importance of to provide backup power to electronic systems for a certain period
of time, drawing upon backup power from batteries. Such basic
Power Quality for Shipboard types of UPS devices, which are referred to as Standby or Line
Electrical Systems: Interactive UPSs, provide backup power and can prevent certain
anomalies. However,
70% of Hardware when it comes to protecting sensitive electronic equipment in
Malfunctions Caused by shipboard or other harsh environments, experts recommend more
advanced UPS systems that work 100% of the time to eliminate
Poor Power Quality power quality anomalies, ensuring a reliable supply

N OVA Power Solutions came to the Naval Systems Seminar

with a message for attendees about the importance of power
quality to shipboard electronics systems. NOVA Power Solutions
of clean power to critical electronic systems. NOVA Power
Solutions develops custom-tailored power solutions designed
to deliver 100% protection, ensuring a continuous supply of
is a U.S.-based company specializing in power solutions for clean power for delicate electronics under even the harshest
shipboard or other harsh operating environments. The company’s of environmental conditions.
Business Development Manager for the EMEA Region, Süleyman Since 2012, NOVA Power Solutions has delivered custom
Bayramoğlu, delivered a presentation during the Seminar solutions to clients in the communications, transportation, and
characterizing the most common problems with electrical power industrial sectors in Turkey, and particularly in the defence and
and describing the impact such problems have on the reliability security sectors. The company is working with major defence and
and long-term health of sensitive electronic equipment. According aerospace companies on project-specific solutions for systems
to Bayramoğlu, 70% of electronic hardware malfunction or that are being developed domestically in Turkey for use both
damage is actually caused by poor power quality. The most at home and abroad. When it comes to such projects, NOVA
common power quality problems fall into one of nine categories: Power Solutions has positioned itself as a “solutions partner
■ Harmonic distortion that can contribute to Turkey’s goal of developing and exporting
■ Switching transients high technology, high quality, and reliable defence systems
■ Line noise by collaborating with companies in the Turkish defence and
■ Frequency variations aerospace sectors, with high quality and reliable solutions.”
■ Power surges NOVA Power Solutions’ references in the Turkish defence sector
■ Power sags include such companies as ASELSAN, HAVELSAN, and Vestel
■ High voltage spikes Defence. The company collaborates with many Turkish companies
■ Brownouts operating in various fields, such as R&D, and its solutions have
■ Power failures HAT
been W
ISusedOWER PUALITY
in most of the Q ?
These power anomalies can cause electronic systems to stop defence systems developed
performing properly in the short-term and can cause them serious indigenously in Turkey for
T
damage in the longer “N ” M
HE term. INE C
To ensure thatOST P OMMON OWER
delicate electronics surface and underwater
QUALITY ANOMALIES
are protected and can function reliably, NOVA Power Solutions platforms in the recent past. ◆
© NOVA Power Solutions
© NOVA Power Solutions

NOVA Power Solutions products are used

1. toHarmonic
Picture 1. According NOVA PowerDistortion 5.common
Solutions, the most Powerpower
Surges 9. Power
anomalies Failuresinto nine categories.
can be classified aboard ASELSAN’s products.
2. Switching Transients 6. Power Sags
18 - November 2019
3. Line Noise 7. High Voltage Spikes
ONUR Expands its Solution Set
Admiral Adnan Özbal, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, receives information about the product
family of ONUR during his visit to the company’s stand.
A t the event, ONUR highlighted its
expanding set of solutions in the
communications field. During the
event, the company delivered a
presentation entitled “Recent
Developments and Applications in
Voice and Data Communication
Systems for Naval Platforms”.
ONUR offers a broad range of
products, ranging from legacy
radio - IP network integration to
full scale IP based network enabled
communication suites.
ONUR’s most prominent communication
solution is Integrated Communication
System for Naval Platforms (OIC-MP2000)
which enables users to maintain existing
communication infrastructure, while
offering a smooth transition environment
into network centric operations.
ONUR’s Tactical Mesh Networking
The systems developed within the scope of the DETTA project were showcased at either side of the company stand.
System (OSR-IP1000) provides required
IP based network infrastructure for a
broad range of uninterrupted data and
voice communications.
This product family includes specific
solutions such as “sonobuoy data relay”
and “ship to UAV data and
voice exchange”.
The common features of the company’s
product family include: full integration
with existing conventional radios,
enhanced redundancy for uninterrupted
service, high-speed and secured network
infrastructure, compliance with military
standards and compatibility with
crypto systems.
The transfer of gained experience in the
field of civil aviation to military domain
offers ONUR’s partners noticeable
technological advantage in terms of
network-enabled capability. ◆
November 2019 - 19
 MSI SPECIAL COVERAGE: NSS 2019
Roketsan Offers Cost-effective Alternative Firepower
for Ships with its Tactical Missile Systems
© Roketsan
Roketsan is planning to integrate ASW Rockets onto aerial platforms.
O ne of the topics highlighted by Roketsan
in the seminar was the integration of
products developed for various platforms,
onto surface vessels. In the presentations
made by the company officials, it was
emphasised that this approach will allow
existing products, the R&D processes
of which have been completed, to be
integrated onto warships in a quick and
cost-effective manner. Another issue that
the company brought under the spotlight
at the seminar was the integration of the
various solutions it has developed for
surface vessels onto land, naval and aerial
platforms. Roketsan’s solutions in this
regard were described by Serkan Çelebi,
Naval Systems Business Development
Team Leader in the Tactical Missile
Systems Department of Roketsan, Ali
ROKETSAN’s turret configurations for different targets.
2 x OMTAS –
8 x Cirit
Machine Gun (12.7 Caliber)
© Roketsan
8 x Cirit –
Machine Gun (7.62 Caliber)
Roketsan’s turret solutions in different configurations, developed for surface vessels.
20 - November 2019
Gürün, System Engineering and Technology
Management Unit Manager at Ballistics
Systems Department of Roketsan, and
Utku Gümüş, System Engineering and
Technology Management Team Leader in
the Ballistics Systems Department
of Roketsan.
ASW Rocket to be Integrated
aboard Aerial Platforms in the
Future
Roketsan aims to enhance the capabilities
of the Antisubmarine Warfare (ASW) Rocket
and Launcher System it developed for
surface vessels that is currently being used
aboard the New Type Patrol Boats. The
capabilities to be enhanced are as follows:
■ Increasing the maximum range from
2,000 meters to 4,000 meters
4 x Cirit – 2 x LUMTAS/UMTAS –
Machine Gun (7.62 Caliber)
4 x Cirit – 2 x OMTAS –
Machine Gun (7.62 Caliber)
■ Increasing the maximum target depth
to which ASW rockets can be engaged
from 300 meters to 500 meters
■ Integrability aboard rotating-wing
and fixed-wing, manned and
unmanned aerial vehicles
■ Deployment on land
■ Granting underwater guidance
capability
One of the topics high on the agenda is the
integration of alternative payloads, aside
from warheads, onto the ASW Rocket in the
future in order to grant new capabilities
to the product. Some of these payloads
and additional capabilities can be listed as
follows:
■ Sonobuoy: With the integration of a
buoy-type sonar onto an ASW Rocket
will allow the interception of potential
underwater threats.
■ Acoustic Countermeasure: This system
can be used against enemy torpedoes in
order to jam and mislead the acoustic
guidance systems of torpedoes.
Integration of Surface-to-
Surface Missiles aboard Ships
Another innovative solution proposed by
Roketsan is the placement of surface-to-
surface artillery missile systems on the
decks and the integration of precision
guided missiles aboard ships. This will
allow the integration of various missile
systems that have been developed
primarily for land forces onto surface
vessels for low cost, and with no
additional R&D requirement.
The first proposal made by Roketsan
 in this regard involved the mounting Transport and
Storage Container
of surface-to-surface missile systems Weapon Management
being used by the land forces of various System Equipment

countries onto surface ships, for which the

company carried out firing tests on May
21–22. An Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher
(MBRL) System mounted on a 8x8 tactical
wheeled vehicle was placed on the deck

© Roketsan
Roketsan’s container-based solution comprises
of TCG BAYRAKTAR (L-402) with the help guided missiles, Carriage and Support
of a crane. While at sea, test firings were Equipment for the Weapon System, and Weapon
made against two targets – one at sea and Weapon System Management System Equipment.
Carriage
one on land. The targets, 22 km from the
ship, were hit by TRG-122 missiles, guided roketsan
Weapon System
Support
Equipment
SİLAH SİSTEMİ
by a Global Positioning System (GPS), with
a precision of 2 meters. This demonstrated
that artillery missile systems can be fired The weapon system of 12 x TRG-230 missiles can be mounted within a
with high precision from surface vessels. container or used separately.
Roketsan is working on, as an initial
venture into such applications, either the
installation onto a container together
with carriage and support equipment,
or the separate integration of TRG-122,
TRG-230 and TRG-300 guided missile
systems aboard surface vessels. The
carriage can carry 40 x 122-millimetre, 12 x

© Roketsan
230-millimetre or 4 x 300-millimetre
ready-to-fire missiles. ◆

230 mm Silah Sistem Kundağı

Your Trustable Partner For Transmission Controls
TX-200 Controller ROKETSAN A.Ş. Türk Silahlı Kuvvetlerini Güçlendirme Vakfı’nın Bir Kuruluşudur. 2

Each component used in this

product is selected in
accordance with MIL-STD 810
requirements.

Improved interface in the

Fully protected ex-proof embedded system suitable for
electronic control unit. other transmission control
combinations.

D E F E N C E I N D U ST RY
November 2019 - 21
www.smssavunma.com.tr
MSI SPECIAL COVERAGE: NSS 2019
STM Describes its Design
and Engineering Capabilities
in Naval Platforms
S TM described its engineering and design experience in
naval platforms to the participants of the seminar through
presentations. The focus of the company presentations were
the engineering studies that go into the design of ships and
submarines, and the emerging technologies in the naval
platform field. The experience shared in the presentations
once again demonstrated the engineering level reached by
STM in naval platforms.
STM Develops Unmanned Naval Vehicle for
Firefighting at Sea
In parallel with the technological advance, rapidly developing
unmanned systems brings many different solutions for naval
platforms. In his presentation entitled “Different Usages
of Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs)” at NSS 2019,
Çağhan Pekin, Leader Machinery Outfitting Design
Engineer at STM, stated that they are working on a
USV that can perform firefighting duties at sea.
He said that the USV developed by STM for firefighting
duties offers several advantages. First of all, since there
is nobody aboard, the USV can be positioned anywhere
during the firefight, regardless of the wind direction. More
USVs can be deployed to respond to a fire aboard a vessel
than traditional fireboats, in that USVs are smaller in size.
Furthermore, since USVs are manufactured from durable
steel and pose no risk for firefighters, they can take up
position closer to the vessel. The most significant feature
of firefighting USVs is their speed of 30+ knots, which enables
them to reach the scene of the fire faster than fireboats,
which operate at speeds of approximately 10.5 knots,
and thus to prevent the spread of the fire.
Pekin said that the system is currently in the design
phase, and that they would be designing another
USV for use in different tasks.
© SSB
22 - November 2019
© MSI TDR
The six REİS-class submarines being constructed at Gölcük Shipyard Command of
Naval Forces Command will be the first Turkish submarines to incorporate an air-
independent propulsion system.
New Type Submarines Powered by
Air-Independent Propulsion Systems
In his presentation entitled “Air Independent Propulsion System
Alternatives, Preference and Sizing Criteria”, Eray Yalçın, Leader
Submarine Design Engineer at STM, gave information about the
past, present and future trends in air-independent propulsion
technologies for submarines, the modernisation of conventional
submarines in the inventory of navies around the world with air-
independent propulsion systems, and applications in the New
Type Submarine (YTDA) Project.
The six REİS-class submarines being constructed at the Gölcük
Shipyard Command of Naval Forces Command will be the first
Turkish submarines to incorporate air-independent propulsion
system. The project, in which STM is serving as a subcontractor,
will feature an air-independent propulsion system that makes
use of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell technologies.
This type of air-independent propulsion system stands out with
its modular and compact structure, its low weight–volume ratio,
and its low thermal and acoustic footprint. STM announced on
May 21, 2018 that the LOX (Liquid Oxygen) Tank – one of the main
components of the air-independent propulsion systems to be used
in this project – had been manufactured in Turkey for the first time.
Indigenous Coding for 3D Modelling Programs
Mert Oğuz, Senior Machinery Outfitting Design Engineer at STM,
made a presentation entitled “Usage, Contribution and Efficiency
of 3D Modelling Program in Ship Design”. In his presentation, Oğuz
informed the participants about the practical solutions used by the
company in this field.
TCG KINALIADA
(F-514), as the fourth
and last of the ADA-
class corvettes, was
delivered to Naval
Forces Command
with a ceremony held
on September 29.

In vessel modelling processes, applications that are constantly
repeating themselves, or that cannot be fully satisfied by
modelling software, are the most challenging issues for
engineers. Such types of applications increase the modelling
time when performed manually, and possibility of mistakes by
engineers is increased. 3D modelling programs have emerged
as cost-effective solutions that reduce man-hours spent, are
can therefore be used effectively in vessel design. STM makes
use of these programs in the vessel designing stage. The cost of
the preferred 3D modelling programs in Turkey, however, varies
between 1,000–1,100 Euros per month, which means an average
hourly cost of 5.5–6.5 Euros. STM engineers wrote nearly 150
customisation codes for the 3D modelling software they use,
reducing the work time from, for example an average of 39
hours as less as one hour, achieving up to 95 percent efficiency
in some of the more time-consuming modelling applications.
This resulted in significant savings in both cost and time.
New Experience in Each Project
In her presentation entitled the “General Layout Of Ship And
Design Process”, Gülce İnci, Senior Hull Outfitting Engineer at
STM, informed the participants about STM’s experience in this
field. İnci stated that the primary goal in creating an accurate
general layout is to satisfy the technical requirements with
minimum volume and with maximum efficiency. She said
that all systems and equipment are planned and functionally
placed down to the last detail, and that in this way, they
minimise the possibility of the vessel and personnel being
© MSI TDR
Fast Attack Craft (FAC 55)
affected by internal or external factors. İnci said that the new
experiences acquired in each project benefit the subsequent
projects, based on correct identifications and analyses.
STM Engineers in Pursuit of High Speed
STM Emre Öztürk, Expert Hull Outfitting Engineer at STM,
made a presentation on “Ship Speed Losses and Power
Requirement Increase in Different Weather and Marine
Conditions”. STM carries out many different analyses aimed
at minimising the loss of speed by vessels in different
weather and sea conditions, making use of the experience
gained from previous projects. Various factors, such as route,
weather, fallout, wave, pressure and friction, are examined
in these analyses, and based on the results of the analyses,
arrangements are made in the design of the vessel and in the
layout of the systems and equipment.
With its experience in this field, STM aims to make its mark
in the Turkish Type Fast Attack Craft Project, which are
planned to serve at higher speeds than such larger naval
platforms as corvettes and frigates. ◆
MSI SPECIAL COVERAGE: NSS 2019
The Next Generation Operator Console was
presented to domestic and foreign participants
through a virtual reality application that allowed
them to experience it for themselves.
AYESAŞ Introduces its Integrated Platform Management
System and Next Generation Operator Console
A YESAŞ introduced its Next Generation Operator Console at
its stand, and presented its Integrated Platform Management
System at an event entitled the “Integrated Platform Management
System”, in which Berk Ünlü, Senior System Engineer at AYESAŞ,
summarised their activities in this field. The Integrated Platform
Management System (IPMS), which is to be installed aboard the
TCG ANADOLU Multi-Purpose Amphibious Assault Ship, is based
on the Navantia system developed for this class of ship, but has
been adapted for this particular project. In accordance with the
agreement signed between Navantia and AYESAŞ in March 2017,
AYESAŞ has completed the design, material supply and production
of IPMS consoles. The adaptation of both the human-machine
interface and user manuals has also been undertaken by AYESAŞ
as part of the production of 18 consoles in total. Through this
project, AYESAŞ will gain the ability to provide support to the IPMS
throughout its lifecycle. Under the agreement signed between
AYESAŞ and Navantia, AYESAŞ will be the contact address for the
24 - November 2019
The IPMS solution, which is also being
marketed internationally, was showcased
at the AYESAŞ stand during IDEF’19.
IPMS in Turkey and in countries with which Turkey
has close relations.
In the presentation, AYESAŞ’s vision for the IPMS was
summarised as follows:
n Adapting the knowledge of the IPMS gained in the Multi-
Purpose Amphibious Assault Ship project to similar projects
n Carrying out activities towards a fully indigenous and national
IPMS, starting with the critical sub-components
n Carrying out collaborative and export-related activities in
the international arena
At its stand, AYESAŞ presented the Next Generation Operator
Console to domestic and foreign visitors to the event through a
virtual reality application that allowed them to experience it for
themselves. In a presentation about the product, the participants
were informed that AYESAŞ has completed the design, production,
testing and qualification phases of the console, and that the console
will soon enter into service with Turkish Naval Forces Command. ◆
November 2019 - 25
MSI SPECIAL COVERAGE: NSS 2019
YALTES Raises the Bar in Cybersecurity
Left to right: Mehmet Yenen, Operations Director at YALTES; Admiral Adnan Özbal,
Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, and Reha Başatlı, Marketing and Sales
Manager at YALTES
Y ALTES focused on cybersecurity at the event. Various solutions
developed by YALTES, including the New Type Operator
Console, the Combat System Video Network, the Integrated
Platform Management System (IPMS) and the Integrated Bridge
Console, are serving aboard naval platforms both in Turkey
and abroad. The company is continuing its development of new
generations of these products and completely new systems,
while at the same time carrying out studies that will make a
difference in cybersecurity. These studies were described at the
event by Dr. Alper Botan, Security Solutions Director, and Orhan
Barış, Engineering Director with a presentation entitled “Digital
Transformation and Cybersecurity in Vessel Management:
YALTES CyberMarine”.
With the “CyberMarine” approach, YALTES reflects the
requirements of the digital transformation within its products.
In the presentation, the company’s vision regarding this
transformation was presented as follows:
■ To become a “digital platform company” focusing on the
user and data, offering secure digital services and products,
and creating an active ecosystem that is adapted to the
digital economy.
■ To become a “digital innovation company” that can create
value and transform it into products, in a much faster manner.
■ To become a “digital technology company” that creates value
by applying such critical digital technologies as cybersecurity,
big data, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things in all
of its solutions.
With this vision in mind, YALTES has already determined two
cybersecurity risks in marine systems, being a vulnerability in
some vessel systems to current and next-generation cyber-
TM
© YALTES
Yaltes CyberMarine
EPKİS
CSVN
1 YALTES products.
26 - November 2019
Left to right: Reha Başatlı, Business Marketing and Sales Manager at YALTES;
Mehmet Kitiş, CEO of YALTES; Mehmet Yenen, Operations Director at YALTES,
and Bülent Hamzaoğlu, Bids and Programs Director at YALTES
attacks, and the fact that more effort will need to be made in
the coming years to protect vessel systems from internal and
external cyber-attacks. Aside from these determinations,
sectoral developments have also given direction to future
studies. Various institutions, such as the International
Maritime Organisation (IMO), the Presidency of Defence
Industries (SSB) and the U.S. Department of Defense are also
making assessments and putting regulations in place related to
cybersecurity. The ever-increasing automation in industry brings
cybersecurity even further onto the agenda as a significant area
of concern. In such an atmosphere, YALTES has determined its
goal to be “to support our indigenous and national products with
new generation cybersecurity, real-time big data analysis and
artificial intelligence technologies, in accordance with the
vision of digital transformation”.
The CyberMarine approach through which YALTES puts its
vision into practice targets 360-degree cyber protection, including
such functions as predicting, detecting and confining attacks,
recovering systems/data, and analysis and reporting. The scope
of the application of the CyberMarine approach is as follows:
■ Active cyber defence throughout the life-cycle of products
■ An advanced level of access control, identification,
authentication and authorisation services for users,
administrators, applications and functions
■ System-, subsystem- and sensor-based real-time big
data analysis and artificial intelligence-supported
anomaly detection and alarm services
■ Open-point analyses and corrective/preventive measures
■ Open source and specific cyber intelligence services
(YALTES SOC and CERT services).◆
EKS
The CyberMarine
approach, through
which YALTES
puts its vision
. into practice,
aims to provide
. Yaltes CyberMarine 360-degree cyber
protection to
Highlights of NSS 2019

Barok Defense introduced its Internal Speaker System and BRK-XLIGHT-STANDARD projector at its stand at the seminar. The
t

projector, developed by the company for land and naval platforms, stands out with such features as involving a slip ring and knowing
its position, through which the projector surprisingly opens up as soon as it is directed toward the area to be examined. Projectors
lacking such features are explicitly directed towards their target, causing self-revelation.

Engaged in the

t

provision of
consultancy,
certification and
testing services
in the design and
construction of
helicopter pads
aboard military
and civil marine
platforms, HeliPLAT
also took part at
the seminar.

JFD,one of the leading companies in the field of

t

submarine rescue, established a partnership with

Armelsan on October 13 through which it will extend its
activities to Turkey. Representatives of the partnership,
named JFD-Armelsan, were among the participants at
the seminar. Admiral Adnan Özbal, Commander of the
Turkish Naval Forces, receives information about the A team from Mir Insulation attended the seminar with a view
t

activities of JFD during his visit to the company’s stand. to strengthening its cooperation with the sector.

November 2019 - 27
 MSI SPECIAL COVERAGE

© Meteksan Defence

Meteksan Defence Turns

Modern Laser Technologies
into Efficient Products
Meteksan Defence has been working on laser technologies, which are still
in their infancy around the world and are all but absent in Turkey, for more
than a decade. These technologies open the door to the development of a wide
spectrum of products, ranging from obstacle detection systems to underwater
sensors, peripheral security and electronic warfare, among others. Meteksan
Defence develops some of this broad spectrum of products through its internal
projects and others as part of the projects it carries out for procurement
authorities, ensuring Turkey’s involvement in laser technologies.

R
egarded as the weapon technology of the future since
its emergence in the 1960s, lasers have captured
attention in popular culture as having high destructive
power. In fact, destructive laser armaments represent only
one area in which laser technologies are employed. In such
types of armaments, the energy directed toward a target is
the key criterion on which everything depends. Meanwhile,
the exchange of low noise laser signals over long distances
significantly broadens the horizon for the application of laser
technologies, with examples including, but not limited to,
the following:
n Helicopter obstacle detection systems
n Detection and avoidance systems for unmanned aerial
vehicles
n Subsurface detectors, and temperature and pressure
sensors for peripheral security
n Detection solutions for pipelines
n Extraction of gas content as part of CBRN applications
n Detection systems for foliage penetration
n Aerial detection of mines in shallow waters
n Underwater low-frequency passive detection systems
Meteksan Defence is a one-stop shop in Turkey
for applications requiring low-noise lasers and
low-noise detection.
Same Technology, Different Applications
Laser beams can be formed using different metHETS
that come with different advantages and disadvantages in
terms of technical details. Fibre lasers, as a field in which
Meteksan Defence has developed a specialization, come
to the fore in two aspects. First, they provide a stable (low-
noise) laser beam. When a laser beam is stable, different
modulations applied to it do not disappear under the noise.
Second, the laser beam is generated within a fibre, which
protects the laser beam generation process from external
factors. The need for a number of processes associated
with other metHETS employed for the generation of a laser
beam, such as the alignment of sub-components with each
other and protecting them against external factors, are
avoided with fibre lasers. Owing to the flexible structure of
fibres, it is also possible to make lighter and more compact
mechanical designs and packaging than with other laser

28 - November 2019
 © Meteksan Defence
© Meteksan Defence

Helicopter Obstacle
Detection System

technologies, resulting in a structure that is more
resistant to vibration and environmental conditions.
Fibre laser technologies continue to advance without
losing momentum. Meteksan Defence is working closely
with academia, particularly Bilkent University, on the
challenging path from basic R&D to product development,
and has established its own laboratory within the Bilkent
University Ultra-Fast Optics Laboratory research centre.
The Meteksan Defence team includes many people who
completed their graduate studies in this research centre.
Among the common architectural components found in
the series of fibre laser-based systems being developed
by Meteksan Defence are the laser source, sensors,
scanners and algorithms. By developing different
capabilities for each of these, Meteksan Defence is
able to adapt these capabilities to all systems.
Meteksan Defence has conducted product-level integration and testing works both
in UFOLab and in its own laboratories.
Detection System (HETS) was signed between SSB and
Meteksan Defence.
HETS serves to highlight Meteksan Defence’s technological
progress in laser technologies. HETS must be capable
of detecting obstacles at great distances by constantly
scanning the area being overflown by the helicopter,
and fibre laser is the ideal technology for this mission.
While the technology has been demonstrated as a
prototype, producing an operational HETS requires a
number of challenges to be overcome. Firstly, subsystems
to be integrated onto platforms such as helicopters must
be able to endure the tough environmental conditions that
prevail, particularly vibration, and must be of appropriate
dimension and weight, being critical parameters. Fibre
lasers can be packaged within structures that are
resistant to vibration and other environmental conditions.
In addition, Meteksan Defence can make use of the
helicopter integration capabilities it has acquired through
MILDAR project also for HETS. Some of the components of

Technology Enters Inventory with HETS

© Meteksan Defence
Meteksan Defence’s works in the field of laser technologies
began with the Fibre Laser Development Project, in
which the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) was the
procurement authority.
Under the project,
which was
launched in
2009 and was
successfully
completed in 2012,
a prototype laser
transceiver was
developed that
could be converted
into a laser-based
helicopter obstacle
detection system.
A step for turning the prototype
into a product was taken this
year and a contract for an
Active Helicopter Obstacle

Meteksan Defence has made a significant investments into the establishment of a

laboratory infrastructure for its laser-related studies.

November 2019 - 29
 MSI SPECIAL COVERAGE
© Meteksan Defence
In the MİLDAR project, Meteksan Defence gained significant integration and testing experience on helicopter platforms.
the Helicopter MILDAR, such as the power module,
can be adapted for use with HETS.
HETS is required to rapidly scan a wide area in front of
the helicopter by means of a narrow laser beam, and so
scanner design is of critical importance. Meteksan
Defence is working on the design of an efficient
solution in this regard.
HETS is a system with direct influence on flight security.
If HETS does not function as expected, the helicopter
may hit an obstacle while in flight. It is therefore vital
for the HETS software and hardware to be highly reliable.
Finally, HETS has significant potential to be adapted also
for civil air platforms, although its integration with different
helicopter models requires significant effort on both sides.
Here, such issues as the volume and weight requirements,
as well as the field of view, come to the fore. Meteksan
Defence’s experience in this field gives it an advantage
over its competitors. The firm has successfully completed
the integration of its products such as Automatic Take-off
and Landing System (OKIS) and radar altimeter onto
different aircraft.
If a system is optimized according to the geographical
characteristics of its host country during its operations, its
performance will be augmented. A product that is ideally
suited to Turkey’s topography will have been developed
under the HETS Project.
Laser Touch to Underwater Acoustics
Underwater acoustics is another area in which Meteksan
Defence is applying its experience in laser technologies.
Having developed different solutions for surface and
underwater platforms, including the YAKAMOS hull-
Concept drawing
© Meteksan Defence
of the Helicopter
Obstacle
Detection
System prototype
of Meteksan
Defence.
30 - November 2019
mounted sonar and the Intercept Passive Sonar (IPS)
system, Meteksan Defence is also working on the
technologies of the future. One such solution is a fibre
optic sensor that can take the place of a sonar sensor.
Fibre optic sensors comprise a laser beam transmitted via a
fibre, and are known for their high precision, low noise level,
their immunity to electromagnetic interference and the ease
of multiplexing (supporting more than one sensor through
a single fibre cable). Furthermore, such sensors enable the
generation of a thinner and lighter array that does not need
electric power. All these functions are made possible by the
ability of fibre lasers to generate stable signals.
Fibre optic acoustic sensors developed by Meteksan
Defence offer detection accuracy as an additional advantage
when compared to conventional ceramic-based sonar
sensors. Meteksan Defence uses a temporal multiplexing
method to operate more than one sensor connected to the
system through a single fibre. In addition, a special design
that permits the isolation of external noise is
gaining attention.
Meteksan Defence carried out the testing of its sensors in
the underwater acoustics test infrastructure installed in
the Bilkent Pond Open Water Test and Calibration Facility.
The results indicated that high precision and low sensor
self-noise values had been attained.
If assigned a task, Meteksan Defence is capable of
manufacturing underwater acoustic products incorporated
with fibre optic sensors in a very short period of time. This
product will be highly competitive, as the firm’s capabilities
in this field match those of other companies operating in the
field around the world.
Laser Sensors for Early Warning
Different detection applications can be developed with
fibre optic sensors. These include underwater detection
networks, approach detection sensors, and applications
for oil and natural gas pipelines. Low-weight fibre optic
hydrophone arrays entered into use as flank and towed
array sonars in submarines after the 2000s, as they have
much fewer components than standard piezo-electric
ceramic sensors, and have no electronic circuits in their
sensors. Such sensors are even used for geological and
seismic works.
November 2019 - 31
MSI SPECIAL COVERAGE
Meteksan Defence cooperated with Bilkent University’s UFOLab in the Fibre Laser Development Project.
Meteksan Defence is ready to adapt its technology to all of
these areas of implementation. The company is developing a
prototype Underwater Sensor Network System for underwater
detection applications, and with soon be able to present their
capabilities to interested parties.
Products Touching Users
Meteksan Defence is engaged in efforts to develop products
based on its motto “Touching users and listening to their
needs.” In this context, the firm is also developing innovative
products that will address the different problems of users
through the use of laser technologies. These solutions have a
common capability being transmission over long distances via
low noise laser signals, which is an advantage offered by fibre
lasers.
Meteksan Defence’s technology, for example, can be used
to detect submarine periscopes. Periscopes that radar-based
solutions attempt to detect can also be detected by means of
a laser-based sensor, guided by a sensor such as a sonar.
The sensor here is very similar to HETS in terms of its
working principle.
Similarly, laser-based systems can remotely detect the
content of gases within a CBRN application. A laser-based
detection system for foliage penetration can be developed.
SİSTEM TASARIMI
Meteksan Defence is capable of offering innovative doctrines İlgi Alanlarımız
for a detection system for foliage penetration which may be
demanded by also taking advantage of its experience gained
through the radar family.
Electronic warfare is another area of application. Fibre laser
has potential for use as part of a counter-measure system
against guided missiles and munitions with electro-optic/
infrared seekers. Laser beams can jam the seekers of such
guided missiles and munitions. The precise detection of the
position of a guided missile or munition by means of a closed-
circuit system can also be achieved through a laser-based
solution. Such an application can be particularly useful for the
protection of sensitive infrastructures and military platforms.
Technology Shapes Plans for the Future
Meteksan Defence is pursuing a three-pronged strategy
regarding the future of laser technologies, one aspect of
32 - November 2019
© Meteksan Defence
which involves expanding the scope of its existing projects
and products. The firm is following closely the projects
being carried out by civil aviation authorities with regard
to obstacle detection systems as part of its efforts to come
up with versions of HETS that can be used on civil aircraft.
Furthermore, detection and avoidance systems for
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are also on Meteksan
Defence’s agenda. A laser-based approach and landing
aid system for helicopters, which is similar to HETS, is
among the solutions that Meteksan Defence may add
to its product spectrum.
The second prong of Meteksan Defence’s efforts
comprises innovative products that can be developed
taking advantage of laser technologies. Examples of this
may include fibre optic sensors for underwater acoustics
and sonars, and the peripheral security systems on which
they are used.
The third and final prong is new technologies. The Fibre
Laser Development Project and the HETS project have
shown that Meteksan Defence can complete the transition
from the basic research level to the final process in a
very short period of time thanks to its close relations
with academia. The company continues in its
collaborations to repeat these accomplishments
in newly emerging technologies. u
© Meteksan Defence
SENSÖRLER
LMÖB
Sensör
Referans
w ww.meteksan.com 9
Meteksan Defence’s sensor design for the New Generation Fibre Optic Sonar.
November 2019 - 33
 MSI SPECIAL COVERAGE: DSEI 2019 / PART 2

DSEI 2019, Part 2

In the following pages, we present to you the second part of the DSEI 2019 Special
Dossier that we have prepared in two sections, to be published in our October and
November issues.
Şebnem ASİL / s.asil@milscint.com
Naile BAYRAKTAR / n.bayraktar@milscint.com
Ümit BAYRAKTAR / ubayraktar@milscint.com
K. Burak CODUR / b.codur@milscint.com
Alper ÇALIK / a.calik@milscint.com
Birol TEKİNCE / btekince@milscint.com

DSEI Becomes First Foreign Fair to be Attended

by HAVELSAN’s New International Organisation
Unless Otherwise Stated, All Photographs : © MSI TDR

HAVELSAN’s stand at DSEI 2019 saw visits by many different high-level guests, including Ümit Yalçın, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the United Kingdom;
Admiral Adnan Özbal, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces; and Prof. Dr. İsmail Demir, President of Defence Industries.

D SEI 2019 became the first foreign defence exhibition to

be attended by HAVELSAN under its new organisational
structure in which the priority is international business
development. Şevket Ünal, who was appointed Vice
President in charge of Operations and International Business
Development at the end of June, explained the motivation
behind the company’s participation at DSEI: “Our participation
at this fair is motivated by our desire to develop our presence
as HAVELSAN. We have to demonstrate our abilities and keep
the Turkish flag flying in the best possible way in every part of
the world. We are an important player here, and our booth is
not small. It is also a place where we can hold many talks. We
have been engaged in many discussions, some of which are
pre-arranged, while others occur spontaneously. It is critical
to make our presence known here to meet existing business
contacts while meeting and getting to know new ones”.
Ünal went on to speak about different dimension of industrial
competition: “Some major companies in the sector are paying
visits to our stand. These companies are both our competitors
and our business partners. While we are competing in many
As is the case at every fair in which HAVELSAN
areas, we also work with them and jointly develop projects in participates, the parachute simulator was among
certain regions.” the most popular systems of HAVELSAN.

34 - November 2019

New Structural
Organisation Provides
Focus
Ü nal shared information about the
new organisational structure at
HAVELSAN in the field of international
business development. The new
structure was finalised after the
appointment of Ünal to the task at
the end of June and the holding of the
HAVELSAN Strategy Workshop in early
August. Under the new structure, the
global business development activities
are divided among different regions,
with a specific employee appointed to
each. Countries are also categorised
within each region, with the most
strategically important countries
attributed due attention by
HAVELSAN in its activities.
The new organisational structure
is also supported by HAVELSAN
offices in Pakistan, Qatar, Kuwait,
Malaysia and Oman.
The company has also launched
initiatives to obtain a share of NATO
projects, for which a new position
was established in the new
organisational structure.
HAVELSAN has since completed the
necessary procedures required for
participation in NATO tenders, and
hopes to see some successes in this
regard, particularly in 2020.
Ünal underlined that his team has
grown by 30 percent over the last ,
two months and that this growth
would continue.
Şevket Ünal, Vice
President in charge
of Operations and
International Business
Development at
HAVELSAN (right),
and Şebnem Asil,
Business Development
Coordinator at MSI
Turkish Defence
Review (left).
Commitment and Collaboration
to Make a Difference
Ünal indicated that they make a
difference in the projects and tenders
in their target countries as an outcome
of their understanding of commitment
and collaboration. The HAVELSAN team
not only maintains its contacts in target
countries without pause, but also involves
the senior managers of the company in
these discussions, as a strong indicator
of its desires and determination. This
also demonstrates their stronger desire
to establish closer cooperations than
other countries with more developed
defence industries, in particular in
the fields of technology transfer and
partnership. HAVELSAN strategy is to
make platforms smarter, by doing this
HAVELSAN works very closely with its
customers and openly discusses with
them on what technology and knowhow
can be transferred in order for them to
operate and maintain their systems. By
getting this knowhow customers will
not be solely dependent and they can do
expansions and revisions by themselves.
With regards to other developments that
can be realised in the short term, Ünal
said: “In the defence sector, it might
take years for a project to reach the
contract signing stage. That is why we
are pursuing our works with patience and
determination. There are certain projects
in which we think we can sign a contract
this year. One of our aims is to increase
our export share in the backlog figures of
HAVELSAN.” u
November 2019 - 35
 MSI SPECIAL COVERAGE: DSEI 2019 / PART 2

AKSA RUNFLAT
Takes Part at the Fair
with News of Exports
to Pakistan
© MSI TDR

Fikret M. Geneci, Director of Business Development at AKSA RunFlat, provides information to

Prof. Dr. İsmail Demir, President of Defence Industries, about the company’s product family.

P resenting the RunFlat

System it has developed
for wheeled armoured land
armoured security vehicle in
the service of HIT. During the
tests, carried out in accordance
vehicles, AKSA RUNFLAT with the FINABEL standards,
showcased various members the tires of a Dragoon vehicle
of its broad product family at were fitted with the AKSA
the event. Among the products RunFlat System, and were shot
exhibited by the company were seven times with 7.62x51 NATO
two-part, three-part and armour piercing bullets, aimed
Hybrid RunFlat Systems, which specifically at the RunFlat
can be optimised according System. The fully loaded
to the rim size of vehicles of vehicle then moved, on a
different weights. flat tire fitted with the AKSA
Shortly before the event, RunFlat System and the test
AKSA RUNFLAT entered into was completed successfully.
an agreement with Heavy AKSA RunFlat’s products, aside
Industries Taxila (HIT), from Turkey and Pakistan,
a Pakistani land vehicle are in use in such countries
manufacturing company, for as the Czechia, Malaysia,
the sale of the 16.00x20-type Philippines, Russian Federation,
RunFlat System. Prior to the Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South
signing of the agreement, the Africa, Spain, the United Arab The 16.00x20 RunFlat System (Hybrid Model) was showcased along
company’s products were Emirates, the United Kingdom, with an image of the Dragoon vehicle on which it was tested in
tested on a Dragoon 4x4 Montenegro, and Ukraine. ◆ Pakistan.

GES Engineering Builds Up Foreign Business Contacts

G ES Engineering, which was participating for the first time
at DSEI, developed its foreign business contacts thanks to
the many meetings it held on the sidelines of the event. The
company introduced visitors to its innovative and cost-effective
electromechanical and mechanical solutions, which have
been developed for specific needs, and engaged in various
discussions regarding these solutions.
The products of GES Engineering were not only on display
at their own stand, but also that of Optokon. GES Engineering
became a subcontractor to Optokon within the scope of the
© MSI TDR

cooperation between TTAF Defence and Optokon, and is

now producing military unit cases for Optokon. Ersin Özbek,
Member of the Board of Directors at GES Engineering, explained Ersin Özbek and Arzu Baytar, Members of the Board of Directors at GES Engineering.
this cooperation: “We started to produce for Optokon with the
synergy that we created with TTAF Defence. Now we can see
that this agreement has been to the benefit of all three parties.
We make use of our production capabilities; Optokon ensures
quality and cost-effective procurement; and TTAF Defence
increases the local production rate by proposing Optokon
© MSI TDR

solutions for use in Turkey. We think that such cooperation

agreements signed based on company synergy should
increase, along with the growth of the capabilities in the sector, After becoming a subcontractor of Optokon within the scope of the cooperation between
and we believe we represent a good example in this sense.” ◆ TTAF Defence and Optokon, GES Engineering now produces military unit cases for Optokon.

36 - November 2019
November 2019 - 37
MSI SPECIAL COVERAGE: DSEI 2019 / PART 2

HENSOLDT Showcases Advanced Sensor Solutions

A t the event, HENSOLDT showcased

the broad range of sensor solutions
that it offers to users. Among these,
the SETAS electro-optical situational
awareness system, developed for
armoured vehicles, was on display
for the first time. At the stand, other
products aimed at land forces were
the EOTS II electro-optical vehicle
sight, the SPECTUS driver vision
system, the TRML-4D air defence
radar and the Twinvis passive radar.
For the aerial platform sector, the
company showcased the ARGOS-II
HD and GOSHAWK-II electro-optical
surveillance systems, the PrecISR
multifunctional radar, and the
Kalaetron radar warning receiver
and AMPS missile defence system,
developed for the self-defence of
aircraft. The TRS-4D radar was
among the products showcased by the
company for surface vessels.
HENSOLDT developed SETAS, which
was launched under the slogan Thomas Müller, CEO of HENSOLDT (left); Russell Gould, Managing Director at HENSOLDT UK (centre), and
“Transparent Tank”, to increase Joachim Schranzhofer, Head of Communications & Chief of Staff at HENSOLDT (right). At a press conference held
on the first day of the event, HENSOLDT announced that Kelvin Hughes would be continuing its activities under
the low situational awareness that
the name HENSOLDT UK.
is inherent in armoured vehicles.
The solution, referred to also as Another important topic on under the name of HENSOLDT UK.
the “See-Through Armour System”, HENSOLDT’s agenda at the fair was Answering questions from the press,
was developed based on a set of related to Kelvin Hughes, a British including MSI TDR, Thomas Müller,
day cameras and thermal cameras radar manufacturer that was acquired CEO of HENSOLDT, said that they had
installed on the vehicle, and an by HENSOLDT in 2017. At a press expanded their global profile, and
augmented reality-based, helmet- conference held on the first day of the indicated that they could be making
mounted vision system used by the event, it was announced that Kelvin investments in Turkey in the not-so-
personnel in the vehicle. Hughes would continue its activities distant future. ◆

HENSOLDT has delivered

over 300 ISCO Multi-Purpose
Self-Protection Systems for the
PUMA APCs of the German Land
Forces.
© Hensoldt

38 - November 2019
A New Product of Menatek: Bradley Bearings
M enatek, an established manufacturer
of a considerably wide range of
components for military land vehicles,
differentiated itself from other Turkish
companies by showcasing a new product
at DSEI exhibition. The product known as
“Bradley Bearing” is a self-lubricating
spherical plain bearing used as a critical
joint component of M2 Bradley armoured
combat vehicle’s suspension assembly.
The Bradley Bearing features a self-
lubricating composite liner that is capable
of operating under pressures of up to 690
megapascals. This liner is said to be three
times more resistant to wear comparing to
its closest competitors on the market.
Commenting on the Bradley Bearing, Naz
Ünal, Director of Business Development
and Strategy at Menatek, said: “We carried
out a unique product development process
following deep analysis which is conducted
using a special simulation software that
we customized based on our engineering
experiences. First of all, even for the initial
digital prototypes, each technical feature
of the part was subjected to 50+ simulation
iterations in order to fully understand the
details. The simulations were programmed
down to the last detail, taking into account
© MSI TDR
parameters such as movements of the
crystal structures inside the material.
This allowed us to produce an error-free Naz Ünal, Director of Business Development and Strategy
prototype on the first production run. at Menatek, describes the capabilities of the company to
This was clear evidence of the success Prof. Dr. İsmail Demir, President of Defence Industries.
of Menatek’s product development process.
Our previous pall-pin type plain bearing
and the Bradley Bearing that we have
recently added to our product portfolio
represent the two opposite ends of self-
lubricating bearing production in terms of
manufacturing methods. The very action
of developing these two bearings from
scratch itself is the proof of the knowledge
and expertise that Menatek possesses
in this field. ◆
© MSI TDR
Among the products showcased by Menatek were torsion
bars developed for such tracked vehicles as the M113
armoured personnel carrier, the M60 main battle tank and
Bradley Bearing the amphibious assault vehicle (AAV).
 MSI SPECIAL COVERAGE: DSEI 2019 / PART 2
SUPROBOX Highlights Personal Cases, Weapons
Cases and Rack-Type Cases
© MSI TDR
Personal Case, with two portable shelves.
M akel, one of the leading players in Europe in its field,
displayed a wide range of products under the
SUPROBOX brand at the event. With over 225 safe
transport cases in its product range, the products
highlighted by the company were its Personal Cases
and Weapons Cases, and the Rack-Type Cases made
specifically for electronic equipment.
The Personal Case, allows military personnel to store
all kinds of personal belongings, and carry them with
ease. Perfect for clothes, gear, boots, shoes, personal
care products, etc. The case can be used for safe transport,
or can serve as a storage locker for long-term operations.
Features two deep multi-function removable storage trays.
The Personal Case has three butterfly locks to ensure it
remains shut tight during transport, and a padlock hasp as
an added feature to secure the contents whenever necessary.
The cases are already in use in barracks all over the world.
40 - November 2019
© MSI TDR
Weapons Case
The Weapons Case, not only ensures the safe transport
of weapons but becomes a weapons storage locker once
deployed. Six rifles, such as the MPT-76, MPT-55 and
AR-15, plus 18 magazines can be carried in the case as
standard. The weapons storage slots inside the case are
adjustable and can hold weapons of different types and
sizes used by special operations units. The belt lock inside
the case guarantees safe storage of weapons at the same
time allowing quick access in emergency situations when
the case is used as a weapons storage locker.
Rack-Type Cases offer ideal solutions for field missions,
providing safe transport and stacking for electronic and
other sensitive equipment, with the highest level of
protection against water, dust, moisture and vibration.
All SUPROBOX cases can be lifted by forklift truck and
are compatible with the Multi-Brix system, which allows
stacking of different sizes and types on top of each other. ◆
November 2019 - 41
MSI SPECIAL COVERAGE: DSEI 2019 / PART 2

FEMSAN
Continues
its Overseas
Activities at
DSEI
P articipating at the DSEI
event for the third time,
FEMSAN exhibited its axis
actuators for air, naval and
land platforms, as well
as the electromechanical
actuators it provides for
fin actuation systems.
The company considers
the event to be an ideal
opportunity to establish and
develop business contacts
with its target countries.
FEMSAN is preparing to
unveil two new products
in the coming period. FEMSAN presented
An announcement its fin actuation
will be made of these systems at its booth

© MSI TDR
new products after to the appreciation of
visitors.
the completion of the
qualification processes. u

TTAF Defense
Strengthens Collaborations
T TAF Defense took the opportunity at the event to make
contacts with potential customers abroad, and to meet
with local platform manufacturers.
Speaking about the companies with which they had met
recently, Ergün İşgör, General Manager of TTAF Defense,
said: “Most of the global platform manufacturers we have
contacted at the event expressed a desire to visit our
facilities in Turkey and to see our capabilities in place.”
One of the most important topics on the agenda of the company
at the event was the consolidation of the strategic partnership
agreement signed with the Czech company OPTOKON during
© MSI TDR

IDEF’19 in May. TTAF Defense took the initial steps in this

collaboration after the signing of the agreement in May, and
has completed, through its domestic solution partners, the test
production of various components required for the fibre-optic Ergün İşgör, General Manager of TTAF Defense, and İlhami Keleş, Secretary
communication solutions to be produced jointly in Turkey. The General of SAHA Istanbul
company is preparing for the serial production that will start once
OPTOKON certifies the components. The next phase will see the
other components imported from abroad and the assembly of the
final products in Turkey. In the final stage, a local participation
rate of 100% will be achieved.
In addition to its promotional activities, TTAF Defense is continue
© MSI TDR

to develop new products, in which the focus is on innovation. TTAF

Defense and Başkent University aim to garner support from an
institution named IraSME in their jointly developed project. IraSME is
a European-based organisation that manages the incentive funds of The LMSW-82M Ruggedised Ethernet Switch is one of the OPTOKON products that
various countries, and that supports the innovation studies of SMEs. ◆ TTAF Defense plans to produce in Turkey.

42 - November 2019
November 2019 - 43
 MSI
© MSI TDR
SPECIAL COVERAGE

Left to Right: Ahmet Altınay, R&D Manager at ASPİLSAN Energy; Ferhat Özsoy, General Manager of ASPİLSAN Energy; Dr. Rachid Yazami and Meryem Chfiri, his assistant;
and Gökhan Demirci, R&D Director at ASPİLSAN Energy

ASPİLSAN Energy Hosts Dr. Rachid

Yazami, Renowned for His Work in
the Field of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Moroccan scientist Dr. Rachid Yazami, known for his critical role in the
development of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, and as the inventor of the
graphite anode, one of the main components of such batteries, visited
ASPİLSAN Energy facilities on October 3–4. Dr. Yazami held meetings with
company officials, during which they discussed topics that may shed light on
Turkey’s future in this field, ranging from consulting to technology transfer.
Alper ÇALIK / a.calik@milscint.com

A
s a guest of ASPİLSAN Energy,
Dr. Yazami participated in the
Electrochemistry Conference
2019 held in Istanbul on September
30–October 2, and moderated various
sessions during the event. Dr. Yazami’s
first stop after the conference was
ASPİLSAN Energy’s R&D Centre in
Ankara, where he examined up close
the company’s works on the materials
used in battery technologies. Later,
he visited ASPİLSAN Energy’s Kayseri
facilities and observed the point
achieved by the company in the field
of batteries and battery production.
During the visit, ASPİLSAN Energy
executives and Dr. Yazami discussed
many different topics, including the
potential for cooperation.
ASPİLSAN Energy is continuing
its investments in Kayseri on an
approximately 24,000 square metres
of land that it purchased recently,
where it is planning to establish
Turkey’s first lithium-ion (Li-ion)
battery production facility. Dr. Yazami
holds a number of patents in the field
of battery technologies, for which he
holds the intellectual property rights.
Among the most important issues
discussed during the visit was how to
transfer Dr. Yazami’s experience to
ASPİLSAN Energy through technology
transfer, with talks between the parties
in this regard set to continue.
Dr. Yazami Impressed with
ASPİLSAN’s Progress
Taking time out of his busy meeting
schedule in Turkey, Dr. Yazami was
kind enough to answer questions posed
by MSI TDR. Accepted as a doyen in
the field of Li-ion batteries, Dr. Yazami
said that he was very impressed with
ASPİLSAN Energy’s ongoing activities.
He stated that he is quite open to
collaborations and that they were
working with ASPİLSAN Energy to find
the right business model.
Dr. Yazami said that if the discussions
end up with a positive result and an
agreement is reached on the business
model to be used for the transfer of
his experience to Turkey, ASPİLSAN
Energy will gain the ability to produce
batteries that can offer 20 percent more
performance than the existing batteries
in the world. He said that he held
important technologies especially
for the Li-ion batteries used in the
military field, and that he is ready to
share this knowledge and experience
with ASPİLSAN Energy.
Commenting on Dr. Yazami’s visit,
Ferhat Özsoy, General Manager of
ASPİLSAN Energy, said: “We are one of
Turkey’s most competent companies
in the field of battery technologies. The
visit of such an important name, whose
expertise is accepted by the whole
world, is an indication of the maturity
of the activities carried out by
ASPİLSAN Energy in this field. It also
proves that our ongoing investments
into battery production in Kayseri are
on the right track. We hope that our
talks bear positive results, and that
we can bring to Turkey technologies
that can shed light on the future of
our country, taking advantage of Dr.
Yazami’s experience and know-how.”

44 - November 2019
© MSI TDR
Dr. Rachid Yazami exchanged opinions with the R&D team of ASPİLSAN Energy.
Initial Capacity: 2 Million
Batteries Per Year
ASPİLSAN Energy aims to produce
different cylindrical Li-ion battery cells
at its Kayseri facility, where installation
works are underway. The ground-
breaking of the facility, which will have
an indoor area of 17,000 square metres,
is scheduled for this year, and production
is planned to start in March 2021.
The company will initially produce
cylindrical batteries, such as the
18650-26650 and 20700-21700 family,
as those are the most widely used
batteries in the world. In the following
phases, the production of next-generation
special batteries of the pouch and
prismatic types will be commenced.
The facility will pave the way for the
production of indigenous and national
batteries for the Energy Storage Systems
that are critically needed by the energy
sector, and for consumer electronics to
be used in the civilian market, in addition
to those for critical defence systems.
The initial capacity of the technologically
advanced production facility will be
approximately 2 million battery cells per
year, with plans to increase production in
line with market demand.
The need for indigenous batteries by
both the defence and aerospace sector
and the civilian market make these
investments even more vital. By boosting
battery production in Turkey, new lines of
business and employment areas will also
be created. Stressing how important it is
© ASPİLSAN Energy
© ASPİLSAN Energy
for Turkey to gain the ability to produce
its own batteries, Özsoy said: “First
of all, I would like to emphasise that
batteries are among the most sought-
after products in our country, both in the
military and civilian sectors, and this need
is met only through imports. Having said
that, indigenous battery production is
actually a more challenging and serious
project than thought to be. No batteries,
aside lead acid ones, have been produced
in our country since the 1990s, and since
they cause environmental problems,
their use is decreasing gradually.
Battery production in Turkey came to a
complete halt between 1960 and 1990
following Turkey’s switch to a free
market economy in the 1980s, as the raw
materials used in battery production were
imported and expensive, and there was
an influx of cheap batteries of Chinese
origin. There is still no electrochemical
battery production in Turkey, other than
production involving the integration of
imported batteries with each other.”
Adding that despite all the difficulties,
ASPİLSAN Energy would not hesitate to
shoulder responsibility in this regard,
Özsoy said: “Another point is that our
country, in terms of the supply chain,
is far from the raw materials and other
critical subcomponents used in battery
production. That said, we have focused
on this investment taking into account all
these factors, and have already achieved
a level of maturity that is sufficient to put
our investment into practice, following
With the completion
of its investment in
Kayseri, ASPİLSAN
Energy will start
using the cells of its
own production, in
the ASPİLSAN-made
batteries.
four years of serious efforts. We hope
that our country’s foreign dependence in
this field will soon be eliminated.”
Annual Battery Imports:
$65 Million
Stating that Turkey is an importer of
batteries, aside from lead acid ones,
Özsoy noted that annual imports by
weight amount to over 8,000 tons,
amounting to over 40 million units.
Commenting on these figures, he said:
“In 2016, Turkey spent $65 million on
the import of batteries. We predict that
when Li-ion batteries start to be
produced in our country, the foreign
dependence of all sectors, as well as the
current account deficit, will decrease,
and a notable level of import substitution
will be achieved. In other words, we
believe that if we consider our investment
from different perspectives, it will become
an asset with both economic and strategic
qualities, and will provide significant
returns to our country.”u
Who is Dr. Rachid
Yazami?
Moroccan scientist and engineer
Dr. Rachid Yazami is known for his
leading role in the development of
Li-ion batteries, and as the inventor of
the graphite anode – one of the main
components in such batteries.
Dr. Yazami has bachelor’s, master’s
and PhD degrees in Electrochemistry.
He worked at the California Institute
of Technology, the French National
Centre for Scientific Research
(CNRS), Kyoto University and Nanyang
Technological University for a total of
35 years, where he has held positions
ranging from Head of Department to
Research Director. In 2010, Dr. Yazami
founded KVI, a company engaged in the
development of disruptive technologies
for cells and batteries. In 2014,
together with Dr. Akira Yoshino, Dr.
John B. Goodenough and Yoshio Nishi,
he was awarded the Draper Prize,
granted by the United States National
Academy of Engineering (NAE) – known
as the Nobel Prize of the Engineering
world – for their works that led to the
emergence of today’s Li-ion batteries.
Now serving as the CTO of KVI, Dr.
Yazami is the holder of more than
70 patents in the field of battery
technologies.
November 2019 - 45
MSI SPECIAL COVERAGE

Innovative

Unless otherwise stated, all photographs: © MSI TDR

Products, from
Armed UAVs to
Cargo UAVs, by
Altınay
Altınay has recently developed
many new unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAVs), once again demonstrating its
competence in this field. Unveiling
these UAVs for the first time at In addition to its cargo, each ALTINAY ALBATROS module can carry different
payloads, such as one 5.56 mm Micro Minigun or 25 RİHAM rounds.
TEKNOFEST Istanbul, held on
There is also a camera in the tail
September 17–22, the company was section of ALTINAY ALBATROS that
among the rare companies in the facilitates backward manoeuvres.

sector that brought a new product to

the event.
Alper ÇALIK / a.calik@milscint.com
Turan SALCI / t.salci@milscint.com
Birol TEKİNCE / btekince@milscint.com

F
ocusing on technology-oriented products, Altınay has
achieved significant success in having the UAVs it has
developed through domestic collaborations enter the
inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF). Not satisfied
with this success, the company has recently refocused its
efforts, developing different systems such as a UAV-Hunting
UAV and a Cargo UAV, which can fill very important gaps
in the market. The company had unveiled some of these
products at IDEF’19 in May, and others at TEKNOFEST
Istanbul. The common feature of these UAVs, namely
ALBATROS, SUMRU, DOĞAN, KARTAL, EBABİL, BAYKUŞ
and KIRLANGIÇ, is their use of electric motor.

ALTINAY ALBATROS Can Carry Cargo, the

Injured or Weapons
Altınay has developed ALBATROS especially for cargo
missions. The main module of ALTINAY ALBATROS, which
has a scalable and modular architecture, contains a cargo
compartment with a carrying capacity of 50 kg, powered
by eight motors. However, when two ALTINAY ALBATROS
modules, each with its own battery, are combined, a UAV
with 16 motors and a carrying capacity of 100 kg emerges.
Similarly, when three modules are combined, the carrying
capacity reaches 150 kg, although in this case it is sufficient
to add only four more motors to the existing 16 motors.
ALTINAY ALBATROS can remain aloft for 60 minutes in all
three configurations, can reach an altitude of 10,000 ft or
can fly distances of 30 km.
After taking off vertically with its four motors, ALTINAY SUMRU enters into level
Each ALTINAY ALBATROS module can carry many different flight mode powered by its tail propeller. Seen here is a A 1:4 scale model of
payloads, besides the cargo, including, but not limited to: ALTINAY SUMRU.

46 - November 2019
Table 1. Technical Specifications of the Different Versions of ALTINAY ALBATROS
ALBATROS - 50 ALBATROS - 100 ALBATROS - 150
Take-off weight 195 kg 370 kg 630 kg
Payload 50 kg 100 kg 150 kg
Flying speed 65–85 km/h 70–95 km/h 70–95 km/h
Flying time 60 min 60 min 60 min
Flight distance 30 km 30 km 30 km
Flight altitude 10,000 ft 10,000 ft 10,000 ft
Operating temperature -20°C to +50°C -20°C to +50°C -20°C to +50°C
Number of motors 8 16 20

n Turret with a 5.56 mm MicroGun, fed by a flex-chute Table 2. Technical Specifications of ALTINAY SUMRU
n Two assault rifle turrets with magazine feeders,
Take-off weight 120 kg
operating independently of each other
n 25 rounds of 1.2 kg RİHAM (Roketsan’s UAV Ammunition) Flying speed 120 km/h
n 12 MARAGAY Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs),
Flying time >6 h
developed by Altınay
n Three VAŞAK UGVs, developed by Altınay Flight distance 80 km
Users can mix these payloads and cargo modules in any
Flight altitude 8,000 ft
configuration to meet their specific needs. For example,
a three-module ALTINAY ALBATROS can feature two Operating temperature -20°C to +50°C
cargo modules and one MicroGun. In addition, the two- or
Number of motors 4+1
three-module versions of ALTINAY ALBATROS, with their
respective 100 and 150 kg carrying capacities, can also be Wing span >5m
used for the transfer of the injured. A user that buys a
single UAV, in fact, obtains a platform that can perform
Table 3. Technical Specifications of ALTINAY KARTAL
many different tasks.
Take-off weight 40 kg
ALTINAY SUMRU Can Take Off from Payload 10 kg
Unprepared Runways
Altınay developed ALTINAY SUMRU as a UAV with vertical Flying speed 15 m/s
landing and take-off and efficient level flight capabilities, Flying time 25 min
eliminating the need for a prepared runway, while at the
same time having a long range. ALTINAY SUMRU is powered Flight distance 5 km
by four motors mounted on four separate arms that allow Flight altitude 3,000 m
vertical landing and take-off, but has also wings and a tail
propeller, like a regular fixed-wing aircraft, allowing also Operating temperature -20°C to +50°C
level flight. Number of motors 8
ALTINAY SUMRU, which takes off vertically like regular
multi-rotor UAVs, continues its flight using the fixed wing Wing span 1,400 mm
feature, ensuring an efficient flight. Once it has completed
its mission, it approaches the landing area and switches Table 4. Technical Specifications of ALTINAY DOĞAN
once again to its multi-rotor mode, performing a vertical
landing in the desired spot. In short, it flies as efficiently as Take-off weight 40 kg
a fixed-wing UAV, but can land on and take off without the Payload 10 kg
need for a long runway, like a multi-rotor UAV.
Flying speed 15 m/s
The maximum take-off weight of ALTINAY SUMRU is 120
kilograms, carrying a 40 kg payload and reaching altitudes Flying time 25 min
of 8,000 feet. Its maximum speed is 120 km/h. It can remain
Flight distance 5 km
aloft for six hours and fly a total of 80 km.
Flight altitude 3,000 m
UAV-Hunting UAV: ALTINAY KARTAL
Operating temperature -20°C to +50°C
ALTINAY KARTAL can be defined as a UAV that is equipped
for the hunting of other UAVs, can bring down other UAVs Weapon system KCR556 assault rifle
in the air through its integrated and stabilised net gun.
Number of motors 8
ALTINAY KARTAL, to which the thrown net is tethered, can
also capture the target UAV if requested by the operator. Wing span 1,400 mm

November 2019 - 47
MSI SPECIAL COVERAGE

Table 5. Technical Specifications of ALTINAY KIRLANGIÇ, ALTINAY BAYKUŞ and ALTINAY EBABİL
ALTINAY KIRLANGIÇ ALTINAY BAYKUŞ ALTINAY EBABİL
Configuration X4 Y6 Y6
Number of arms 4 3 3
Number of motors 4 6 6
Take-off weight 8 kg 8 kg 8 kg
Payload 1.2 kg 1.2 kg 1.2 kg
Flying speed 12 m/s - 12 m/s
Flying time 45 min Unlimited 45 min
Flight distance 8,000 m - 8,000 m
Maximum altitude * 3,000 m 3,000 m 3,000 m
Operating temperature -20°C to +50°C -20°C to +50°C -20°C to +50°C
Setup time <5 min <5 min <5 min

ALTINAY KARTAL weighs 40 kg and can carry UAVs weighing
up to 10 kg in this way. Although the net gun throws the net
at low speeds, the mass of the net creates a huge negative
momentum on ALTINAY KARTAL at the moment of firing.
Despite this force, which can be compared to the recoil of a
firearm, ALTINAY KARTAL is able to make accurate shots while
both itself and its target are on the move. It is powered by a
total of eight motors, mounted on its four arms. It is equipped
with independently operated flight and fire control cameras,
and has both day and infrared cameras, allowing it to carry out
missions at any time.
Altınay’s first firing tests with KARTAL have been completed
successfully. Speaking about ALTINAY KARTAL, Metin
Erdoğan, Business Development and Engineering Director at
Altınay, said: “In order to catch another UAV with a short-range
net gun, a UAV needs to get close to its target, and so a Hunter
UAV needs to have very high manoeuvrability, just like the air
superiority fighters, and we have achieved this with ALTINAY
KARTAL.”
30-cartridge magazine. Similar to ALTINAY KARTAL, it features
day and infrared flight cameras, a targeting camera that can
operate at the gun elevation angle, and a ballistic fire control
system. The most significant advantage of ALTINAY DOĞAN
over its competitors on the market is that its weapon system is
stabilised on two axes. These features allow ALTINAY DOĞAN
to fire at the targets it detects, having been designed for use in
armed reconnaissance missions.
Erdoğan summarised the most prominent aspects of ALTINAY
DOĞAN: “Similar UAVs in the sector are generally stabilised
only on the vertical axis. In order for these UAVs to aim at their
targets, their whole body must rotate. This is something that
can be performed only by a highly skilled and highly trained
UAV pilot. Similarly, since such UAVs have to be directed to
their targets completely, their engagement envelopes are
very limited, it is very difficult for them to fire at a target while
in motion. However, thanks to ALTINAY DOĞAN’s two-axis
stabilised weapon system, the operator can easily shoot at a
target moving in a completely different direction.”

Airborne Fire Support: ALTINAY DOĞAN ALTINAY KIRLANGIÇ Ready for Swarm
ALTINAY DOĞAN is basically the same platform as ALTINAY Operations
KARTAL, but instead of a net gun, it is equipped with a Altınay developed its KIRLANGIÇ UAV for swarm operations.
5.56-mm assault rifle turret. The assault rifle is fed from a ALTINAY KIRLANGIÇ, which was exhibited at TEKNOFEST

Currently, four ALTINAY According to Altınay, SUMRU is

KIRLANGIÇs can be deployed able to perform level flights more
in swarm operations. efficiently than its competitors in
the same class. Seen here is a 1:4
scale model of ALTINAY SUMRU.

48 - November 2019

© Altınay
Altınay’s UAVs can be controlled from the Ground Control Station container. The Station is incorporated with an Unmanned Vehicle Management System, a Digital Operation
Desk and a UAV Charging Station.
Istanbul, is based on the UAVs developed by the
company that have already entered the inventory.
Altınay has developed new algorithms for the swarm
operation of UAVs, and has worked on new sensors
that allow the UAVs to detect each other’s positions.
Currently, four ALTINAY KIRLANGIÇs can be controlled
from a single centre and can carry out their mission in a
concurrent and coordinated manner. Altınay emphasises
that studies may be conducted to increase the number of
platforms that can be deployed in swarm UAV operations,
resulting in various platforms carrying out swarm
missions together.
ALTINAY BAYKUŞ for Long-term
Surveillance Missions
Altınay developed BAYKUŞ for users who need their
UAVs to spend significant time in the air rather than
to fly long distances. ALTINAY BAYKUŞ, based on the
existing UAVs in the Altınay product range, is tethered
to a ground-based power source. Unlike other UAVs, it
is powered via a cable, and so needs no battery, and can
stay in the air for much longer periods of time. It can
be connected to a fixed power source on the ground or
integrated into a land vehicle. In the tests carried out to
The equipped net gun allows ALTINAY KARTAL
to hunt and bring down or capture other UAVs.
© Altınay
date, Altınay verified that the UAV can ascend
to an altitude of 100 metres above the power
source and can remain in the air for eight hours
without interruption.
The company’s next target for BAYKUŞ is to achieve
20 days of uninterrupted flight.
ALTINAY EBABİL Can Deploy 1.2 kg of
Ammunition
ALTINAY EBABİL has been developed to carry
ammunition and to drop it on the desired target. The
platform can perform a precise drop of 1.2 kg of unguided
ammunition onto a target with the help of electro-optical
imaging systems. The RİHAM, specially developed by
Roketsan for UAVs, has been integrated into ALTINAY
EBABİL, and is planned to be subjected to firing tests in
the near future. There is no detailed information about
RİHAM in open sources, but to make a comparison, it can
be said that 60-millimetre HE mortar shells weighing
1.5–2 kilograms, including the main charge and the
propellants, have an effective blast diameter of about
10 to 15 metres. From this perspective, ALTINAY EBABİL,
when carrying RİHAM ammunition, can be understood to
be a highly effective weapon system. u
ALTINAY EBABİL can drop the 1.2 kilograms of
unguided ammunition precisely on its target.
November 2019 - 49
MSI ADVERTORIAL

ARES AERO: Nero Industries’

Answer to Aerial Platforms’
Fire Suppression System Needs
Having achieved a 95 percent share of the Turkish market with the ARES Fire
Suppression System developed for military land vehicles, Nero Industries has turned
its experience to the development of customised ARES systems for air platforms.
ARES Systems Optimised for Air ARES AERO
Platforms Spherical
Extinguisher
The R&D activities carried out by Nero Industries
have led to the development of ARES AERO systems
for the engine compartments, crew cabins, landing

All Photographs: © Nero Industries

gear and cargo compartments of various helicopters
and aircraft. Nero has developed new components for
use in aerial platforms, although they are based on the
ARES systems components that have repeatedly proven
themselves on land vehicles operating under combat
conditions. These components are required to be in
compliance with aviation standards, including:
■ DO-160G Environmental Conditions and
Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment,
■ DO-254 Design Assurance Guidance for
Airborne Electronic Hardware, and
■ DO-178C Software Considerations in
Airborne Systems and Equipment
Certification.
These standards require certification works ARES AERO
for new components to begin at the design stage. Smoke Detector

50 - November 2019
Export-Oriented Strategy
Commenting on ARES AERO systems, Alican Ökçün,
Chairman of the Board of Nero Industries, says: “We
would like to transfer the experience we have gained in
the development of Fire Suppression Systems for land
platforms to the field of air platforms, and we want to
take a part, as the global manufacturer of unique Fire
Suppression Systems, in the air platforms.”

New Components on the Way

Nero’s R&D activities are focused on new type of
components, with the targeted outputs of these efforts
outlined below:
■ Fire Extinguishers for Air Platforms: The fire
extinguishers that are currently in use aboard land
platforms have a cylindrical structure, while those
to be used aboard air platforms are planned to be
spherical due to volumetric constraints.
■ Control Systems for Air Platforms: Developed for
land platforms, ARES Fire Suppression Systems act
quickly and automatically to extinguish fires. However,
on air platforms, having a fire suppression system
that operates automatically, independent of the pilot,
poses many risks. Therefore, ARES AERO systems are
developed in such a way that the decision to activate
the extinguisher is left to the pilot. Instead of deploying
automatically, the system will provide the pilot with
information about the detected fire in the fastest and
most ergonomic way, allowing the pilot to make a
healthy decision without having to cope
with any additional cognitive burden.
■ Detection Systems for Air Platforms: KNew sensors
that differ from those aboard land systems are being
developed specifically for ARES AERO. One such
system is the Leak Detector used in Bleed Air Systems
(systems that use high pressure air drawn from the
compressor of turbine engines to operate equipment
in different parts of the aircraft or helicopter). This
high-pressure air can reach temperatures of 2500C,
and can cause fire to in the event of a breach of the air
duct. One of the greatest challenges in the development
of new detectors is that due to the high temperatures
experienced in the turbine engines, the sensors being
developed must withstand temperatures of up to 2,0000F
(approximately 1,0930C). Thermal heat sensors in the
form of wires, as well as smoke detectors used for fire
detection in air platforms, have been developed with this
performance data in mind.
Meanwhile Standart Kontrol ve Test Hizmetleri, which
operates within the same group as Nero Industries,
providing independent testing services to the defence and
aerospace sector, is working to meet the requirements of
such aviation standards as DO-160G, DO-254 and DO-178C,
in parallel with its works on ARES AERO.
ARES systems are currently providing protection to over
2,000 platforms within the Turkish Armed Forces, the
General Command of Gendarmerie and the Turkish
National Police, and aside from the 95 percent market
share they hold in Turkey, these products are also
serving on the platforms of the security forces of 22
other countries. ◆

November 2019 - 51
 MSI ADVERTORIAL

All photographs © DIMDEX

DIMDEX 2018 attracted 13,000 visitors from 69 countries and witnessed the signing of more than 35 agreements, partnerships, and memorandums of understanding.

With Less than One Year to Go

until DIMDEX 2020, Demand
for Exhibition Space is High
Set to be bigger and more diverse than ever before, the seventh edition of the
Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (DIMDEX 2020)
will take place from 16 to 18 March 2020. With less than one year to go until key
decision makers from the maritime defence and security industry meet in Qatar
once again, DIMDEX organisers say that demand for exhibition space is high
and have already received requests for bookings for the upcoming edition.

H
eld under the patronage of His Highness the Emir of the
State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and
proudly hosted and organised by Qatar Armed Forces,
DIMDEX has grown each year since its launch in 2008 and is
now internationally recognised as a platform for businesses
from the global defence industry to showcase their latest
technologies to government entities and industry peers to
form new partnerships.
Focused on ‘Connecting the World’s Maritime Defence and
Security Community’, DIMDEX 2020 will bring together the
latest innovations and solutions under one roof. Participants
will have access to an established delegation management
system that offers a business matching service between the
official VIP delegations and DIMDEX exhibitors. Thought
leaders from around the globe will be sharing their expertise
at the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC)
and several international navies will display their warships
at Hamad Port.
Strongly supported by His Excellency, Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Dr Khalid
bin Mohamed Al-Attiyah, and the attendance of other Qatari
military officials and government representatives, DIMDEX
2020 will continue to offer unprecedented opportunities to its
participants. DIMDEX has a proven track record of delivering
commercial opportunities for members of the maritime
defence and security community. In 2018, it attracted 13,000
visitors from 69 countries and witnessed the signing of more
than 35 agreements, partnerships, and memorandums of
understanding.
With less than one year to go until DIMDEX 2020, a new
report by the Stockholm International Peace Research
Institute (SIPRI) shows that Qatar is ranked one of the top
importers of major arms in the region. In addition, global
defence spending – which reached a record of USD 1.78
trillion in 2018 – is expected to grow by 2% per year from
2019 to 2023 according to Jane’s Defence Budget.

52 - November 2019
Thought leaders from around the globe will be sharing their expertise at the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC).
In this context, DIMDEX 2020 is expected to attract record
numbers of exhibitors than in previous years. Organisers say
that a diverse range of prime suppliers and manufacturers are
requesting to book space, among which are new exhibitors in
growing areas of the defence industry like cybersecurity and
artificial intelligence, adding to the range of products
and technologies that will be showcased.
Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi S. Al-Ansari, Chairman of
DIMDEX, said: “The seventh edition of DIMDEX is set to be
one of the most exciting to date and we are seeing high levels
of interest from a wider range of industry players. It will
provide an opportunity for key decision makers to learn about
the latest industry trends and technologies, as nations
continue to invest in their militaries to maintain stability
and security. At DIMDEX 2020, I expect to see many new
developments in the cybersecurity field, which is an emerging
technology in the defence industry and an essential part of
the defence ecosystem.”
“Growing each year since its inception, DIMDEX has become
a firm fixture in the maritime defence and security industry
calendar and I look forward to welcoming delegates to Doha next
High-level officers also attend the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC).
year. Besides meeting with previous edition’s exhibitors,
I hope to see many new participants from a larger number
of countries as DIMDEX widens its offering and expands
into new areas.”
DIMDEX 2020 will serve as a platform for businesses
to network with high-level defence industry stakeholders
not only from Qatar but across the globe. Qatar’s increase in
military spending to record levels is likely to act as a draw
for deal-makers looking for new opportunities in the region.
Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi S. Al-Ansari concluded: “I very
much look forward to this landmark event, which promises
to deliver an outstanding experience for all.”
To find out more about the events and activities taking
place at DIMDEX 2020, please visit the event’s website at
www.dimdex.com. u
November 2019 - 53
MSI MESSAGE

All Photographs © Hemus-95 Foundation

Dear Readers,
Hemus-95 Foundation is one of the organizers of the
International Defence Equipment and Services Exhibition
Hemus (IDEE). We work closely with the Bulgarian Ministry
of Defence, Ministry for Economics, Ministry of Interior,
academia and universities, Bulgarian defence industry
and many other governmental and non-governmental
organizations from Bulgaria and abroad.
This biennial specialized exhibition was established in 1995
by a decision of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of
Bulgaria to be held in the last week of May at the traditional
International Fair Plovdiv venue. The 14th edition of our
exhibition, to be held in May 2020, marks 25 years of its
successful history. The event is held under the patronage of
the Minister of Defence and the Minister for Economics. As
the exhibition’s motto suggests, we focus on equipment and
services related to defence, antiterrorism and security and
Hemus 2020 will keep this main theme. However, during our
14th jubilee edition, we put a special accent on cyber security,
border security, strategic communications and unmanned
autonomous systems. Also, Hemus 2020 Domains and Subject
Sections were revised and broadened to include topics like
R&D, testing and evaluation, S&T, data management and
protection systems, social media monitoring and data analysis,
products and services related to the artificial intellect and
educational products and services as well. Traditionally, Hemus 2020 will be accompanied by number of
Likewise, Hemus 2020 will differ from its previous editions events, namely International Scientific Conference, Industrial
in some other aspects. For the first time, we give impetus Forum, Live Demonstrations and Live Firings.
and motives for start-up companies to join the event. The The previous edition of IDEE Hemus 2018 had marked the
Organizing Committee gives a new life of the tradition of most significant growth for the past 10 years. A total of 69
presenting the capabilities of the national defence industries companies and organizations from four continents were
or special branches in a National/Branch Pavilions. The represented. The number of visitors surpassed 2800 people.
possibilities for product positioning, advertising and promotion The event attracted extremely high international and national
have been enriched by adding number of new packages. At interest. The exhibition was attended by number of foreign
Hemus 2020, we are to increase the unique offer that Live VIP delegations, guests of the Bulgarian Minister of Defence.
Firings at Zmejovo Testing Range give to our exhibitors to The satisfaction survey of exhibitors and visitors showed that
demonstrate their products not only in static but also in over 80% of exhibitors and 90% of visitors were fully satisfied
dynamic and to show their fire power. Realizing how important and majority of them were able to realize their pre-set goals.
for our participants the business meeting are, we established Our readers may wish find more details about Hemus 2018
additional opportunities for organizing and conducting such
meetings and also opened new functionality at the exhibition’s
website which gives the opportunity to request meetings
with exhibitors, partners, potential customers, procurement
agencies and visitors/official delegation and vice versa.

54 - November 2019
at our website (https://www.hemusbg.org/about-us/hemus-
2018-post-event-overview).
For the forthcoming Hemus 2020, official VIP delegations
from 68 countries, 4 NATO agencies, the European Defence
Agency and the National Armament Directors of 32 countries
are invited. As for the exhibitors, the initial results of the
marketing campaign for Hemus 2020 are quite encouraging.
Comparing to the same period of the previous marketing
campaign in 2017, so far we have a 25% growth both for
exhibitors that already applied and those who had shown
their interest and are expected to join the exhibition soon.
This makes us to think positively about Hemus 2020 in
terms of VIP delegations, visitors and exhibitors.
Turkish defence and aerospace companies as a matter of
fact traditionally take part in IDEE Hemus and we expect
to host them at Hemus 2020. However, having in mind the
scope, size, strength and success of the Turkish defence
and aerospace industry worldwide, I think there is a great
potential, yet. Primary customers for our exhibitors are the
armed forces, the police force and the security forces from
Bulgaria and abroad. On the other hand we have a number
of ongoing investment projects with already allocated
budgets within the Central Budget such as:
n Acquisition of Core Combat Equipment for Establishing
Battalion Battle Groups within the Mechanized Brigades
and Acquisition of additional equipment for three
battalion battle groups;
n Acquisition of Multipurpose Patrol Vessel;
n Acquisition of a New Type of Multirole Fighter Aircraft;
n Establishment of Joint Operations Centre (JOC) for the
Joint Force Command (JFC);
n Acquisition of Lightweight Turboprop
Basic Trainer Aircraft
n Acquisition of New 3D Radars;
n Modernization of Class E-71 Frigates;
n Cyber Defence;
n Automated Information System of the Ministry of
Defence, the Bulgarian Armed Forces, Operational
and Tactical HQs.
All of them include also the necessary logistic support
during the entire life cycle of the equipment, training of the
personnel etc.
The implementation of the project “Acquisition of a New
Type of Multirole Fighter Aircraft” already started. Next
two primary projects are “Acquisition of Core Combat
Equipment for Establishing Battalion Battle Groups within
the Mechanized Brigades and Acquisition of additional
equipment for three battalion battle groups” and “Acquisition
of Multipurpose Patrol Vessel”. They are at advanced stage industry would like to show its capabilities in a national
so far. The rest of the projects are at stage market research pavilion, we are to offer our special conditions for this.
and assessment of the results. And finally, I would like to use this opportunity to send my
In my opinion, Turkish defence and aerospace industry, cordial greetings to all MSI TDR readers as well as to invite to
which is making a significant progress in enhancing its high the Jubilee Hemus 2020 everyone who would like to visit the
technology capabilities, has its big chances in becoming event and/or to present its defence products and services. All
supplier for its customers in Bulgaria. of you are very welcome! For full details and how to apply you
On Hemus 2020 behalf, a platform like this event gives may visit our website at www.hemusbg.org
a unique opportunity for presenting the advantages of Also, you may see or follow us in LinkedIn, searching for
the Turkish defence and aerospace industry’s products Hemus IDEE.
and services not only in a static display but also in live
demonstrations of mobility and functionality and firepower Rear Admiral (Ret) Nikolay Nikolov
as well. And in case that Turkish defence and aerospace Chairman of the Governing Board of Hemus-95 Foundation

November 2019 - 55
MSI DEFENCE NEWS
ASELSAN Recruited 1,134 New Personnel
in the First Nine Months of 2019
A SELSAN, whose order book stood
at $10 billion as of September 2019,
is expanding its workforce of engineers
and technicians to ensure it can fulfil
these orders, and announced the hiring
of 1,134 new employees in the first nine
months of 2019.
According to the related press release,
issued on October 1, 70 percent of the
new employees are engineers and 25
ASELSAN Inaugurates a Local Production
Facility in Ukraine
A SELSAN announced on October 10 that it
had opened the doors of a local production
facility in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine.
ASELSAN has been delivering software
defined tactical radios to the Armed
Forces of Ukraine since 2017. In line with the
friendly relations between Ukraine and Turkey
as allies, and in compliance with the needs
of Ukraine’s long-term needs, the production
of ASELSAN radios will start in Ukraine.
ASELSAN aims to expand the production
percent are technicians, including
26 employees with PhD degrees
and 144 with graduate degrees.
It was also shared in the press
release that 20 corporate
executives were retired, making
room for the creation of a more
efficient organisational structure
and speeding up the decision-
making processes. u
© ASELSAN
capacity of the facility in time, in
line with the nature and quantity
of Ukraine’s needs.
In other news, on October 9 the
company signed an agreement with
SpetsTechnoExport (STE), Ukraine’s
state-run defence entity, for the sale
of software defined military radios
valued at some $6 million to meet a
military communications need of
the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. u
© ASELSAN
 MSI DEFENCE NEWS
HAVELSAN and STM to Cooperate with NATO
Communications and Information Agency in Cyber Security
© NCI Agency
H AVELSAN and STM have signed Industrial Cooperation
Agreements with the NATO Communications and
Information (NCI) Agency in the field of cyber security.
According to information provided on the NCI Agency
website, the agreements were signed on October
17 during the NATO Information Assurance Symposium
(NIAS) held in Belgium. With the recent signatures,
the number of companies that have partnered with
the NCI Agency in this field has increased to 23.
Commenting on the issue, Kevin J. Scheid, General
Manager of the NCI Agency, said: “These critical
agreements contribute to maintaining NATO’s strong
security posture, enabling us to get and share the
information we need to protect NATO networks. Cyber
threats evolve at a rapid pace, and we must be prepared
to communicate quickly and effectively with each other.
It’s great to see our network expanding and reaching
different parts of the Alliance.”
Ahmet Hamdi Atalay, General Manager and CEO of
HAVELSAN, stated that under this agreement, the NCI
Agency and other members will cooperate in improving
each other’s cyber security capabilities and taking
measures to counter cyber threats, and added:
© NCI Agency
58 - November 2019
“There is a need for the NCI Agency and HAVELSAN to
cooperate more. This agreement will contribute to the
development of a technological roadmap for possible
collaborations in the future that may be implemented
to support NATO’s operational military requirements.”
Murat İkinci, General Manager of STM, emphasised
the following points in his statement: “As adversaries
increase their capabilities in cyberspace and attack
surface expands on a daily basis, collaboration
among allies becomes crucial and inevitable to
defend our systems and values. We believe that this
agreement will not only provide our company with
an excellent opportunity to contribute to Alliance’s
cybersecurity posture but also assist STM in
improving its capacity to develop more
effective and efficient cybersecurity solutions.”
The NATO Industrial Cooperation Agreement
provides for the rapid sharing of unclassified
technical information and data on cyber threats,
and this shared information is monitored 24/7 by
the NCI Agency to further enhance NATO’s posture
against cyber threats, while also being integrated
into the detection and prevention processes.
 Support Granted for ASPİLSAN Energy’s
Project for Aviation and Rail System Batteries
A s practically the sole supplier of military
batteries to the Turkish Armed Forces
(TAF), ASPİLSAN Energy continues to
of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation,
has been included in the 2019 Feasibility
Support Programme by the Central Anatolian
undersign significant R&D projects in the field Development Agency (ORAN). The project
of civil aviation and rail transportation. The support agreement was signed by Ferhat
“Project for a Technology Development and Özsoy, General Manager of ASPİLSAN
Production Centre for Aviation and Rail System Energy, and Ahmet Emin Kilci, Secretary
Batteries” of ASPİLSAN Energy, a subsidiary General of ORAN, on October 22.
© ASPİLSAN Energy

Minister Varank Visits BMC’s

Production Facility
© BMC

Minister Varank tests the AMAZON 4x4 Multi-Purpose

Armoured Vehicle with Remote Control System.

M ustafa Varank, Minister of Industry

and Technology, visited BMC’s
facilities in Pınarbaşı, Izmir on October
10. During his visit, Minister Varank was
briefed by Taha Yasin Öztürk, Member
of the Board of BMC, on the activities
of the company.
Minister Varank toured BMC’s production
facilities, which have been modernised
with the addition of high technologies,
taking time to chat with BMC employees
and examining the production systems
in detail. Minister Varank was then given
the opportunity to test the Neocity 10 M
Electric City Bus and the AMAZON 4x4
Multi-Purpose Armoured Vehicle with
Remote Control System. He also got
behind the wheel of the tank transporter
developed by BMC, and finally drove and
provided his signature to the TULGA
that was exhibited for the first time at
TEKNOFEST Istanbul ’19.

November 2019 - 59
MSI DEFENCE NEWS
Potential Collaborations Discussed during
GES Engineering’s Visit to CNK Aerostructural Assembly
© GES Engineering
Left to right: Serhat Demir, Founding Partner of GES Engineering; Handan Özdemir, General Manager of CNK
Aerostructural Assembly; Arzu Baytar, Chairman of the Board of GES Engineering; and Gökay Yaşar, Founding
Partner of GES Engineering
ASELSAN Grants Certificate of
Appreciation to HARP Defence for its
Support in Indigenisation Works
H ARP Defence
received Certificate
of Appreciation for its
support of ASELSAN’s
indigenisation efforts
and for its successful
cooperation. The
certificate was
presented on October
31 in Ankara during
the Efficiency &
Technology Fair
2019, being handed
to Mehmet Yener,
Founder and Technical
Director of HARP
Defence, by Prof.
Dr. Haluk Görgün,
Chairman of the
Board of Directors
& CEO of ASELSAN.
HARP Defence was
established in 2017
to offer solutions,
ranging from advanced
technological products
to design services,
60 - November 2019
to companies
operating in various
fields, including the
defence and aerospace
sector. Founded by
a team with broad
experience in the
defence and aerospace
sector in the fields
of computer aided
design and computer
aided engineering,
HARP Defence stands
out as a company
that is competent in
3D design; structural
analyses such as static,
shock, vibration and
acceleration analyses;
and electronics cooling
techniques based on
computational fluid
dynamics (CFD), and
that has the experience
and knowledge to
provide a one-stop
solution in all such
G ES Engineering visited CNK
Aerostructural Assembly’s
Ankara facilities on October
21. During their visit, Arzu Baytar,
Chairman of the Board of GES
Engineering, and Serhat Demir
and Gökay Yaşar, Founding
Partners of the company,
discussed many important
issues with Handan Özdemir,
General Manager of CNK
Aerostructural Assembly.
One of the most important items on
the agenda during the visit was the
potential cooperation between the
two companies, and it was decided
that CNK Aerostructural Assembly
personnel will visit GES Engineering’s
facilities in the very near future.
The GES Engineering family
continues to grow. As of October,
the company has 90 employees,
including 29 engineers.
© HARP Defence
fields. The company,
also has extensive
experience in the field
of mechanical design,
and has carried out
many collaborations
with ASELSAN since
its establishment.
Recently, it has also
taken significant steps
toward productisation
and has diversified the
solutions it offers to
the sector.
ASELSAN has to
date signed Strategic
Cooperation
© HARP Defence
Agreements with the
13 approved suppliers
that it has deemed
appropriate following
a series of evaluations.
Together with these 13
suppliers, the number
of ASELSAN’s strategic
partners in this field
has reached 36.
November 2019 - 61
MSI DEFENCE NEWS

GES Engineering Unveils for the

© GES Engineering
First Time its Fire Suppression
System in Bahrain
W ith the Automatic Fire Suppression System (AFSS)
it showcased for the first time at BIDEC 2019, GES
Engineering is preparing to introduce an innovative solution
once again. The company participated at the event that was
held on October 28–30 in Bahrain, with an aim to introduce
its products to the attendees, in particular from the Gulf
countries and Pakistan. GES Engineering officials stated
that they have achieved their goals during the event and
that they had more than 20 business meetings with various
companies, including those operating in Pakistan, Saudi
Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. Stating that
they hosted delegations from Malaysia, Bahrain, Pakistan,
Oman, Egypt and Indonesia at their stand, company officials
also noted that the export of this system is a top priority for
them, as part of the company’s general strategies. Other
products showcased by GES Engineering at the event were
blower fans, cooling fans, smart smoke grenade launchers
and linear actuators.
Having established a partnership with the Italy-based
MARTEC for the marketing of its Fire Suppression
System in both domestic and international markets,
GES Engineering has also started to work for the
indigenisation of the system. The production of all
electronic and mechanical subcomponents of the system
and the necessary changes/revisions in accordance with
projects, as well as the sales of the products, will be which pyrotechnic valves are used are disposable
carried out by a joint venture to be established in Turkey and cannot be tested because they contain explosive
by GES Engineering and MARTEC. Designed to detect and chemicals, Serhat Demir, Co-Founder of GES
suppress fires in the vehicle in less than 250 milliseconds Engineering, said: “There are reusable electromagnetic
per STANAG 4317 (Edition 3), the system minimises valves in the system, for which we as GES Engineering
the incendiary effect particularly from any rockets and have recently launched indigenisation efforts. Thus, each
missiles targeting the vehicle, thus ensures the life safety component of the system, including the valves, is fully
of personnel as well as preventing any major damage to tested before delivery to the customer; and it is ensured
the vehicle. The most important feature that distinguishes that the system will run when needed.”Accelerating its
the product from its competitors is that at first the activities for the promotion of the Fire Suppression
subcomponents of the product, such as sensors, valves, System to domestic and foreign military vehicle
tubes (cylinders) and electronic control box, and then manufacturers and end users, GES Engineering is
the final state of the entire system are fully tested before continuing negotiations with various companies for
delivery for use. Stressing that especially the systems in the first sale of the products in Turkey.
© GES Engineering

GES Engineering displayed in its stand the various

components of the Automatic Fire Suppression System.

62 - November 2019

Record Participation at BİAS Engineering’s User Conference
B İAS User Conference 2019, where the users of
BİAS Engineering’s Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE)
software also made presentations, was held on October 3–4
in Istanbul. Hosting over 260 participants, the conference
broke its own attendance record.
Among the participants at the conference were
representatives from many sectors, including those of
defence, aerospace and automotive, as well as academicians
© BİAS Engineering
from the relevant areas of expertise. The agenda of the
conference included R&D studies conducted through the use
of CAE software and testing/measurement systems. BİAS
Engineering, which offers its services to a wide range of
users in many sectors, primarily those of defence, aerospace
and automotive, organises this biannual event to serve as a
platform for the announcement and evaluation of the latest
developments in engineering softwares.

Sarsılmaz Delivers Over 2,000 Units of SAR223P

T he Presidency of

© MSI TDR
Defence Industries (SSB)
announced on October 25 that
Sarsılmaz had completed the
delivery of more than 2,000
SAR223P infantry rifles to
the security forces.
Through its design and
production efforts, Sarsılmaz
continues to meet the needs
of the security forces in the
field. The 5.56x45 millimetre
SAR223P is already serving
in the institutions operating
Technical Specifications of SAR223P
under the Ministry of Interior.
Designed and developed Barrel diameter (mm) 5.56x45
by Sarsılmaz, the rifle was Mode of operation Fully automatic - Single fire
exhibited for the first time Length (mm) 900 with butt extended / 820 with butt retracted
at IDEF’19. With the final Barrel length (mm) 370
delivery, the number of
Barrel type 6 spiral grooves set
indigenously produced
Weight (without magazine, gr) 3,515
5.56 millimetre infantry
rifles in the inventory of Muzzle velocity (m/s) 875
the security forces has Cyclic rate 820–900
come to exceed 43,500. Magazine capacity 30

November 2019 - 63
 MSI DEFENCE NEWS
Gendarmerie Aviation School Command Gains
More Power with Graduates of 2019
© MSI TDR / Onur Kurç – Tayfun Yaşar
T he Graduation Ceremony for those
who had passed the 2019 Basic Pilot
and Technician Courses of Gendarmerie
Aviation School Command was held
on October 11 at the Gendarmerie
Aviation Command campus in General
Eşref Bitlis Barracks Command in
Güvercinlik, Ankara.
Among the attendees of the
ceremony were Süleyman Soylu,
Minister of Interior; Mehmet Ersoy,
Deputy Minister of Interior; General
Arif Çetin, Commander of the Turkish
Gendarmerie Forces; Brigadier
General Ali Doğan, Gendarmerie
Aviation Commander; Rear Admiral
(Lower Half) Ahmet Kendir, Commander
of the Turkish Coast Guard; Uygar
Elmastaşı, Head of the Aviation
Department of the Turkish National
Police, as well as many officers,
64 - November 2019
bureaucrats and families of graduates.
The ceremony opened with a moment
of silence and the National Anthem,
and continued with a speech delivered
by Brigadier General Doğan, who also
gave awards to the Command’s best-
performing students. Minister Soylu
delivered a speech, and the ceremony
ended after the presentation of the
graduation certificates to the officers
and non-commissioned officers who
had completed the course.
The training courses delivered at
Gendarmerie Aviation School Command
aim to train pilots and technicians in the
use of modern aviation technologies and
methods, fit for the needs of the time,
and to let them make the appropriate
decisions and perform the tasks
expected from them in the best
possible manner.
Among the graduates of the training
courses were:
n 10 Gendarmerie Lieutenants,
who graduated as rotary-wing
pilots after a total of 869 hours
of ground training and 1,320
hours of flight training,
n 21 Gendarmerie Lieutenants,
who graduated as fixed-wing
pilots after a total of 620 hours
of ground training and 3,941
hours of flight training,
n four Gendarmerie Maintenance
Lieutenants and 31 Gendarmerie
Technician Staff Sergeant, who
graduated as fixed- and rotary-wing
aircraft technicians after a total of
904 hours of ground training and
464 hours of practical maintenance
training, as well as three periods
of flight training.
© MSI TDR / Onur Kurç – Tayfun Yaşar
İNDES Targets to Increase
Exports through DEİK
Membership
S tanding out with its mechanical and electromechanical
design capabilities, İNDES became a member of the
Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEİK) in
October, through which it hopes to increase its presence
in the export sector. İNDES has therefore become one of the
few defence and aerospace companies represented at DEİK,
which offers numerous opportunities to Turkish companies in
the establishment of business contacts abroad, and has thus
put forth its export vision.
Offering turn-key services to the defence and aerospace sector
in design, manufacture, assembly, installation and integration,
the company has served as a solution partner in many projects
conducted by prime contractors, while also developing
indigenous products of its own. The company’s solutions in this
area have been in use in Turkey for some time. The main fields
of activity of the company are:
n Design of Mechanical and Electromechanical Units,
Systems and Special Purpose Test Systems
n Modular and Mobile Hybrid Energy Generation
and Storage Systems
n Border Security and Surveillance Systems
n Flight Line Transport/Loading and Ground
Support Equipment
n Heating/Cooling Units and Air-Conditioning Systems
The company is now seeking to further develop and expand
its capabilities, indigenous products and projects through
new collaborations, and to reinforce its successes to date.
© İNDES

November 2019 - 65
 MSI DEFENCE NEWS
Meteksan Defence’s Retinar PTR-X Perimeter Surveillance
Radar Commissioned at Antalya Airport
© MSI TDR
Sectoral Cooperation and Qualified Workforce to be Discussed
at TSSK’s 7th Project Market and Cooperation Summit
T he 7th Project Market and Cooperation Summit will be held
by the Teknokent Defence Industry Cluster (TSSK) under
the auspices of the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), and
in cooperation with the Ankara Chamber of Industry (ASO), the
Defence and Aerospace Industry Manufacturers Association
(SaSaD), METU and METU TEKNOKENT. The event will take
place on February 5, 2020 at the METU Culture and Convention
Centre, where the main theme of the event, to which MSI TDR is
contributing as the official publication and media sponsor, will
be Sectoral Cooperation and Qualified Workforce. The event is
expected to see many exchanges of ideas and collaborations,
as has been the case in previous years.
The summit will begin with the opening speeches, including
those by representatives of the Gold and Silver Sponsors, and will
continue with a speech by an invited speaker. Following these
speeches, panels on Sectoral Cooperation and Qualified Workforce
will be held. On the sidelines of the event, an exhibition area, where
companies will be able to open stands, will be open to visitors all
66 - November 2019
© Meteksan Defence
day long. Furthermore, a meeting area will be prepared to facilitate
B2B meetings, thus laying the foundations for new collaborations.
The event aids large, medium and small scale companies in the
defence and aerospace sector in:
n establishing and enhancing relationships
and communications with each other,
n carrying out more joint projects,
n increasing the number of indigenous
products, solutions and services,
n using industrial resources effectively,
n the planning of new investments accurately, and
n opening up to international markets through increased exports.
Having been organised regularly since 2010, Project Market events
have seen over 250 company stands, more than 2,300 bilateral
meetings and around 5,000 visitors. The 6th Project Market,
which was organised by the TSSK on February 25, 2019, was
attended by more than 900 visitors, with 55 company stands
erected in the foyer area.
November 2019 - 67
 MSI DEFENCE NEWS
Öner Tekin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SaSaD,
Visits the New Office of MSI TDR as the First Official Guest
© MSI TDR
Öner Tekin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SaSaD, and Ümit Bayraktar, Publisher & Managing Editor of MSI TDR
A s the reference publication of the
Turkish defence and aerospace
sector since its establishment in
2004, MSI TDR hosted Öner Tekin,
Chairman of the Board of Directors
of the Defence and Aerospace Industry
Manufacturers Association (SASAD),
who became the first official guest of
the new offices.
During the visit on October 15, Tekin
stated that since SaSaD represents the
Turkish defence and aerospace sector
in every platform, the visit was of special
importance, and expressed his happiness
at being the first official visitor to the
office in his capacity as representative
of the SaSad members. During the
visit, Tekin received information from
Ümit Bayraktar, Publisher & Managing
Editor of MSI TDR, about the works of
the magazine, and stated that he hoped
the new offices of MSI TDR would be
beneficial for the future of the sector.
Tekin thanked Ümit Bayraktar and
his team for their contributions to the
promotion of the sector, and for their
efforts aimed at increasing its brand
value, both in Turkey and abroad. Stating
that the activities of MSI TDR during the
last 15 years had been significant for the
sector, Tekin expressed his wishes for
68 - November 2019
the continuation of
these successful
works in the coming
years. During
the visit, various
other issues on
the agenda of
the sector were
discussed, including
the granting of
additional special
discounts to SaSaD
member companies
for the promotional
services offered by
MSI TDR.
MSI TDR, which
© MSI TDR
has been reflecting
the status of the
Turkish defence and
aerospace sector for the last 15 years, interest in the sector. In its 15th year,
started to operate out of its new offices MSI TDR is continuing its investments to
as of last month. Keeping a finger on improve both its human resources and
the pulse of the sector with both Turkish its infrastructure. MSI TDR has raised
and English publications, MSI TDR is the level of the services it provides with
expanding its audience, which today its new offices, its growing workforce,
ranges from procurement authorities to and its new solutions, which are shaped
end users, from diplomatic missions in according to the needs of the sector.
Turkey to foreign institutions, and from It will continue to fulfil the requirements
national and international companies to of the responsibility it has taken on as
universities, and many others with an the reference publication of the sector.
 © MSI TDR
Prof. Dr. Mahmut Faruk
Akşit, President and CEO
of TEI, also Appointed as
Chairman of the Board
of Directors
A ccording to an announcement made by TEI on
October 22, Prof. Dr. Mahmut Faruk Akşit, President
and CEO of the company, has also taken up the position
of Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Prof. Dr. Akşit, who was appointed President and CEO of
TEI in December 2013, is also the Chairman of the Board
of Directors of the Eskişehir Aviation Cluster (ESAC).

On behalf of MSI TDR, we wish Prof. Dr. Mahmut

Faruk Akşit every success in his new position. u

SEMPRO Brings together CM2-Ps, as the Professionals of

New Generation Configuration Management in Turkey
A n event was organised in Ankara
on October 17 by SEMPRO to
congratulate those who had recently
completed their CM2-09 training, and
who had been awarded the title CM2
Professional (CM2P). At the event, it was
agreed to establish a platform that would
bring together the CM2Ps in Turkey under
the leadership of SEMPRO to increase
awareness of CM2 in Turkey.
A total of 10 people from Çekirdek
Bilişim, HAVELSAN and Roketsan
participated in the CM2-09 training,
held on October 7–9. Accordingly, the
number of people, who have reached the
level of CM2P has been increased to 28,
including 18 who participated in previous
SEMPRO training courses.
Giving information to MSI TDR about CM2,
Semiha Yaşar, Founder of SEMPRO, said:
“The CM2 model, which can be defined
as a New Generation Configuration
Management approach, attracts great
interest of defence and aerospace
companies in particular. Thanks to the
training courses we have been delivering
for about five years, we have managed to
bring the CM2 awareness up to a certain
level in Turkey. These CM2 training
courses represent the first step in the
journey of companies to achieve process
excellence. In order for companies to
fully implement this model and to develop
excellent processes, the knowledge
transferred in CM2 training courses needs
to be reinforced with field experience and
hands-on workshops. It is at this point that
the SemproConX19 event, which we will
hold in November, comes to the fore.”
SemproConX19, to be organised by
SEMPRO on November 18–19 with
international participation, will host in
Ankara many experienced faces engaged
in product and configuration management.
The event will focus on business
excellence and digital transformation,
with various names who are considered
doyens in their respective fields, many of
whom work in the giants of the sector, will
be sharing their experiences with Turkey.
The conference will allow for discussions
about the CM2 method in process
excellence, and about the use
of PLM applications in digitalisation, and
will feature both Turkish and foreign
speakers from companies such as ASML,
Arçelik, CIMdata, FNSS, Sub-Zero,
HAVELSAN, IPX, ASML, Nurol Makina,
ROKETSAN, TEI and TÜBİTAK SAGE. The
SemproConX19 Conference will be held
on November 20–22, and will feature
parallel training sessions on CM2 and
PLM, as well as hands-on workshops.
© MSI TDR

November 2019 - 69
 MSI DEFENCE NEWS

SEMPRO Visits MSI TDR at its New Offices

All Photographs © MSI TDR

Left to right: Naile Bayraktar, News Editor and General Coordinator at MSI TDR; Semiha Yaşar, Founder of SEMPRO; and Ümit Bayraktar, Publisher & Managing Editor of MSI TDR

S EMPRO, a company standing out with

the training and consultancy services
it provides to the sector, from visited the
new offices of MSI TDR on October
30. The SEMPRO team included
Semiha Yaşar, Founder of SEMPRO,
along with Betül Tekince, Administrative
Affairs Manager, and Ezgi Kalaycıoğlu,
Project Manager.
During the visit, an exemplary study was
carried out via MSI TDR, regarding a new
consultancy service focused on Corporate
Transformation that SEMPRO is preparing The SEMPRO team delivers training to MSI TDR employees.
to offer the defence and aerospace sector.
As part of this service, which is planned
to shed light on the future of the sector,
MSI TDR employees were provided
training in the corporate management
of the products and services provided by
companies, and in the provision of the
necessary infrastructure for digitalisation.
Speaking about their visit, Semiha Yaşar,
Founder of SEMPRO, said: “Nowadays,
rather than being a method used only
to achieve higher quality and more SEMPRO and MSI TDR teams.
efficient work, as in previous years, In response, Ümit Bayraktar, Publisher international companies to universities,
institutionalisation has become a & Managing Editor of MSI TDR, said: “As and many others with an interest in the
necessity for sustaining one’s presence in MSI TDR, we have been trying to reflect sector. In this process, the promotion
the sector, and digitalisation is the most the status of the Turkish defence and of the Turkish defence and aerospace
important infrastructural instrument aerospace sector since our establishment sector in an accurate and high-quality
to this end. We, however, see a lack of in 2004. Keeping a finger on the pulse of manner has always been our priority,
institutionalisation and digitalisation, even the sector with both Turkish and English and we have tried to improve ourselves
among the major players in the defence publications, MSI TDR is expanding in terms of defence sector publishing.
and aerospace sector, which pioneers its audience, which today ranges from The steps we have taken by undertaking
many sectors. With this new service we procurement authorities to end users, training and consultancy services
have designed, we want to shed light on from diplomatic missions in Turkey to from SEMPRO are indicative of our
the future of the sector.” foreign institutions, and from national and determination in this regard.”

70 - November 2019
November 2019 - 71
 MSI DEFENCE NEWS
© SSB
Representatives from the Sector and Public Institutions
Meet at the Public National Cyber Security Summit
T he Public National Cyber Security Summit, organised by the
Turkish Cyber Security Cluster under the auspices of the
Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), with the aim of bringing
together members of the cluster and IT representatives
from public institutions, was held in Ankara on October
3, with the participation of over 200 representatives of 80
public institutions, including the Presidency, and around 400
representatives of cluster members. The summit saw panels
and presentations on the development of a national cyber
security ecosystem, and 50 cluster members opened stands.
In his opening speech, Mustafa Murat Şeker, Vice President
of Defence Industries, mentioned the importance of using
indigenous cyber security products, especially in the public
sector. Mustafa Özçelik, Group Head of the Cyber Security and
Information Systems Group at the SSB, gave information to the
participants about the activities of the cluster over the last year,
and detailed the progress in the development of an ecosystem.
At the summit, in a panel organised with the participation of
IT representatives from the Ministry of National Defence, the
Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD),
© SSB
72 - November 2019
Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) and Turkish Airlines,
such issues as the cyber security sector in Turkey, the
perspective of public institutions about indigenous cyber
security products, as well as the needs for and expectations
from indigenous products. In a second panel organised with
the participation of members of the Turkish Cyber Security
Cluster, the domestic manufacturers’ experiences regarding
sales to public institutions, as well as their expectations
from public institutions, were evaluated. In another
panel, organised with the participation of representatives
from TRTEST, TÜBİTAK, the SSB and Istanbul University,
testing and certification studies were addressed from
the perspectives of manufacturers, test institutions and
requesting authorities.
The summit continued with the introduction of the National
Cyber Security Platform developed by the Turkish Cyber
Security Cluster, and ended after a presentation entitled
National Communication Infrastructure with Improved
Security in Public given by Dr. Metin Balcı, CEO of
Ulak Communications.
M any companies from
the defence and
aerospace sector have been
Defence and Aerospace Companies
Top R&D Expenditures
listed in the “R&D 250”
survey, which ranks Turkish Share of Number Planned R&D
2018 R&D
companies in terms of their Rank Company R&D from of R&D Expenditures in
Expenditures (₺) Turnover
R&D spending. (%) Personnel 2019 (₺)
The survey considered
1 ASELSAN 2.162.839.458,0 24 4140 -
the 2018 expenditures
of companies on R&D, 2 Turkish Aerospace 1.575.962.278,43 26 2167 1.733.558.000,00
and was carried out by
Turkishtime based on data 4 Roketsan 512.109.199,00 25 1045 1.082.081.021,00
from different sources,
including information from 7 Otokar 328.546.000,00 33,37 544 154.499.000,00
the export list prepared
by the Turkish Exporters’ 9 HAVELSAN 302.391.497,96 22 1015 380.000.000,0
Assembly (TİM), statements
by companies registered 12 TEI 167.999.251,00 9,7 605 846.032.637,00
on Borsa Istanbul made
on the Public Disclosure 13 FNSS 156.997.281,00 0,09093 346 210.000.000,0
Platform (KAP) and reports
submitted to the “R&D 250” 20 STM 85.522.022,77 3 181 160.202.811,00
survey by companies with
29 Anadolu Isuzu 39.534.073,00 3 99 -
R&D centres approved by
the Ministry of Industry and
32 KAREL Electronics 37.332.135,00 6 - 46.665.000,00
Technology.
The sectoral companies that
47 Nurol Makina 26.043.776,37 4,66 94 30.000.000,00
were listed in the top 50 are
given below, along with their 48 Alp Aviation 25.638.611,17 4 137 47.000.000,00
R&D expenditures:

DEFENCE IN BRIEF…
October 1 the serial production stage of the system
Turkish Air Force has taken delivery of over 100 LGK-82s, would start soon.
t

which feature high fixed/moving target precision-strike, Three ANKA Armed UAVs manufactured by Turkish
t

low collateral damage and post-firing target Aerospace, one of which was integrated with synthetic
change capabilities. aperture radar, were delivered to the TNFC.

October 2 October 17
STM ThinkTech published its new Cyber Threat
t

Mustafa Varank, Minister of Industry and Technology,

t

and Khaled Nasser Abdullah Al-Roudan, Kuwaiti Minister Status Report covering the July–September 2019 period.
of Commerce and Industry, visited Nurol Makina where The report included warnings against the risks posed to
they received information about EJDER YALÇIN while states and societies through the transformation into
examining the vehicle. cyber threats, of personal data shared on the Internet.
Yonca-Onuk Shipyard handed over the sixth MRTP12 Fast
t

Patrol Boat to Turkish Naval Forces Command (TNFC). October 21

Over 130 Roketsan MAM-L and MAM-C smart
t

October 3 munitions were delivered to the security forces.

Developed by HAVELSAN to increase combat readiness
t

levels in pilots and to reduce training costs within the October 22

scope of the T129 ATAK Helicopter Simulator Project, Baykar completed the delivery of BAYRAKTAR TB2
t

the National Tactical Environment Simulation was UAVs to Ukrainian Air Force Command. The company
delivered to the Turkish Land Forces. had signed a contract with Ukraine for the export of
six BAYRAKTAR TB2s and three Ground Control Stations.
October 12
The HİSAR-A Low Altitude Air Defence Missile System October 25
t

developed indigenously by ASELSAN and Roketsan With the latest deliveries by Nurol Makina, the number
t

under the coordination of the SSB successfully destroyed of EJDER YALÇIN 4x4 Armoured Combat Vehicles in the
the target in the final system tests. SSB announced that inventory has exceeded 360.

November 2019 - 73
MSI AROUND THE WORLD

U.S. Special Operations Command’s Sailors

Also to be Equipped with Gentex Helmets

G entex, a manufacturer of personal
protection systems, announced on
October 11 that it had entered into an
agreement with U.S. Special Operations
Command (USSOCOM) for the supply of the
FTHS Coxswain Helmet System. The five-
year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity
(IDIQ) Firm Fixed Price (FFP) production
contract carries a maximum value of
$95 million. The system comprises the
Ops-Core FAST FTHS Carbon Composite
Helmet with modular Ops-Core
accessories, including:
n Visors
n NVG Snap Shields
n FAST Ballistic and Carbon Composite
Mandibles
n FAST Low-Profile Ballistic Appliques
Kask sistemi, komutanlık envanterindeki
© Gentex
The helmet system will be used
by operators of various surface
platforms in the inventory of
USSOCOM. Gentex Corporation
has been supplying products to
USSOCOM since its establishment
in 1987. In May, the company was
awarded contracts by the same
user for the provision of various
ballistic and non-ballistic
helmet systems.
In 2017, Gentex established a joint
venture in Turkey with local company
Norbo, which has been active in the
Turkish defence sector for 17 years,
and the resulting company, Gentex-
Norbo, has since been engaged in
the development of personal
protection technologies. u

© Airbus
Airbus A400M
Breaks its Own
Record with a
Dispatch of 80
Paratroopers on
a Single Pass
A irbus announced on October
7 that the A400M cargo aircraft
has completed the certification
flight tests for the dispatch of
80 paratroopers from its side
doors on a single pass. The test
was carried out in coordination
with the French General
Directorate of Armament (DGA)
and the French and Belgian
Armed Forces. During the tests,
40 paratroopers jumped from each
side door. Over the course of the
same certification flight tests,
58 paratroopers were successfully
deployed from a single side door,
which is the maximum number
possible for a single door on
the A400M. The success of the
platform in the tests marks
another milestone on the aircraft’s
road to achieving full operational
functionality. The test phrase
involved 564 jumps across
nine flights. u

74 - November 2019

Sikorsky RAIDER X
Bell and Sikorsky Continue to Compete in
the New US Attack Helicopter Project
I n October, Bell and Sikorsky
introduced the new helicopters they
are developing for the Future Attack
Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA)
program of the US Army. The
proposed platforms were introduced
with 3D images by Bell for the 360
Invictus on October 2, and by Sikorsky
for the RAIDER X on October 14.
The Bell 360 Invictus features a
relatively more traditional design.
Its single main rotor enables the
helicopter to perform both lifting
and basic manoeuvres, while stub
wings mounted at the centre of the
fuselage provide additional lift at high
speeds. The helicopters armaments
can be concealed within the fuselage
or integrated onto the stub wings.
Another interesting technical feature
of the helicopter is its Supplemental
Power Unit (SPU), which functions both
as a secondary engine in emergency
situations and as an auxiliary power
unit. As an additional advantage, Bell
offers the 360 Invictus as an aircraft
Bell 360 Invictus
© Sikorsky
with proven, low-risk technologies.
The RAIDER X developed by Sikorsky
has a more unusual design, drawing
its lifting force from two coaxial rotors
with rigid pals, rotating in opposite
directions. The design of the helicopter
removes the need for a tail rotor,
which normally serves to stabilise
the helicopter on the horizontal axis
by preventing it from spinning. In
addition to these design elements, the
helicopter also features a propeller at
the rear for propulsion. The RAIDER X
is capable of reversing the thrust
direction of the tail propeller, and
stands out with various capabilities,
such as its ability to accelerate and
decelerate while remaining completely
horizontal and to decelerate during
a dive, which is not possible with
traditional helicopters. The design of
RAIDER X is based on the X2 technology
for which Sikorsky had initially laid the
foundations with the S-69 helicopter
that performed its maiden flight
in 1973. u
© Bell
November 2019 - 75
 MSI AROUND THE WORLD
Honeywell Continues to Upgrade the T55
Engine - the Heart of the Chinook
O n October 14, Honeywell announced that it was
finalising a modernisation solution developed for
its own-design T55 engines which are used aboard
CH-47 helicopters.
The latest version of the T55 makes numerous
improvements to the previous engine:
n over 20 percent more power at sea level
n nearly 10 percent more power at high and
hot altitudes
n 9 percent less fuel consumption
The modernisation solution will take the form of both
a new engine and a more cost-effective kit to upgrade
the existing engines to the latest version. Since the
© Honeywell
76 - November 2019
new version will use the same engine connections
and interfaces as the previous one, no additional
modifications will be required to the helicopter. The
improvements to the engine take the form of advanced
compressor technologies that provide more horsepower
and increased range. It is said that among the returns
of the new version are improvements in maintainability.
Honeywell’s T55 engines have been serving aboard
CH-47 helicopters for nearly 57 years. The total
operating time of the 6,000+ T55 engines that have
been produced by the company to date is close to
12 million hours. CH-47 helicopters are also in use
by Turkish Land Forces Command (TLFC). u
Honeywell’s T55 engines also
power the CH-47 helicopters
in the inventory of TLFC.
November 2019 - 77