One on One Türkiye's Defence Industry Agency President Ismail Demir

Turkish Defense Industry Developments

In this interview, Ismail Damir, the president of the Turkish Defense Industry Agency, discusses recent developments in the Turkish defense industry.

Upgrades to F-16 Fighter Jets

• The Biden Administration has announced plans to sell Turkey software upgrades for its current F-16 fighter jets.

• This upgrade was long overdue and is not related to current negotiations about procurement.

• Almost all F-16 users in NATO are doing this upgrade.

• It doesn't have much significance from Turkey's perspective.

C-PER Long Distance Ballistic Missile Project

• The C-PER project is an important step towards a long-range ballistic air missile defense system.

• The first block will be operational soon after successful tests.

• Turkey will continue working towards longer range and altitude air defense systems.

• It will take about six years for Turkey to have something equivalent to S400 or Patriot Factory.

TCG Anadolu and Future Plans

• TCG Anadolu is now commissioned into the Turkish navy as the biggest ship in the fleet.

• Plans are underway to make an even bigger ship that can operate UAVs from its platform with modifications being made to TV2 and Kazelma jet engine UAV.

• Spain and UK may be involved in this project.

Other Developments

• Turkey has unveiled its first aircraft carrier, which is also the biggest ship in the Turkish navy.

• A new long-range missile defense system is expected within 12 months.

• A new battle tank is also under development.

• The first test flight of Mili Muhari, a national combat aircraft, has been conducted.

Aircraft Carriers and Defense Cooperation

In this section, the speaker discusses the limitations of aircraft carriers and the importance of having suitable aircraft to operate from them. The speaker also talks about the development of a new combat aircraft and defense cooperation with the UK.

Aircraft Carrier Limitations

• Few aircraft in the world can be utilized on aircraft carriers due to their limitations.

• The Hurjet fighter version can operate from a platform like an aircraft carrier, providing significant air power.

• Turkish engineers are capable of building bigger platforms, including indigenous UAVs and other systems.

Development of New Combat Aircraft

• The TFX (National Combat Aircraft) has had rollout and taxing tests, with plans for test flights soon.

• Engineers are working hard to ensure that it will fly as soon as possible but as safely as possible.

• There has been some UK involvement in design stages, with strong willingness from both governments to collaborate.

Defense Cooperation with UK

• Talks have taken place regarding collaboration on different products such as aircraft carriers or other platforms.

• Turkey prefers involvement in different design stages rather than direct procurement of anything in general.

• Turkey aims to be 75% self-sufficient in defense industry by 2023; currently has over 90% indigenous products in some areas.

Indigenous Helicopter Engine Design

In this section, the speaker discusses the use of indigenous engines in Turkish helicopters and their importance for future technologies.

Importance of Indigenous Engines

• The speaker mentions that indigenous helicopter engines are a soft spot in the industry.

• He notes that Turkey aims to have these indigenous engines, including in the TFX.

• The use of indigenous engines is important for future technologies.

Catching Up with the Industry

• Turkey is running behind in terms of engine design.

• However, they are also trying to be at the forefront of technology.