İTÜ SAVTEK Defense Technologies Days Held Online March 24-26, 2021

Defense Technologies Days (DTD) organized by İstanbul Technical University was held online via YouTube on March 24-26, 2021. President of Defense Industries Prof. İsmail DEMİR, representatives of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) in charge of critical projects, members of Turkish Defense Industry companies and university students attended the fifth DTD event.

Speaking at the opening of the event, President of Defense Industries Prof. İsmail DEMİR underscored the importance of working on technologies of the future along with the efforts exerted to achieve conventional technologies, saying that they anticipate stimulating projects and ideas regarding technologies of the future from university circles. DEMİR said, “We need to work on the future’s technologies while we keep up with the conventional technologies and application where we lag behind due to several reasons. We expect academic circles to bring stimulating projects and ideas to the table regarding technologies of the future. We will surely conduct the required studies on the requirements in this field and Turkey’s needs, but then again critical responsibilities fall upon our universities regarding technological depth and focus subjects. The industry is an ecosystem, the technology to be developed here can be employed by various areas along with the defense industry and we have seen such cases. Therefore, all activities and developments to be achieved in the field of defense industry and technologies will greatly contribute to our country’s economy and progress."

Underlining that the project groups and project proposals formed by graduates during their years at university have been quite crucial for the SSB, DEMİR also touched upon the importance of students’ attempts to find jobs instead of waiting for the government to assign them. DEMİR continued, "In this regard, the project groups and project proposals the students will build during their time at the university are most critical for us. It is important for them to take the initiative to establish their own business or build certain structures in areas of technology development. Providing support to such initial steps is quite essential as well. As the Presidency of Defense Industries and Turkey’s other relevant organizations, raising awareness and providing encouragement in building such support always remains on our agenda. We are aware of the need to diversify and we are launching such mechanisms. We expect our youngsters to closely follow our Visionary Youth program and support us with their contributions and suggestions to prepare our country for the future. Beyond merely searching for jobs with good salaries, we wish them to launch ideas and enterprises and introduce them to us. Our young associates should absolutely have faith that there is no business a Turk cannot achieve. If a thing is built by a human being, then we will do it better. This is not empty talk; we express these words with confidence. We see the results as we roll our sleeves up and start working.” 

The Head of the Electronic Warfare and Radar Systems Department at the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), Ahmet AKYOL, relayed information on the ongoing activities regarding the AESA Radar developed for fighter jets, FOPRAD (In-Forrest Surveillance Radar) and UAV based AEW (Airborne Early Warning) Radar and UAVSOJ projects. Stating that ASELSAN’s AESA Radar will be as capable as the AN/APG-83 radar used in F-16 Viper type fighter jets, AKYOL noted that a similar radar would be used on the AKINCI UCAVs. AKYOL said, “When speaking of the vision on the radars, we have been working on the indigenous production of the components used in the GaN core which is the most critical component.“ and added, “Multi-Sensor Fusion, the multi-static utilization of these radars are critical concepts and we are working on them. Cognitive radars and eventually quantum radars can be qualified as systems Turkey will be developing in the upcoming period. The APG-83 radar is being used in the Block-72 Viper aircraft. When we design our system, these radars carry out a critical function that adds crucial capabilities to the aircraft for air-to-air, air-to-ground missions and for various additional functions. We developed our radar to feature the radar capabilities of Viper at a minimum and to contain numerous capacities such as air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, SAR, electronic support, electronic attack, multi-target capacity. I can say that our radar will be as capable as the Viper’s radar at a minimum and we will include it in the inventory in the upcoming period. The utilization of this radar by the UAVs is another concept we have been working on.” AKYOL also declared that the Early Warning Radar Systems (EWRS/EİRS) will be included in the inventory soon and that it will be transported by domestic tactical trucks.

Sharing that activities on the In-Forest Surveillance Radar (FOPRAD) concept regarding UAVs were being executed, Ahmet AKYOL also mentioned the activities on the UAV based UAV based AEW (Airborne Early Warning) Radar concept. AKYOL said, “We previously included in the inventory the ground version of the radar we named FOPRAD (In-Forest Surveillance Radar) that could view under the vegetation, and we also launched activities to enable our UAVs’ employment of this capacity. We are thinking of adding the FOPRAD concept to the UAVs for the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) in the upcoming period, and we have launched activities to that end. The employment of this radar by UAVs will be a critical force multiplier. As you know, we have an Early Warning & Control Aircraft concept in use; we have been discussing UAV utilization of such concepts in the upcoming period, with our colleagues. We have been collaborating with the TAF as well.” 

Underlining that significant steps have been taken in Turkey in Electronic Warfare (EW) as demonstrated in recent operations, AKYOL stated that they have been striving to develop the UAVSOJ concept. AKYOL continued, “In Electronic Support systems, collection position finding from multiple locations for precise positioning increases the precision. Air platforms are not affected by certain reflections on the ground, so with this specific advantage the precision of positioning achieved jointly by air systems and ground systems bring better results. We also observed this in previous operations. Presently, interoperability of all electronic warfare systems in the network-enabled warfare concept is among our main policies. This is critical in terms of precise positioning. Besides, target share can be conducted after positioning. Ground systems have more power facilities. Upon obtaining a precise position with the support of air systems, the target is shared with the ground systems to attack those radars to enable effective results. As you know, as Turkey we are one of the leading countries in the world in terms of UAV technology and we are continuing to proceed. We launched activities to add the UAVSOJ concept in the upcoming period along with the LANDSOJ and AIRSOJ concepts.  Hopefully, we will deliver them to the Turkish Armed Forces in the upcoming period.  We will be moving onto a structure capable of more effective positioning and attacks." 

Head of Engine and Power Train Systems Department at the Presidency of Defense Industries Mesude KILINÇ made statements on the transmission systems, BATU being developed for the ALTAY main battle tank (MBT) and UTKU being developed for other armored vehicle groups. Noting that they accomplished UTKU Power Pack, KILINÇ added that they have launched the test activities on the engine. Stating that the startup of the transmission would be taking place soon, KILINÇ expressed the test activities regarding the UTKU Power Pack would be carried out until 2023 and they expected system acceptance to be accomplished in 2023. The contract regarding the UTKU Power Pack was signed in 2017. KILINÇ added, “UTKU and BATU can be regarded as sister projects. UTKU features 1.000hp and BATU features 1.500hp. The contract for UTKU was signed in 2017 and we aim to have the system delivered in 2023. It will be a V8 type 1.000hp diesel engine. We have been developing six forward and two reverse full-automatic cross-drive transmissions. Numerous critical sub-systems of the engine and the transmission have been developed indigenously, such as control systems, turbocharge and transmission torque converter. Our target platform in the UTKU project is the tracked group of New Generation Armored Combat Vehicles and FIRTINA SPH. The run-up of the engine has been accomplished. The transmission’s run-up will be taking place quite soon. Our engine’s tests have been initiated; our test activities will continue until 2023.”

Touching upon the process regarding the indigenous engine - BATU power pack launched for the ALTAY MBT, Mesude KILINÇ shared that the BATU power pack designed as a 1.500hp piston diesel engine and fully automatic powered transmission has been planned for on-tank acceptance in 2024. KILINÇ underlined the challenging test process for BATU, including the 10.000km mobility test on the ALTAY MBT that awaited them. KILINÇ added, “The BATU engine and transmission project is being developed for the ALTAY MBT. We signed the contract in 2018 and we aim to accomplish the power pack’s acceptance in the tank in 2024. A truly challenging test process lies ahead, not to mention the 10.000km tests in the tank. In line with the project, a V12 type piston diesel engine is being developed. We are developing fully automatic six forward and two reverse cross-drive transmissions in this project as well. We are achieving the indigenous development of critical sub-systems to which we place great importance. Volume limitation is our greatest problem, as we will be providing high power, yet we need do this at a relatively lower volume. Mission profile and load spectrum studies need to be planned very well. We built the mission profiles with the support of TAF-NATO operations. Each of the critical sub-systems is being developed by companies with remarkable competence in the world. Whereas in our project, we are developing sub-systems indigenously while fulfilling the final engine and transmission performance goals, and this is a really challenging objective. Currently, we are proceeding in line with our schedule and soon we will share some good news regarding the project. However, we are constantly managing risks and striving to render the process ready for the schedule identified for 2024. The transmission will be the most challenging part regarding ALTAY’s power pack.” 

Head of Fixed-Wing Platforms Department at the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) Abdurrahman Şeref CAN touched upon the National Combat Aircraft (MMU) project, the first flight of which is planned to take place in 2025. Stating that the preliminary design phase of the aircraft will be completed in 2022, Şeref CAN declared that the aircraft will be rolled out of the hangar in 2023. Stating that the MMU project would proceed in the form of “Block” production, Şeref CAN announced that the first aircraft to be rolled out would be a 4+ generation fighter jet. Abdurrahman Şeref CAN stated that at the beginning direct procurement would be executed for the platforms’ engines and added that indigenous engines would be powering them in the forthcoming period. CAN also provided the current status of the HÜRJET project which is the single-engine jet training and lightweight fighter aircraft development project conducted by TUSAŞ.  Şeref CAN noted that they accomplished the Critical Design Review (CDR) of the aircraft two weeks ago with the Air Force, the SSB and TUSAŞ and added that the Critical Design Phase was completed. Department Head Şeref CAN expressed that the production of HÜRJET’s structural parts was launched and added that while they performed with the off-the-shelf products for the time being, in time they aimed to utilize indigenous sub-systems in HÜRJET. Sharing the recent developments on the HÜRKUŞ Project that is the development of a new generation basic training aircraft developed by TUSAŞ as the main contractor, Abdurrahman Şeref CAN stated that HÜRKUŞ-B achieved a total flight of 3-4 thousand hours and said that the platforms would be delivered to the Air Force this year.

FNSS Corporate Communications Manager Cem ALTINIŞIK started his speech with an introduction of FNSS. ALTINIŞIK stated that FNSS manufactured and exported vehicles in different versions and configurations and added that such configurations had yet to be seen even in the United States. ALTINIŞIK continued: “In 2004, we realized Turkey’s first military factory operation and modernization project held abroad in Saudi Arabia. In 2005, we designed and developed the tactical wheeled 8×8 and then the 6×6 PARS armored vehicles for the first time in Turkey. We signed a contract with the SSB in 2007. This contract was regarding Turkey’s first indigenously designed land vehicle project, the Mobile Floating Assault Bridge. Presently, all these systems are being successfully utilized by the Turkish engineer corps. From where we stand now, we exported our wheeled vehicles, the PARS 8x8 to Malaysia before the utilization of our army. Then we exported them to Oman. With the Malaysia project, this is still Turkey’s largest export regarding land systems.” Underlining that FNSS was the company to supply the highest number and greatest variation of frontline vehicles to the Turkish Armed Forces, Cem ALTINIŞIK stated that exports amounting to USD2.6 billion constituted 52% of FNSS’ total turnover. Adding that 680 approved domestic suppliers were providing sub-systems to FNSS, ALTINIŞIK emphasized their indirect yet major contribution to employment. 

Delivering a speech on the panel, FNSS Unmanned Ground Vehicles Technical Leader Cankat AYKURT stated that the Unmanned Ground Vehicles program led by the Presidency of Defense Industries was grouped in three categories: Lightweight, Medium and Heavy Weight. AYKURT said, “Systems are being utilized that can be easily carried by troops in urbanized terrain and enhance the forward sight capabilities by transmitting images captured in places that cannot be accessed in buildings to troops at the back. Explosive Ordnance Disposal vehicles are also in this category. Medium Weight vehicles are evaluated in two stages: primary level and secondary level. Currently, four domestic companies are competing with these types of vehicles they developed.  A secondary level system has been developed and is still being developed. In 2018, the Heavy Class Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) were defined as primary level and secondary level as well. The manned vehicles in the inventory have been transformed into unmanned vehicles and reintroduced for utilization at the primary level. Regarding the secondary level, a heavy class UGV is expected to be designed from scratch.” Sharing information on the unmanned ground vehicles projects conducted by FNSS, considering the Shadow Cavalry Project AKYURT said, “As FNSS, we launched an R&D activity called ‘Shadow Cavalry’ that featured the transformation of a primary level vehicle in the inventory into an unmanned vehicle. We conducted an activity to transform an M113 tracked armored vehicle into an unmanned vehicle. As part of this concept, we placed cameras and thanks to sensors, we tested whether the vehicle can be commanded remotely. We have been carrying out our activities based on the data we collected through the testing process. Throughout the Shadow Cavalry Project, we conducted theoretical activities such as integration with Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) in various concepts and integration with Unmanned Ground Vehicles and applied tests in the field. We had the opportunity to test UGV-UAV and Heavy Weight-Medium Weight UGV integration activities together.” 

Head of the Unmanned and Smart Systems Department at the Presidency of Defense Industries Gökhan UÇAR stated in his speech that they would be conducting a flight demonstration with Cargo UAVs which have a disposable load-carrying capacity of 150 kg. UÇAR said, “Sometimes our companies fund their projects and sometimes technology development and demonstration are required. Here, we are working on a Cargo UAV. We actually signed the contract for 50 kg but with TUSAŞ the technology demonstration elevated to a higher level. We are working on cargo UAVs with a capacity of 150 kgs and we plan to conduct a flight demonstration soon with user participation. Following the demonstration, we will introduce it to decision makers and proceed in line with their instructions. Vertical take-off and landing type small scale UAVs are under the tender stage.” UÇAR also noted that they have been developing indigenous alternatives regarding certain imported sub-systems for the systems Turkey develops. Gökhan UÇAR lastly pointed out that unmanned air vehicles were 10 to 20 times less expensive and cost-efficient alternatives to fighter jets.

Head of the Naval Platforms at the Presidency of Defense Industries Alper KÖSE relayed information on the TCG ANADOLU, I-Class Frigate TCG İSTANBUL and National Vertical Launching System. KÖSE spoke about the differences between the first and last MİLGEM Corvettes that have been delivered to the Turkish Naval Forces and stated that their indigenization activities are continuing. KÖSE added that the local content rate will be over 70% in MİLGEM 5 (TCG İstanbul Frigate) during the period starting from the first ship until the 5th ship which is under construction.  Alper KÖSE stated that the activities are continuing regarding the indigenous Vertical Launching System (National VLS/MDAS) to be used in I-Class Frigates. Stressing the importance of Turkish Naval Forces in the world, KÖSE also noted that the indigenous systems in the ships had high export potential. He explained that folding wing Armed Unmanned Air Vehicles (A-UAVs) will be deployed on the TCG ANADOLU Multi-Purpose Amphibious Assault Ship which is planned to be inducted into the service in 2021, and that these A-UAVs will be capable of take-off and landing from distances of 100 to 150 meters. Regarding the Folding Wing A-UAVs which will probably be manufactured by BAYKAR, KÖSE said, “Minimum modifications will be made on the TCG ANADOLU and the A-UAVs will be able to run air operations against surface targets.” 

ASELSAN Radar Systems Engineering Director Muhammet Mustafa AKKUL made a presentation on radar systems and Aselsan’s completed and ongoing radar activities. Sharing the program schedule on the Active Electronic Phase Arrayed (AESA) Radar systems developed by Aselsan, AKKUL declared that the AESA radar integration activities for AKINCI will be launched in 2021 and for the F-16 in 2022. AKKUL continued, “We will be using this radar and the building blocks of this radar on both AKINCI and the F-16. The lessons learned in this project surely formed know-how in the nose radar of the National Combat Aircraft. This is a critical technological development for us. Hopefully, we will launch the integration activities for AKINCI towards the end of 2021 and start the integration activities with the F-16 in 2022. The MMU has already been targeted for 2026.” 

AKKUL stated that the tests of the Early Warning Radar System (EWRS), the tests of which started last year, will be finished this year and added, “We have been conducting numerous activities particularly in S-Band. In fact, there are common building blocks here. The EWRS will be finalized this year. Our Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) builds the big air picture of our low altitude radar EWRS for our Land Forces for a rather long-range artillery, mortar and missiles, there is the low altitude radar also known as the gap-filler which fills the gaps caused by the geographical features and you may have heard of the SİPER project, we have been working on the indigenous version of the long-range air defense missile system, the multi-functional fire control radar. It will perform in the X-Band.” Stating that as part of the Air Traffic Control Radar Project, a prototype is located at ASELSAN’s Gölbaşı premises, AKKUL declared that the delivery of the radars manufactured for the Air Force will start this year. The system comprises both primary surveillance radar and secondary surveillance radar (in other words IFF radar). AKKUL noted that the indigenization activities for the STIR radar which used to be imported from Thales in the past were in progress. AKKUL added, “In 2021, AKREP (AKR-D) previously procured from Thales is employed on the ships in the Naval Forces’ inventory, we indigenized these and named them AKREP, these are quite talented radars capable of operating both in X-Band and in Ka-Band. As a matter of fact, the AKR-D Block-B1 (X+Ka-Band, 120kms) fire control radar is known to be used instead of STIR in the Barbaros Class Frigate Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) Project. Two AKR-Ds are planned to be installed on the ship.” Stating that the serial production of the Missile Seeker Radars was in progress, Muhammet Mustafa AKKUL noted that activities were continuing for the Siper project, HİSAR-O’s RF seeker version and ATMACA. AKKUL added that they built the seeker of GÖKTUĞ (GÖKDOĞAN BVR) and the serial production would be launched. Expressing that they especially expected the Air Force to prefer HİSAR-O’s RF seeker version, AKKUL noted that Naval Forces would also use the RF seeker version if the maritime version of the HİSAR missiles were manufactured. AKKUL concluded his speech by stating that the Modern Mine Detection Radar System would be delivered the following year and that presently the prototype activities were in progress.

On the first day of the event, STM Deputy General Manager Bülent SOYDAL delivered a speech and relayed information on STM’s activities and made statements regarding employment. SOYDAL stated that 62% (430 people) of around 700 people employed at STM comprised of engineers, and experts constituted 34% (179 people). SOYDAL pointed out that 27% of STM employees were women and the remaining 73% were men. Adding that 345 people (51%) were university graduates and 283 people (36%) had postgraduate or higher degrees, SOYDAL continued, “We have been constantly exerting remarkable efforts to include our expert colleagues and our colleagues wishing to become experts in their field in our team. Not only our company, but also all defense industry companies and even all engineering companies’ human resources and technology groups are racing against each other to employ such people (either fresh graduates or other candidates), people with such perspective, wishing to develop themselves and create added value in technology in our companies.” 

On the second day of the Defense Technologies Days, Samsun Yurt Savunma (SYS), which is one of the leading defense industry companies with the CANİK brand, conducted a two-hour live broadcast. Answering the students’ questions during the live broadcast, SYS General Manager Cahit Utku ARAL said, “We expect our students to focus on the defense industry during their graduate education." General Manager Cahit Utku ARAL underlined that Samsun Yurt Savunma was on the list of the top 15 Turkish defense companies as the sole private sector company and stated that they aimed to move on to medium caliber from light caliber. ARAL said, “We started with manufacturing light weapons. We are the seventh-largest company in the world in light weapon production. With our brand CANİK, presently we are one of four companies conducting the most weapon exports to the US. We aim to evolve towards medium caliber from light caliber arms. Integration requirements have emerged for greater weapon systems’ integration into ground, air and naval platforms, in other words, their utilization in ships and helicopters. To that end, we founded UNIDEF. Currently, our UNIDEF Company is the single source company in the integration of weapons to Turkey’s helicopters, coast guard boats and attack boats. UNIDEF is also the single source company in folding weapon systems in ground vehicles, protection vehicles, manual and automatic turrets. With our other company UNIROBOTIC, we made significant investments in the transformation to robotic structures where humans use the weapons while we enhance the physical power.” Following the live broadcast by Utku ARAL at SYS’ Samsun Premises, the company’s weapon systems were introduced and a firing demonstration was executed at the polygon on campus. 

Presentations of SYS’ affiliates UNIDEF and UNIROBOTICS were made after the live broadcast. UNIDEF’s founding partner Cem KURTER noted that the company was established in 2013 to execute the integration of the weapons to the helicopters in the Turkish Armed Forces inventory. KURTER mentioned that UNIDEF accomplished its first project by integrating the M134 Minigun to the Air Forces Command’s AS532 Cougar Helicopters in 2014 and that as of 2020 they have been conducting the integration of weapon systems of various types for helicopters, VIP protection vehicles and frigates and surface platforms of the Special Forces Command, Aviation Department at the General Directorate of Security, Turkish Naval Forces Command and Bahrain Naval and Air Force. Taking the floor after UNIDEF, UNIROBOTICS founding partner Ömür BAÇ mentioned that the company, established in 2020 at the Dudullu Organized Industrial Site in Istanbul, worked on mechatronic weapon systems, motion control and embedded systems. Giving information on the capabilities developed by UNIROBOTICS, BAÇ relayed information on the company’s primary projects such as the Actively Stabilized Gun Mount, Foldable Weapon Turret and the Gun Pod systems developed for air vehicles.

Mehmet Remzi ODUNCU, General Manager of the company BASE Studio extended information on the history and capabilities of the company operating in Gebze, Kocaeli in manufacturing powertrains for land vehicles. The company was established in 2016 by Remzi ODUNCU and Ahmet HACIYUNUS (also the owners of the BRIST Axle Company in Italy) to decrease Turkey’s foreign dependency particularly in the military area in this product group, and the company develops indigenous and innovative powertrain package solutions for wheeled ground platforms with cross-country vehicles. Manufacturing powertrains, suspension and vehicle transporter systems of wheeled armored vehicles, BASE Studio also owns a test center founded entirely by the company where verification tests of products developed in Turkey and power trains can be tested. Remzi ODUNCU also relayed information on the new generation 8x8 armored vehicle’s infrastructure developed as part of the National Technology Move. The powertrain used in the 8x8 armored vehicle displayed during the Minister of National Defense Hulusi AKAR’s visit to BMC’s Arifiye Premises was developed by the BASE Studio R&D unit and was built with the assembly of over 2,000 parts entirely supplied by domestic companies. 

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) System Engineering Director Yasin KAYGUSUZ mentioned the recent developments regarding the HÜRJET, HÜRKUŞ and ANKA platforms. KAYGUSUZ declared that HÜRJET passed the Critical Design Review and has started to be built and that the first metal-cutting process and software development as part of the HÜRJET project were accomplished. Moreover, KAYGUSUZ noted HÜRJET-C -the basic jet training aircraft HÜRJET’s light attack version- will also be built. Giving information on the latest status in the delivery of the ANKA UAV/AUAV platforms actively used by the Turkish Armed Forces, KAYGUSUZ said, “We delivered 26 or 27 ANKA and ANKA-S platforms to the Air Forces Command, Land Forces Command, Gendarmerie General Command and Naval Forces Command.”  KAYGUSUZ lastly touched upon the average age and number of staff saying, “The number of our staff is 9,836 and our age average is below 40.” 

Another participant of the Defense Technologies Days, TEI General Manager and Chairman of the Board Prof. Mahmut AKŞİT, shared information on the history, structure and present capabilities of the company. Stating that TEI has delivered 91 gasoline and diesel engines for various UAV systems to date, AKŞİT stated that TEI has developed a total of 10 national engines comprising of 4 jet fuel, 2 gasoline and 4 diesel engines and an indigenous engine in the last seven years and added that the development activities continued. AKŞİT underlined that five of these engines (TJ90, PG115, PD155, PD170-DT, PG50) were under the serial production process. Stressing that one of two aircraft in the world uses parts built by TEI, Mahmut AKŞİT pointed that General Electric (GE) was one of their major partners and customers. Expressing that they manufactured 1,500 parts for 45 civilian and military engine programs, AKŞİT stated that the whole power turbine module of the LHTEC T800 engine employed by 129 ATAK helicopters was produced by TEI. Declaring that the T700-TEI-701D engines to be used in T-70 helicopters that will be built by TUSAŞ were being produced with a domestic participation rate of 60% in Turkey under GE’s license, Mahmut AKŞİT stated that production and test activities of 25 engines were completed in 2020 and serial production of a total of 33 engines to date has been accomplished as part of the project. Relaying information on the TEI-TJ300 Project, AKŞİT stated that the missile would be 3.20m long and heavier than 300 kg in the engine tests executed as part of the Medium Range Anti-Ship Missile program. Furthermore, Mahmut AKŞİT noted that the first prototype test of the TEI-TJ300 - Turkey’s first Medium Range Anti-Ship Missile Engine entirely designed, developed and manufactured with indigenous resources, was held on February 25, 2020 at TEI’s premises in Eskişehir with the participation of the Minister of Industry and Technology Mustafa VARANK. 

Delivering a speech on the third and last day of the Defense Technologies Days, HAVELSAN R&D and Integration Director Deniz Remzi DUMLU shared information on the organizational structure of the company. Remzi DUMLU stated that active in Command Control and Defense Technologies, Simulation and Platform Management Technologies, Information and Communication Technologies and Homeland Security and Cyber Security areas, since 1982 HAVELSAN has collaborated with international business partners in 20 countries.  He pointed out that as of 2021, HAVELSAN was conducting its activities in the country with over 2,000 employees and 10 affiliates. DUMLU added that 22% (TRY 434 million) of HAVELSAN’s yearly turnover was allocated to the R&D center in 2020. 

Menatek Business Development Director Naz ÜNAL talked about the capabilities of the company founded in 1995 and shared information on Menatek’s present activities. Menatek currently supplies over 7,250 components for armored military vehicles. ÜNAL added that they developed software called WOLARF which they have been working on for a long while. Naz ÜNAL stated that by this software -short for the words World’s Largest Factory-, Menatek aimed to gather all of Turkey’s manufacturers in different sectors under a single roof. Developed after a period of three years, WOLARF constantly tracks engineering and manufacturing solutions and with its team of over 10,000 staff aims to become the World’s Largest Factory by expanding over an area of 1,500,000 square meters. 

Taking the floor on the third day of the event, TAIS Shipyards General Manager İsmail Doğan BEŞCAN spoke of the company’s history and stated that TAIS was founded in 2017 by private shipyards as a private company with the SSB’s encouragement. BEŞCAN noted that TAIS has a manufacturing area of 415,659 m2, 3 shipyards, 4 cradles, 3 floating docks, 2 dry-docks, 10 piers and a yearly capacity of processing 250,000 tons of steel and added that 1,600 staff comprising of 546 engineers and designers were employed at the company. BEŞCAN also relayed information on TAIS’ sister company, TAIS Engine established in 2018 and stated that the company aims to develop and manufacture indigenous and national diesel engines