With the new leadership in the Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries that guides the country’s defense industry, a busy agenda with significant projects await the industry for the rest of the year.

Haluk Gorgun, the head of the leading Turkish defense firm Aselsan, took over the chairmanship from Ismail Demir, and said they will continue to grow and develop the defense industry ecosystem with determination.

In the new period, breakthroughs in the defense industry technology will continue to expand the deterrent power of the security forces and ensure a sustainable increase in welfare.

The country will continue to invest in the indigenous defense industry and innovative and groundbreaking technologies, and raise the rate of localization.

Defense industry agenda

As part of this year’s busy agenda in the defense industry, the national combat aircraft KAAN, which left the hangar in 2023, will get ready for its maiden flight.

The jet trainer and light attack aircraft HURJET, which made its maiden flight this year, will complete its preparations for its first delivery in 2025.

The ANKA-3 unmanned fighter aircraft will make its maiden flight this year.

Bayraktar KIZILELMA’s ammunition integrations will also be made.

Bayraktar TB3 unmanned combat aviation vehicle (UCAV), which will be deployed to the TCG ANADOLU ship, will make its maiden flight.

Indigenous Electronic Warfare Pod and Electronic Support Pod will be integrated into F-16s.

AESA Nose Radar will be integrated into Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV and F-16s.

The first deliveries of the multipurpose helicopter GOKBEY will be made.

Supply Combat Support Ship DERYA, the first of the new type submarines PIRI REIS, the long-range air defense and missile system SIPER, and TCG ISTANBUL, the first of the I-Class frigates will be put into service.

The first delivery of BOZDOGAN in-sight and GOKDOGAN beyond-vision missiles, as well as the indigenous-engine VURAN armored vehicles will be made.

The early warning radar system ERALP, the Portable Electronic Battle System MERT, and KARAOK short-range anti-tank weapon will enter the inventory.

Turksat 6A Communication Satellite will be sent into space.

Studies will be conducted on the TF 2000 air defense destroyer.

GOKTURK-3 SAR Earth observation satellite, hybrid fueled space rocket engine, micro satellite launch system, turbofan jet fighter engine, and new generation KORAL electronic warfare system will be developed.

*Writing by Gokhan Ergocun in Istanbul from AA.