224 companies from 29 countries attended ADEX 2018 (216 companies from 34 countries attended the previous exhibition). While the Azerbaijan Defence Industry demonstrated its own facilities and capabilities which are developing day after day, the companies representing the Defence Industry of friendly and allied countries introduced their indigenous solutions that are either under the service of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces or going through the tender processes.  In addition, they showcased their cutting-edge technology products which they believe would draw the attention of countries of the region.

The products were displayed to visitors at the indoor exhibition area extending over three different halls at the Baku Expo Center and at the outdoor exhibition space located right in front of the facility.  Visitors and guests attended from 44 countries in addition to the 34 executive official delegations from 23 countries.  This year’s event increased by 10% in terms of growth of indoor and outdoor stand areas combined, compared to the previous exhibition.

Since 2014, ADEX began to be held once every two years by the Azerbaijan Defence Industry Ministry and has been organized by the company Caspian Event Organizers (CEO). This year Turkey, China, Russia, Iran, Israel, Republic of Belarus, Serbia, Ukraine, Pakistan and France participated in the event with national pavilions. Turkey was the biggest foreign participant, similar with last year’s exhibition ADEX 2018. Egypt, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan were the countries sending official delegations to the event this year for the first time. 

Professor Fuad ALESKEROV, Assistant to the President for Work with Law Enforcement Bodies and Military Issues, Colonel-General Zakir HASANOV, Azerbaijan Defence Minister, Colonel-General Najmeddin SADIKOV, First Deputy Minster of Defence & Chief of Azerbaijan General Staff were among the high-level participants of the official opening ceremony of the ADEX 2018 Exhibition.  Speaking at the ceremony, Assistant to the President, Professor ALESKEROV read the greeting of the President İlham ALIYEV to participants and guests. He reminded the audience of the fact that 20% of Azerbaijan’s territory was under occupation in his letter, ALIYEV therefore stated that they have always attached special importance to increasing their defence capabilities and strengthening the material and technical supply of their Armed Forces. Noting that the Exhibition turned into a crucial event where most modern weapons and technologies were displayed, ALIYEV added, “Azerbaijan has developed a strong local Defence Industry while developing cooperation with leading nations in the military-technical field and ADEX is also of great importance for promoting the achievements of our Defence Industry.”

Attending ADEX 2018 in the afternoon of the first day of the event, Azerbaijan’s President & Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan İlham ALIYEV visited the Turkish Pavillion (the largest among 10 foreign pavilions) and the largest stands where he talked with company representatives to get information on displayed products. Defence Minister Colonel-General Zakir HASANOV and Deputy Minister of Defence Industry Yahya MUSAYEV (Minister Yavar JAMALOV died in June 2018, and no appointment has been made yet to this post) accompanied President ALIYEV during the stand tour session. Azerbaijan Prime Minister Prof. Novruz MEMMEDOV paid a visit to the Exhibition on the second day of the event and visited the stands at the indoor and outdoor exhibition areas with Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Defence MUSAYEV and was informed on the products displayed.

Critical Negotiations and Signing Ceremonies

On the first day of ADEX 2018, Azerbaijan Republic’s Minister of Defence Colonel-General HASANOV conducted a negotiation with the Republic of Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Defence Muhsin DERE and on the second day of the exhibition Deputy Minister of Defence Industry MUSAYEV held a negotiation with Faruk YİĞİT, Vice President of the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB).

Within the scope of the event, several meetings were held, and documents were signed. In this context on 26 September a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Azerbaijan Republic’s Ministry of Defence Industries and Aselsan on bilateral cooperation in the field of communications. The MoU, which was signed by Azerbaijan Republic’s Deputy Minister of Defence Industry Yahya MUSAYEV and Aselsan’s President and CEO Prof. Haluk GÖRGÜN, envisages comprehensive cooperation for the manufacture of Aselsan’s new generation Software Defined Networking Radio (SDNR) sets in Azerbaijan.

Currently various types of Military Communication Systems including the SDNR radios, HF-Band SDNR sets, GRC-5220 Tactical Broad Band Ethernet Radio (deployable IP radio link, one of the subsystems of TASMUS), TASMUS-II new generation Tactical Area Communications System, Link Encryption Devices (LEDs), Secure VoIP Phones and SatCom terminals produced by Aselsan are being utilized in the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan. The Armed Forces of Azerbaijan deployed the TASMUS-II system during a recent live-fire exercise held in Nakhcivan in November 2018 under the Command-Staff War Games (CSWG). And, on 2 November 2018 Defence Minister Col-Gen. HASANOV and First Deputy Minister of Defence & Chief of the Azerbaijan General Staff, Col-Gen. Najmeddin SADIKOV took part in the official inauguration ceremony for the Satellite Communications Control Center and Center for Maintenance and Repair of Communication Equipment. Both were equipped with Aselsan’s state-of-the art communications systems delivered under the AZRA Telecommunication Project of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan. In order to perform activities on the promotion/marketing and sales of its military and civil communication devices, Aselsan founded the Azerbaijan Baku Company in 1998. The company stands out as Aselsan’s first foreign investment at the same time.

On September 25, within the framework of ADEX 2018, the representatives of Turkish Aerospace (TUSAS) met with Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU). The two sides held their first meeting in July 2018. As a result of the first meeting the sides agreed to sign a cooperation agreement and they placed signatures on the agreement at a ceremony held at the Turkish Aerospace stand during ADEX 2018. The contract was signed by Acting-rector of AzTU, Professor Khalig YAHUDOV and Vice-President & Director of the Department of Human Resources of Turkish Aerospace Mustafa AKKURT. The agreement envisages joint-cooperation in aviation and the space industry’s metallurgy, mechanical engineering, information technology, electro energy, and so on. In addition, the agreement envisages the regular exchange of visits between AzTU and Turkish Aerospace’s exchange of scientific and practical knowledge, as well as joint staff training. On September 25, the Vice-President of Azerbaijan Republic’s National Science Academy (ANAS), academician Ibrahim GULIYEV and Vice-President & Director of the Department of Human Resources of TUSAS Mustafa AKKURT also signed a protocol on cooperation. Through the signed protocols the aim is collaboration in the areas of Defence and aerospace, acceleration of joint R&D studies and the building of qualified human resources. Within the scope of the cooperation, the parties will join their forces in Defence and aerospace through joint activities and contribute to the development of the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkey in Defence and aerospace areas. Regarding the protocol, AKKURT delivered the following information: “The accumulation of basic sciences in Azerbaijan and our experiences will be gathered. The exchanging of know-how and experience is foreseen. We aim to transfer the existing know-how mainly on basic sciences that would contribute to our development in Turkey’s aviation and space industries and offer the design, production, and quality and certification capabilities to Azerbaijan. Through this institution we opened the door to cooperation with various universities in Azerbaijan.” With the help of this cooperation, for the development and production procedures of the National Combat Aircraft (TF-X), TUSAS will be able to access the academic know-how in Azerbaijan that is mostly idle presently and the technical/academic document archive in Russian and  they will also conduct joint activities in required areas with our allied and brother Azerbaijan. 

Turkey was the Largest Participant Among 39 Companies and Associations

Under the auspices of the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), 39 companies and associations including Aselsan, BMC, Dearsan, Desan, Defence Turkey Magazine, Hoytek, İŞBİR, MilSoft, MKEK, Otokar, Roketsan, RST, STM, TAIS and Turkish Aerospace (TUSAS) participated in the event together with the Defence and Aerospace Exporters’ Association (SSI). A considerable number of the companies opened their stands at the National Pavillion in Hall 1 while the stands of companies such as AVS Defence Textile, Desan, KaleKalıp, STM and TAIS were located in Hall 2 and the stands of Aselsan, Havelsan and Target Group participated in the exhibition with quite large stands in Hall 3. The total area of 1,659 square meters was occupied by the Turkish Defence Industry Companies at ADEX 2018 , which is nearly a 30% greater exhibition area compared to 2016). 

At ADEX 2018 Turkey was represented by Ambassador of Turkey to Azerbaijan Erkan ÖZORAL, Deputy Minister of National Defence Muhsin DERE, Vice President of Defence Industries and Roketsan’s Chairman of the Board Prof. Faruk YİĞİT and SSB Head of the International Cooperation Department Murat CERAN.  

Aselsan

Attending the event with a large stand located at Hall 3, Aselsan introduced and showcased its wide variety of products and services including military communication, electro-optics, surveillance & reconnaissance, guidance kits, SARP UKKS, combat aircraft and helicopter digital cockpit modernization, border and base security and integrated air defence command control systems. Aselsan President and CEO Prof. Haluk GÖRGÜN informed President Ilham ALIYEV visiting the Aselsan stand with the accompanying delegation on the displayed products. 

Among the products displayed at the Aselsan stand, the different antenna structure of the Ku-Band ACAR Surveillance radar utilizing the İHTAR Anti-Drone System drew our attention. This time a rectangular antenna was used for the radar instead of the former square type antenna. While the İHTAR System is presently being utilized under the service of the Turkish Armed Forces at the Iraqi border (we assess that it is located at the TAF’s Güven Base Area), it is also being actively used in Indonesia and Turkmenistan. For İHTAR, Aselsan has also developed a Hard Kill solution composed of a Laser and Smart (Air Burst) Ammunition. Last year, Aselsan accomplished the delivery of an undisclosed number of İHASAVAR, Anti-Drone RF Jammer System, which is the portable/man-pack configuration of the İHTAR, to Azerbaijan. The system is used at the border. 

Aselsan in cooperation with Elbit of Israel also took part in the avionic modernization of the Su-25M Close Air Support/Ground Attack aircraft in the service of the Azerbaijani Air and Air Defence Force (AAF). The upgraded Su-25M aircraft is compatible with a wide range of modern Russian and Western smart munitions. This led the integration of Roketsan’s SOM Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) on the aircraft. Some months ago, integration on one of the modernized Su-25Ms was completed, and a firing test was successfully performed during a TurAz Eagle Exercise in Turkey. According to Azerbaijani sources, the SOM Missile successfully hit the target during the test. 

The flight tests in air-to-air and air-to-ground modes were completed with the prototype aircraft within the scope of the ÖZGÜR Project aiming to equip and certify an F-16C Block 30 aircraft that did not receive avionic modernization under the scope of the Öncel Project III (PO-III) with an indigenous Mission Computer with the national Operation Flight Program (OFP) and a national avionic suite solution. As the national OFP running on the Mission Computer is installed over the system in blocks based on various mission capabilities (air-to-air and air-to-ground, etc.), different flight tests were conducted to validate each of these mission capabilities. According to the information we attained, the project was not completed as of 25 September and it was noted that certain additional modifications were expected to be accomplished. A series production contract towards the implementation of the national avionic system architecture developed under the ÖZGÜR Project to the other F-16C/D Block 30 (35 aircrafts exist) or other F-16 Blocks in the inventory is not on the TurAF’s agenda, moreover the AESA radar integration has not been not planned as of today. 

The LGK-82 Laser Guidance Kit (LGK) developed by Aselsan was integrated to the QFAB-250 munition developed by the Research and Development Institute (RDI) of the MODIAR. A series of firing tests (with the upgraded Su-25M aircraft) are expected to be accomplished until the end of this year with the Laser Guidance Munitions named as QFAB-250-LG. The activities regarding the LGK-82 integration were launched as part of the MoU signed between the Azerbaijan Ministry of Defence Industry (MODIAR) and Aselsan during IDEF ‘17. The QFAB-250-LG laser guided munition weighs 250kg (its total mass is 270kg including the LGK kit) and is fitted with an HE-type fragmentation warhead (fragmentation radius is 10m) developed by the RDI. It is 3.300mm long and has a diameter of 24mm and it can reach a range up to 12km depending on the launch altitude. The QFAB-250-LG guided munition was displayed at the MODIAR’s stand during the Exhibition. Joint production of the QFAB-250-LG in Azerbaijan is intended for local and foreign customers.

The Satellite Communication (SatCom) terminal solution for the air platforms was among the products demonstrated at the Aselsan stand. Having completed the development activities of the Ku-Band SatCom terminal, Aselsan is currently continuing the activities to develop a Ka-Band terminal. The data downloading rate for both bands were planned as 20 megabytes per second. It is noted that with the SatCom terminals for the air platforms featuring integrated encryption capability, communication up to 45,000ft would be available. The 2-axis stabilized SatCom terminal with a dish type antenna manufactured by carbon fiber of 45cm diameter was designed in a way to be utilized by the P-235 and ATR-72/600 Maritime Patrol Aircraft in the service of the Turkish Naval Forces Command (TNFC) and the UAV platforms in the service of the TAF and Security Forces. According to the information received, as of October 2018 the qualification tests are being continued with the Ku-Band SatCom terminal, which is due to the high local content rate is an ITAR Free product. 

The Aselsan X-Band SatCom terminal will be installed to the KILIÇ-I and KILIÇ-II Class Fast Patrol Boats (FPBs) of the TNFC under the KASUMSİS Project. Within this scope, the Factory Acceptance Tests are scheduled to be launched by the end of 2018 and the activities for the integration of the X-Band SatCom terminals (a total of 9, one per boat) to the KILIÇ-I and KILIÇ-II Class FPBs were scheduled to be completed in 2019. Aselsan has already accomplished the delivery of over 30 Ku- Band SatCom terminals to the TNFC in order to be deployed/integrated on DOĞAN, RÜZGAR and YILDIZ Class FPBs and on other surface platforms. Under the Ku-Band SatCom System Project Aselsan will deliver 315 Ku-Band SatCom terminals (both for land and naval applications) and 280 of them have been already delivered.

The Azerbaijani Air and Air Defence Force (AAF)’s Integrated Air Defence Command Control System Project is another critical defence tender followed closely by Aselsan in Azerbaijan. In order to meet customer’s requirements Aselsan has offered a new generation Integrated Air Defence & Command Control System solution that will incorporates the capabilities of both the Air Defence Early Warning Command Control System (Skywatcher/HERİKKS) and the Radar Net (RadNet), which have been utilized successfully by the TAF for almost 20 years. The Project aims to integrate the various air surveillance/early warning radar systems with various air defence systems in the inventory of the Azerbaijani AAF and modernization of its centralized management system. Since the Azerbaijani AAF already owns diverse air surveillance (including an undisclosed number of modernized P-18, P-19R, P-14/5N84 ‘Oborona’ and 19J6, 36D6 Tin Shield, EL/M-2080 Green Pine, EL/M-2084, 96L6E Cheese Board, 30N6E2 Tomb Stone, 64N6E2 Big Bird-D and 80K6M radars) and air defence (such as the SA-2, SA-3, SA-4, SA-5/S-200, S-125 Pecora-2TM, SA-15 TOR M2E, SA-11, BUK-MB, S-300 PMU-2, Barak-8, Osa-1T (SA-8) and T-38 Stiletto) systems procured from different sources, the project does indeed represent a real challenge for the candidate companies.

Offered by Aselsan, the HAKİM Integrated Air Defence Command Control System will be the customized and tailor-made version of the HERİKKS’ designed to meet the AAF’s requirements and will share similar features with the new version of HERİKKS (the HERİKKS-VI the contract of which was signed with the Turkish Ministry of National Defence in December 2016). According to Aselsan since Azerbaijan is not a NATO member at the moment, the HAKİM Integrated Air Defence Command Control System will feature special software and tactical data link systems customized for the Azerbaijani AAF. Cooperation between Aselsan and Havelsan is aimed as part of the Project, and according to the information we obtained, within the scope of the project, the Azerbaijan Air Forces Command Control Center was opened to the engineers of Aselsan and Havelsan and the engineers visited and examined the Bases across the country. The Project will be implemented under a phased approach. The first Phase, covering the radar integration and production and dissemination of the recognized air picture, is requested to be completed in two years following the contract affectivity. To this end, similar with the RadNet Project, the contracting company will be integrating the various air surveillance/early warning radars of the Azerbaijani AAF’s across the country with each other over a single network. Detailed negotiations regarding the First Phase are continuing and the contract is expected to be signed by the end of this year. Aselsan is competing with an undisclosed western company in the tender. Meanwhile, on September 26, 2018 Aselsan President and CEO Prof. Haluk GÖRGÜN visited Commander of the Azerbaijani AAF Lieutenant General Ramiz TAIROV in his office to discuss both existing (already contracted) and potential projects.

During ADEX 2018, in the outdoor exhibition area, Aselsan also displayed the Mobile Air Traffic Control Tower based on the Kamaz 43118 Tactical Wheeled Vehicle (TWV) chassis, which was delivered to the Azerbaijani AAF at the beginning of September 2018. 

BMC

BMC displayed its multi -purpose tactical wheeled armored vehicles VURAN and AMAZON at ADEX 2018 and drew the attention of participants with the Stand Off Through the Wall Radar over the AMAZON 4x4 TTZA developed by STM. 

Among the technical features of the vehicle, automatic fire extinction system, central tire inflation, run flat tire, rear view camera, dimming and camouflage lights exist. The multi -purpose tactical wheeled armored vehicle AMAZON provides protection against mines, ballistics and hand -made explosives for the staff inside the vehicle and the vehicle stands out with its capacity of 7 personnel and high maneuver capability. The Standoff Through the Wall Radar was dubbed the ‘UHTES’ and was displayed for the first time at ADEX 2018 on the AMAZON TTZA. It was developed indigenously according to the requirements of the security forces for the detection of fixed and mobile targets inside the building or behind barriers, for the successful accomplishment of hostage rescue operations and special operations with reduced casualties.  UHTES is capable of operating for long hours as it is powered by the vehicle in which it is placed, in addition to its internal battery. STM previously accomplished the delivery of the Through the Wall Radar to the Gendarmerie General Command.

CES Advanced Composites and Defence Technologies 

With its seasoned team experienced in ballistics, CES has become one of the leading ballistic solution providers in Turkey in the last few years. In addition to the light composite armor solutions (spall liner, add-on armor) utilized to increase the survival of Land, Naval and Air platforms, the Company is conducting the manufacturing of ballistic helmets, vests and shields for personal protection. As the solution partner of Turkey’s leading land vehicle industry companies especially with its ballistic solutions towards tactical wheeled military vehicles, CES is presently providing services to companies such as BMC, FNSS and Otokar. CES is the approved supplier of Aselsan, Havelsan and Roketsan and the company has been involved in many critical Defence projects as well.

Operating under the auspices of Açık Group, CES introduced various products during the exhibition such as composite ballistic armors, particulate shields and additive armor solutions utilized by Land, Naval and Air vehicles in addition to the personal protection equipment it developed such as helmets, vests and armors .

Featuring a wide variety of services in the defence field, besides manufacturing composite parts for military air vehicles, CES stands out with its re-designing of metal parts in armored vehicles and their production in composites. Delivering helicopter floors and rear armors as well as composite material to TUSAS, CES works over the composite seat project towards the passenger seats with TCI Cabin Interiors Inc. – a partnership of TUSAS – Turkish Technic- at the same time. Conducting ballistic (composite armor) and non – ballistic parts manufacturing for BMC, which it is the greatest supplier at the same time, CES manufactures the caps over the trunk (120 mm ALKAR Mortar System) for the 10 mm Mortar Vehicle formed over the VURAN 4x4 while supplying the composite armor utilized by, for instance, by the KİRPİ-II MRAPs. Supplying composite material also for Yonca - Onuk Company, CES is one of the three companies in Turkey conducting Ballistic Helmet production in addition to Garanti Giyim and Gentex – Norbo at the same time.

Dearsan Shipyard

As part of the Azerbaijan Navy’s on-going modernization program, Turkish shipyard Dearsan plans to carry out joint construction of a total of 16 naval platforms in various types and displacements in Azerbaijan with Baku Shipyard LLC. In this regard, negotiations were held with the Azerbaijani Government, and the company submitted its comprehensive proposal covering four projects to the Azerbaijani MoD prior to the ADEX 2018 Exhibition. 

The 16-vessel package proposed by the shipyard includes; 4 x 16/20m Fast Intervention Boats, 4 x 33m Fast Patrol Boats, 4 x 57m New Type Patrol Boats (NTPBs) and 4 x 65m Corvettes with anti-ship missiles. According to sources Dearsan’s proposal has been approved by the Azerbaijan MoD and then submitted for the Council of Ministers’ approval. If an agreement is reached, Dearsan will proceed to the joint construction of vessels in Azerbaijan. Dearsan has been cooperating with Azerbaijan for three years and is competing with shipyards from France, Israel and Russia.

Dearsan Shipyard has become the main supplier of the Navy of Turkmenistan and the State Border Protection of Turkmenistan, with the creation in 2010 of a local assembly site/shipyard in Ufre Turkmenbashi (formerly Krasnovodsk). Total to date, Dearsan Shipyard has constructed and delivered 37 naval platforms including 6 x 33m Fast Intervention Boats, 10 x 57m New Type Patrol Boats (NTPBs in several configurations including those armed with Otomat and Marte anti-ship missiles), 1 x Oceanographic Research Vessel, 10 x 15m Fast Intervention Boats, 2 x Landing Craft Tanks (LCTs) and 8 x service boats along with training and logistic support equipment.

In 2016 Dearsan also proposed 74m Nur Class (C-74) Corvette to the Kazakhstan Navy which decided to obtain corvette capability.  According to Dearsan, if the deal goes ahead, a new shipyard will be built in Kazakhstan and the ships will be produced with as much indigenous content as possible. The Nur Class Corvette has a length of 74 m, a beam of 11.3 m, and a draught of 2.55 m. It is powered by four water-jets to a top speed in excess of 28+ knots. Range is 2,000nm at 14 knots, endurance is 15 days and its crew complement is 55.

Desan Shipyard

Participating in the exhibition for the first time, Desan Shipyard showcased a model of its Diver’s Rescue & Training Boat (also dubbed Emergency Intervention and Diving Training Boat) which was constructed for the Turkish Naval Forces under the contract signed on 23 October 2017. The (T+0) process of the Project, covering the procurement of two boats, started on 23 January 2018. The Diver’s Rescue & Training Boat with steel hull will be 35m in length and 216 tons in displacement. The maximum speed of the Boat is planned as 16+ knots and its cruising speed is planned as 12 knots, it will have a range of140 nautical miles of at 12 knots. There will be a decompression chamber with two sections able to accommodate up to four people/divers.  

The Diver’s Rescue & Training Boats can be utilized for the execution of applied training of the diver staff and for underwater rescue diving activities of the Turkish Naval Forces, with a narrower scope in first response quality for incidents at sea that may occur at our shores when required, such as the Marmara Region primarily.  They are also able to conduct torpedo search missions if necessary.

İŞBİR Elektrik 

At the exhibition, İŞBİR Elektrik exhibited various generators and alternators it manufactures as well as the silent generators which entered into serial production in the first quarter of 2018. Within this scope, the company introduced the Tactical Silent Cabinet Generators that are capable of operating with multiple fuels and with power capacities of 5-10-20 and 30Kw with cogeneration characteristics in addition to the special generators manufactured for Land, Naval and Air Forces Command. The patented Tactical Silent Generator produced by İŞBİR as a ground breaker in Turkey is utilized in the Aselsan’s Mobile Air Traffic Control Tower solution based on the Kamaz 43118 Tactical Wheeled Vehicle which was displayed in the outdoor static display area.

While the air-cooled alternators are being used in classical generators, the Silent Generator uses a water-cooled alternator and therefore a considerable decrease in the noise is achieved. For instance, while the noise level standard of the classical generators is 75 decibels (dB) in 7m, the noise level of the Silent Generator is 56dB in 7m, and 62dB in 1m. According to the information we attained, there are currently three Silent Generator manufacturers in the world, and the İŞBİR product Silent Generators own the technical features allowing them to compete with their equivalents in the world. For example, the aforesaid values emerge as 54dB and 55dB at 7m, 68dB and 69dB at 1m in water-cooled vehicle type diesel generators with 20kW and 36kW capacities manufactured by the German company Fischer Panda which is regarded as the world leader in Silent Generator production.

The manufacturer of the generator groups utilized in the ground segment of all Unmanned Air Vehicles and the Ground Control Stations used in our country, İŞBİR successfully accomplished the production and delivery of the generator sets in the TCG Burgazada and TCG Kınalıada Corvettes that are the third and fourth vessels of the MilGem Project. İŞBİR also delivered the power group of four generators with 750kW installed within an acoustic capsule for the ADA Class Corvettes constructed as part of the MilGem Project. The generator groups own the Turkish Lloyd certificate. The diesel engines designed by the İŞBİR engineers and used in the diesel generator power groups manufactured by İŞBİR engineers were procured directly from the original manufacturers abroad while the alternators and control panels are produced at İŞBİR’s facilities. Finally, the company delivered the diesel generator power group manufactured for the Test and Training Vessel (TVEG) currently under construction at the İstanbul Shipyard for the Turkish Naval Forces prior to the ADEX 2018.

Throughout the event, the İŞBİR stand was visited by various civil and military delegations including Deputy Minister of National Defence Muhsin DERE and Azerbaijan Naval Forces Command Chief of Staff and Turkey’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan.

MKEK

The JNG-90 Bora Sniper Rifle, in the service of the Azerbaijan Armed Forces since 2009, and the MPT-76 National Modern Infantry Rifle, which was tested last year in Azerbaijan and currently has continued to be delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) were among the products displayed and promoted at the MKEK stand. MKEK has focused on the presentation of various light weapons and ammunition at the ADEX 2018 Exhibition. Within the scope of the Exhibition, during their meeting with officials from Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defence Industry, MKEK received an offer to cooperate in long-term marketing and joint production activities. Upon the signing of the contract with the Azerbaijan’s Ministry of the Defence Industry, MKEK will then be reinforcing its presence in Azerbaijan which dates back to the late 2000s .

Otokar

During recent years, Otokar accomplished the delivery of an undisclosed number of COBRA-I and APV 4x4 Wheeled Armored Vehicles (WAVs) and Engerek 4x4 special operations vehicles to the Azerbaijan State Border Service, Ministry of State of Emergency and the Internal Troops. Some of the COBRA-I WAVs have been equipped with a single SKIFF ATGM launcher, while the COBRA-Is in the inventory of the State Border Service are equipped with a RCWS armed with a pair of LAHAT ATGM launchers, an AGS-17 grenade launcher, 7.62mm NSV machine gun and with EO/IR vision systems. 

In accordance with the contract worth US$661 Million (est. AED 2 billion) signed in March 2017, Otokar which is Turkey’s largest private defence industry corporation, will deliver hundreds of the RABDAN Armored Combat Vehicles in 8x8 configuration to the United Arab Emirates’ Armed Forces over the Al Jasoor Joint Venture Corporation which was established with the United Arab Emirates’ leading Investment Company Tawazun. The first contract covers the delivery of the 400 RABDAN Armored Combat Vehicles (ACVs), which will be equipped with 100mm cannons (BMP-3 tower) while Otokar presently reached the final stage in the negotiations conducted for the second stage that covers the delivery of a further 300 vehicles in various configurations. According to the contract signed in March 2017, the production of the first 100 vehicles will be accomplished at Otokar’s facilities. To this end, the delivery of the first batch of RABDAN vehicles are expected to be delivered in November 2018 and the manufacture process started as of last year. The delivery of 100 RABDAN 8x8 ACVs manufactured at Otokar facilities in Turkey is expected to be completed during the first half of 2019. 

This contract is one of the largest ever defence system exports in a single project achieved to date by a Turkish defence company and with this order Otokar not only stands out with its products but also with its know-how, engineering, R&D and technology transfer capabilities on a global scale. Through the Otokar Land Systems Company established in 2016 in the United Arab Emirates, Otokar aims to strengthen its collaborations in foreign countries, the Gulf Region primarily, to access to new markets and to increase its sales. Al Jasoor is aimed to turn into a company capable of fulfilling all the land systems demands of the UAE and the region in the future. 

Otokar also closely follows the Royal Army of Oman (RAO)’s Modern Main Battle Tank (MBT) tender covering the procurement of 77 tanks. Otokar submitted its proposal at the end of 2014 within scope of the procurement program that was initiated in August 2013.  

The ALTAY MBT’s PV-2 prototype participated the field tests (mobility and firing tests) executed at Oman in July – August 2018. As part of the tests, firings were executed against the fixed and mobile targets with the ALTAY prototype and a 4,500km distance was covered in desert conditions. According to the information we received, ALTAY MBT displayed successful performance in the tests run in Oman. In the tender, ALTAY MBT’s most serious competitor was the German Leopard 2A7 MBT. In compliance with the permit granted by the German Parliament, KMW previously delivered one Leopard 2A7 MBT to Oman in October 2015 for test and assessment purposes. According to the information we gathered, the summer tests as part of the project were completed and as of September 25th the Technical Evaluation Report preparation stage was launched. Following the preparation of the report, the Oman Defence Ministry will conduct bilateral negotiations with the bidders and if deemed necessary, the companies will be requested to submit their Best and Final Offers (BAFOs) at least once. The final decision/company selection as part of the project is expected to be carried out in 2019.

But at the moment it is still not clear whether or not Otokar will be able to manufacture the ALTAY MBTs and deliver it to the ROA if the company wins the tender. Developing the 3+ generation indigenous ALTAY MBT as part of Turkish Land Forces’ Modern Tank Production through national resources, Otokar delivered the pre-prototypes of MTR and FTR to the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) in addition to the PV-1 and PV-2 prototypes with the Technical Data Package (TDP) at the end of the Project. Therefore, the ALTAY MBT TDP and the design of the tank are the property of the SSB/MoND, thus the property of the Republic of Turkey. For the execution of this production, the approval of the Turkish Government, MoND/SSBs approval is necessary. Even if Otokar wins the tender, similar to the Pakistan MilGem Project, where the main contractorship was transferred to ASFAT A.Ş. from STM upon the resolution of the Turkish MoND, in Oman’s Modern MBT Project it still has not been clarified whether the Main Contractor responsibility will be with Otokar or with BMC. 

BMC was assigned as the Main Contractor upon the decree of the Defence Industry Executive Committee dated 29 March 2018 under the ALTAY Project Phase-II Series Production Project. The contractual negotiations launched in March 2018 with the company have been completed successfully and the contract was signed between the SSB and BMC on November 9, 2018. Under the Series Production Phase, a total of 500 ALTAY MBTs is expected to be procured in two batches. The first batch of the ALTAY MBT Series Production Phase, for which the contract was awarded, covers the production of a total of 251 ALTAY MBTs in three configurations. Of the 251 ALTAY MBTs that under contract, 40 will be in T1, 210 will be in T2 and 1 will be in T3 configuration. T1 variant, which will have similar features with PV-1 and PV-2 prototypes but will feature AKKOR Active Protection System and add-on armor kits of Roketsan, and is scheduled to be in service with the Turkish Land Forces in 18 months following contract effectivity and deliveries shall be completed in 2021. The T2 configuration will feature increased amour system, increased protection with the isolation of ammunitions from the hull, laser guided tank ammo firing capability, crew training mode and mobile camouflage net. The T2 variant is expected to begin deliveries shortly after the T1 configuration ALTAY MBTs have been handed over. Only one ALTAY MBT prototype will be produced in T3 configuration, which will feature an unmanned turret with a bustle-mounted autoloader. 

The ALTAY MBT T3 configuration is scheduled for qualification in 2024, is understood to be intended for further trials and technical evaluation rather than for service with the Turkish Land Forces. The ALTAY MBT Series Production Phase contract also includes lifecycle logistics support service and the establishment and operation of a Tank Systems Technology Center. There is also a plan for the procurement of 60 Armored Recovery Vehicle (ARV) and 50 Mine Clearance variants of the ALTAY MBT, which will be based on the T1 configuration’s chassis. 

During the 10th Ambassadors Conference held by the SSB on 16 August 2018, President of Defence Industries Prof. İsmail DEMİR declared that one of the ALTAY prototypes succeeded in the field tests in an undisclosed country and he noted that the countries to which ALTAY MBT has export potential are Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Roketsan

Having completed the delivery of the undisclosed number of unguided TR-122 and TR-300 and guided TRG-300 artillery rockets along with T-122/300 Multi Calibre and Multi Barrel Rocket Launching (MBRL) System (based on both Kamaz 63502 8x8 tactical wheeled vehicle) to Azerbaijan in the recent period, Roketsan became one of the companies that hosted the highest number of guests at the ADEX Exhibition. A wide variety of products composed of surface to surface, air to surface, underwater defence and guided missiles were showcased at Roketsan’s stand.

Mock-ups of CIRIT (named after a traditional Turkish cavalry game) 2.75” semi-active laser (SAL) guided rocket, Smart Micro Munitions MAM-L and MAM-C, SOM Next Generation Air Launched Cruise Missile Family, Anti-Tank Guided Missile Family comprising UMTAS long range and OMTAS medium range anti-tank guided missiles with SAL and IIR guidance, 122mm and 107mm unguided Artillery Rockets, TRG-122 and TRG-230 guided Artillery Rockets, T-122/300 Multi Calibre and Multi Barrel Rocket Launching (MBRL) System, TRG-300 TIGER guided Artillery Rocket, TEBER-82 Laser Guidance Kit as well as ASW Rocket and Ballistic Protection Solutions were among the products showcased at Roketsan stand.

Azerbaijan President İlham ALIYEV, Azerbaijan Prime Minister Prof. Novruz MEMMEDOV and Chief of Staff of the Azerbaijan Naval Forces Captain 1st Rank Shahin MAMMADOV visited the Roketsan stand and received information on the showcased products and systems. Moreover, Roketsan hosted various country delegations such as Qatar, Serbia, Iran and the Czech Republic throughout the event. 

Vice President of Defence Industries and Roketsan’s Chairman of the Board Prof. Faruk YİĞİT and Roketsan President and CEO Selçuk YAŞAR conducted negotiations with Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defence Colonel-General Zakir HASANOV.

According to the information we acquired from Roketsan officials, TEMREN developed for the Turkish Naval Forces Command is the same as the UMTAS-L Missile yet it has a different warhead design.

Roketsan also offers its Smart Micro Munitions MAM-L and MAM-C to the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan. Designed, developed and produced by Roketsan in line with today’s battlefield requirements, the Smart Micro Munitions MAM-L and MAM-C are primarily intended for carriage by UAVs, although they could also be employed by manned light attack and close air support aircraft. The MAM-L is a variant of the Laser Guided L-UMTAS without rocket motor, and the MAM-C is a variant of the CIRIT Laser Guided Rocket, without rocket motor. Both employ Semi Active Laser (SAL) guided seeker and have already been integrated on the Armed ANKA MALE UAVs as well as BAYRAKTAR TB2-S Armed Tactical UAVs, currently being used by the Turkish Armed and Security Forces.  The MAM-L and MAM-C can be used efficiently at ranges of up to 8km, depending on the altitude from which they are released.  The MAM-L’s range can be extended to 14km with the use of the INS/GPS system being offered as optional to the customer.

According to the information we attained, as the MAM-L is actually smart ammunition that proceeds towards its target by gliding, it could be utilized effectively up to a range of 14km technically, depending on the launch altitude and the velocity of the carrier platform. However, since the MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems) based Inertial Measuring Unit (IMU) on the MAM-L lacks the capability of precisely guiding the ammunition to this range and capture and track the laser beam utilized in designating the target, MAM-L could only be utilized effectively up to maximum of an 8km range. In order to keep the costs low, instead of the INS/ GPS offering more precise yet more expensive flight capability compared to the MAM-L, a less expensive MEMS/IMU based navigation system with less capabilities were preferred. On account of the INS/GPS capability, the MAM-L could be launched towards the target from a further distance and from a higher altitude and the ammunition will be able to conduct a more precise flight, and therefore capture a laser beam from a further distance and will be able to follow it. As a result of these capabilities to be gained with the deployment of the INS/GPS system instead of the MEMS/IMU, the range extends to 14km.

RST

As a solution-oriented company RST (Remote Sensing Technologies) is involved in the development and production of high-technology specialty solutions in radio-frequency (RF), electro-optic (EO) sensors and simulators for defence, space, and aeronautics sectors. At the ADEX exhibition, RST displayed the UAV Detection Radar and its IR Seeker Test System solutions developed against Land & Air based IR guided missile threats, which are being utilized presently by the Air Forces Command in EHTES. 

The X-Band UAV Detection Radar with solid-state transmitter and phased array antenna can be utilized in the detection of low altitude moving targets over land or sea. Able to detect air targets with low RCS values, the UAV Detection Radar can detect mobile pedestrians up to 15km. The detection range for big vehicles is 28km+, 6km+ for UAVs and 25km+ for helicopters. Thanks to its Track While Scan (TWS) capability it can detect over 200 targets simultaneously. The MBTF value of the 75kg-weight UAV Detection Radar, which was tested in the field and which could be installed within 10 minutes, is over 5,000 hours. The representatives of the company underlined that the RST’s UAV Detection Radar was lighter and less expensive compared with its equivalents. 

Being a sort of IR Threat Simulator, the IR Seeker Test System (Captive Seeker Instrumentation), is currently utilized for testing the reliability and the sufficiency of the Electronic Warfare Mission Data Files and Counter Measure Techniques developed to protect and defend the platforms such as helicopters and aircraft against MANPADS or land and air-based IR guided missiles. It creates an infrastructure towards the trial of the IR guided missile warheads, identified by the end user, in open range or under laboratory conditions, through their instrumentation. The system is currently being used in the training conducted towards the development and testing of the proper Counter Measure Techniques against MANPADS of various types and IR guided air-to-air missiles at the EHTES. RST also offers Integrated Logistical Support services for Eastern Block originated air defence missile/weapon systems utilized in the Electronic Warfare Test and Training Range (EHTES) in the service of the Turkish Air Force Command. 

STM

Attending the exhibition with a quite large booth and broad participation led by the new General Manager Murat İKİNCİ, STM displayed the mock–ups of the Fleet Tanker PNS MOAVIN (weighing 17,000 tons it was commissioned on 16 October 2018, during ADEX 2018 the acceptance tests were underway) built for the Pakistani Naval Forces, the FAC-55 Torpedo Boat designed for the Turkish Naval Forces, ADA Class Corvette and the TS1700 submarine design of 1,700 tons which will be equipped with the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system and the fixed-wing and rotary-wing autonomous drone systems (ALPAGU, ALPAGU Block-II, KARGU and TOGAN) with the kamikaze and surveillance purposes as well as Through the Wall Radar (DAR) products. 

Turkish Aerospace 

Turkish Aerospace participated in ADEX 2018 which was their third time and they have aimed to enhance bilateral relations with brother nation Azerbaijan. Offering unique solutions for Azerbaijan defence and aviation requirements Turkish Aerospace looks forward to establishing long-term cooperation in Azerbaijan. During ADEX 2018, TUSAS presented its domestic products, with special emphasis on MALE Class ANKA Multirole UAV System, T129 ATAK Multirole Combat Helicopter, T625 Multirole Helicopter and HÜRKUŞ-B New Generation Basic Trainer Aircraft, HÜRJET Advanced Trainer/Light Combat Aircraft, National Combat Aircraft (TF-X) and Earth Observation and Reconnaissance Satellites, to the Azerbaijan Armed Forces.

Baku has previously expressed its interest in purchasing T129 ATAK Multirole Combat Helicopters from Turkey and media reports in February 2013 indicated that Azerbaijan would procure up to 60 T129s, to be customized/specially manufactured for Azerbaijan, under a US$3 Billion deal. Thanks to its years of expertise in the integration of aviation activities, Turkish Aerospace can provide tailor-made solutions for the Azerbaijan Ministry of Defence to meet their operational requirements.

During his visit to the Turkish Aerospace stand, ÖZMEN informed Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister Prof. Novruz MEMMEDOV about the products displayed at the stand and presented a mock-up of the ANKA-S MALE UAV to him. Offering cooperation to Azerbaijan in unmanned systems, Turkish Aerospace is keeping the doors open for cooperation with Azerbaijan in all areas from the final assembly line to system integration. Turkish Aerospace is also conducting various negotiations on fulfilling the Azerbaijan Air Forces’ training jet requests through the HÜRKUŞ-B. 

Azerbaijan is procuring 10 MFI-17 395 Super Mushshak Primary Trainer Aircraft from Pakistan for the AAF and 5 of them have been already handed over in November 2018. As it is known, within the scope of the Basic Trainer Aircraft Project, in line with the contracts signed on 23 November 2016 at Karachi - Pakistan and 10 May 2017 in Istanbul - Turkey, 52 Super Mushshak Aircraft will be procured for the Turkish Air Force (TurAF) from the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Company. The pilot candidates of the TurAF will receive their Primary Flight Training with the MFI-17 395 Super Mushshak and then will get their Basic Flight Training with the HÜRKUŞ-B aircraft at the 2nd Main Jet Base in Izmir. Within the scope of the target of standardization in the pilot training processes at the Air Forces of the two countries, it is considered that the utilization of HÜRKUŞ-B for the Basic Flight Training in Azerbaijan Air Forces and utilization of HURJET for the Advanced Jet and Combat Readiness Training would be convenient.  According to Tamer ÖZMEN, Turkish Aerospace Vice President for Marketing and Communication, at the bilateral negotiations Commander of the Azerbaijani Air and Air Defence Forces (AAF) Lieutenant General Ramiz TAHIROV, who closely follows the HÜRKUŞ-B, HÜRJET and National TF-X projects of the TurAF, primarily underlined their demand for training aircraft. Lt. Gen. TAHIROV is expected to visit the premises of Turkish Aerospace as part of his official visit to Ankara in the near future.

In line with the information we received, the initial delivery of the first HÜRKUŞ-B New Generation Basic Trainer Aircraft to the Turkish Air Force (TurAF) is planned to take place in the first half of November. The Jet, which, will operate at the 2nd Main Jet Base at Çiğli, İzmir, will be operated and tested by the Instructor Pilots of the TurAF. Requests for additional modification may arise in light of feedback as a result of the tests which are expected to last for three months. Depending on the detail of the feedback which may be received from the TurAF, the delivery of the remaining 13 aircraft is planned to be completed within 2019. Turkish Aerospace aims to deliver the second HÜRKUŞ-B aircraft to the TurAF by the end of this year. While the existing contract contains the delivery of 15 HÜRKUŞ-Bs, there is also an option for a further 40 aircraft. On the other hand, according to the information we gathered during ADEX 2018, the Project Definition Report (PDR) approval was received from the Turkish General Staff for HÜRKUŞ-C and the resolution of the Defence Industry Executive Committee is expected. Previously, the Gendarmerie General Command and the Land Forces Command were interested in HÜRKUŞ-C and during IDEF ‘17, on 11 May 2017, a preliminary contract on the Development of HÜRKUŞ-C Aircraft and Series Production was signed between Turkish Aerospace and the SSB. The project planned for the Land Forces Command consisted of a total of 24 HÜRKUŞ-C Aircraft, 12 of which would be optional.

One of the HÜRKUŞ-A prototypes was reconfigured according to the HÜRKUŞ-C version and a series of firing and flight tests were executed. Although, the HÜRKUŞ-B pre-prototype had several field experiences, yet it was merely utilized for technological demonstration.

The contract towards the sale of 30 T129B ATAK Light Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopters to Pakistan Land Forces was signed on 16 May 2018, yet it did not enter into effect as of 25 September 2018 and (T+0) was not launched. As the validity period of the contract will be ending in November 2018, the stipulations required for the effect of the contract should be fulfilled until that date. According to the information we received, Pakistan made the down-payment in compliance with the contract and the Program Management Revision (PMR) meeting was decided to be held within October. Official application to the U.S. Government regarding the export license of the LHTEC CTS800-4A turboshaft engine utilized on the helicopter was made, the process was completed in the Foreign Affairs Commission and the request was submitted to the U.S. Department of Defence. The approval process was still underway as of 25 September. Turkish Aerospace previously received the Original License Document from the U.S. Government for the sale/export of the T129B to Pakistan. In line with the information we received, regarding the Project, which is expected to cost US$1.5 Billion, Pakistan will be making the payment of the credit granted by Turkey, from its own budget and in installments on a schedule extending 10 years. Even though negative feedback is not expected from the U.S. Government regarding the export license of the CTS800-4A turboshaft engine, negotiations with the company Turbomeca, part of the French Safran Group, are being conducted on alternative engine options as an alternative solution. Previously, within the scope of the tender that was opened in order to fulfill the engine requests of the Turkish Multi Role Helicopter (T625) (civil and military versions) Turbomeca competed with the Arrano (TM800) solution with 100% ‘ITAR Free’ characteristics and with 1.100shp to 1.300shp power capacity, yet in the tender finalized in April 2015 the winner was LHTEC Company with the CTS800-4AT engine. 

TAIS

Formed nearly two years ago by 5 private sector shipyards (Anadolu Shipyard, Istanbul Shipyard, Sedef Shipyard, Sefine Shipyard and Selah Shipyard) with know-how and experience in addition to the production license in the Defence Industry area, TAIS (Turkish Associated International Shipyards) displayed the models of 5 different vessel/boat solutions that are able to operate in the Caspian Sea, which it believes are required by Azerbaijan.

Competing with Dearsan in the Mass Production of the I Class Frigate, TAIS is also executing the construction of the Test and Training Vessel (TVEG) for the Turkish Naval Forces Command. TVEG has a similar hull (have a mono-hull, displacement-type hull form) and superstructure design with the ADA Class Corvettes however it is equipped with a different type of main propulsion system. Contrary to CODAG configuration (two 595 Series MTU 16V595TE90 diesel engines and a LM2500 gas turbine generator) used in the ADA Class, the TVEG has a CODAD propulsion system (with only two MTU 20V4000M93L diesel engines, which also selected for the I Class frigates). MTU completed the delivery of the diesel engines but as of November 5 their integration has not been carried out.  According to the information we received, the TVEG, which is aimed to be launched by the end of November or in the beginning of December, will also have a different electronic equipment layout than the ADA Class. TVEG is expected to be utilized by the Turkish Naval Forces in the test of the electronic systems, but the vessel’s transformation into a SIGINT/ELINT platform is also within the bounds of possibility