New Cooperation of BAE Systems and Nurol Makina
Defence Turkey:Nurol Makina and BAE Systems have signed MoU about potential opportunities for collaboration in Turkey. Could you please inform us about this agreement?
The two companies intend to collaborate on the development of business opportunities for BAE Systems` Military Air & Information products and services in Turkey and the wider region. This business division has significant expertise in the design and build of fixed wing military aircraft and also provides an array of associated training solutions, support and information services for customers worldwide. The intention is to be able to provide complementary services to the Turkish Air Sector, particularly with systems design and integration.
Defence Turkey: Does this agreement cover export opportunities to the other regions?
There is clear recognition that with the increasing challenges placed on the wider Turkish industry to conduct more exports that the Air-Sector will need to play its part. BAE Systems and Nurol Makina are practiced in the export market and will be able to bring knowledge and contacts to the sector. Exportability is viewed as a critical consideration when constructing new projects and platforms; where the selection of components, systems and the use of IPR must be such that the system requirements and the need to export balance.
Defence Turkey: It is expected that TX programme format will be announced soon by the SSM. Is this a programme that the Nurol Makina/BAE Systems partnership would wish to address?
BAE Systems has a significant interest in working with Turkish industry to provide solutions in the air sector. Such a solution could be provided in cooperation or partnership with Nurol Makina bringing global design and manufacturing competencies (IPR) into Turkey through a private Turkish entity. BAE Systems has significant experience in the provision of advanced standard pilot training aircraft to other nations working in collaboration with industry to achieve technology transfer while assuring the local content of the solution. The cooperation with Nurol Makina will bring Nurol Makina’s project and programme management experience and competencies in the Turkish Defence sector to the programme adding great value. Nurol Makina is already working in partnership with BAE Systems in the Land sector through FNSS.
Defence Turkey: BAE has strong ties with Turkey over the years. Could you please inform us about BAE’s general strategies towards Turkey?
BAE Systems has maintained a presence in Turkey for over 20 years, has a permanent team based in offices at Ankara and a presence in Istanbul in the IT security sector. This in-country team is supported by dedicated personnel from other Business Units worldwide who are positioned to offer their products and services into Turkey. The Joint Venture with Nurol Makina in the Land Sector with BAE Systems has shown how this partnership can be successful not just serving the internal market but also contributing to Turkey`s exports.
Defence Turkey: The SSM has just announced the Request for Proposals for the Primary Trainer Aircraft for the Turkish Air Force. We know that BAE Systems has previously responded to the Request for Information with a case based on the provision of the Pacific Aerospace Limited CT-4E military training aircraft from New Zealand. What are your intentions in regard the RFP?
At the time of this article, Nurol Makina, BAE Systems and Pacific Aerospace Limited are considering the most suitable response to make in respect of this Request for Proposal and thus cannot comment further on our approach. However, we remain clear that the CT-4E would present a cost-effective and technically capable option for any air force seeking a first-stage primary trainer. This aircraft would perfectly fit into a training pipeline in advance of a Basic Flying Training aircraft.
Defence Turkey: What will be the other future opportunities between Nurol Makina and BAE systems?
The Turkish air sector is broad yet not well represented by private companies in the military domain. The two companies plan to work together to identify potential opportunities for collaboration and the provision of services complementary to that already in place in Turkey. There will be a continued focus to identify and meet export opportunities.
Defence Turkey: It seems that Nurol Makina will expand their operational base into the air-sector. How will Nurol Makina approach this change and how will such a (new) entity be positioned against other companies in this sector?
Nurol Makina has made a decision to expand their operations into the Turkish Air-Sector, to be a new entity in the private air-sector market and grow their presence by working with the TAFFs and SMEs to meet national requirements and export programmes.
Defence Turkey: Do you add any message for Defence Turkey Readers?
Nurol Makina has been playing an important role in the Turkish defence and homeland security business for many years. The MoU signed at IDEF with BAE Systems earlier this year will be an excellent opportunity for Nurol Makina to initiate cooperation in aviation business where we see great potential for Turkey and the region. This desire to move into the Turkish private air-sector matches BAE Systems aspirations to grow their presence in the country and both companies see this as a long-term venture. Nurol Makina will be the interface for our combined air-sector activities in Turkey leading our business internally and for the export market. We are clear that to be successful, we will need to continue working in support of the established Turkish industry; especially the TAFFS and their supporting SMEs and we look forward to developing these working relationships. We will follow on the successful FNSS model by bringing technology and know-how to Turkey, developing new programmes and finding export opportunities.
