New Era in Cassidian- Turkey Relations with its New Management and New Globalization Strategy

Defence Turkey: Mr Scherer, as Chief Sales Officer you are part of Cassidian’s new management team. What is the rationale behind the company’s new strategy?

With more than 23,000 employees, Cassidian is one of the largest defence and security companies in Europe. It has gained this position of strength mainly as a result of long-term partnerships with German, French and other European forces and organisations. Today, we are working to make Cassidian a real global player. That means on the one hand that we are continuing to support our European customers, while at the same time shaping our product portfolio to meet the needs of international markets. It’s about demonstrating our leading-edge capabilities in defence and security, as a trustworthy partner to our civil and military customers worldwide.

Defence Turkey: How does this strategy apply to countries such as Turkey?

Cassidian has implemented an internationalisation policy. Turkey is both a large market in itself, and a regional hub. By being present in the country, we can build long-term partnerships with local players and are in a position to enter into joint research and development, production and export to third-party countries. Turkey is therefore part of our globalisation strategy.

Defence Turkey: What are your expectations here in Turkey?

Cassidian has a long-standing presence in Turkey. By drawing on our proven capabilities, we contribute to the state-of-the-art solutions required by the Turkish Armed Forces. Consequently, we are open to partnerships with leading Turkish defence and security industries. One of our major goals is to jointly develop and implement solutions in the field of nationwide TETRA communications as well as those based on high-end radars and optronic sensors. Cassidian also has close ties with Turkish industry when it comes to the development of new technologies for Unmanned Aerial Systems. I am convinced that there are many more opportunities out there for tighter relationships with R&D agencies, and for public and private sectors and universities to contribute to tailor-made Turkish solutions.

Defence Turkey: Cassidian is renowned as one of the leading companies in border security as well as for its expertise in radar technology. What’s the latest news here?

In the field of surveillance at large, Cassidian has a complete portfolio of integrated border management systems and sensors including the new Spexer ground surveillance radars, which are the first security radars based on E-Scan technology. Since our acquisition of Carl Zeiss Optronics in Germany last year, we have become a leading provider of high-class electro-optical sensors. Thanks to our ability to secure borders to the highest standards, we offer sovereign states protection for one of their most critical assets. But our sensors portfolio has even more to offer: another key capability is the self-protection of military platforms, especially aircraft and helicopters. Take, for example, our MILDS F system. This unique missile warning system is fully operational in NATO Air Forces’ F-16 fleet and increases the aircraft’s survivability against modern threats such as new high-speed ground-to-air missiles.

Defence Turkey: Another success story seems to be your worldwide business for professional mobile radio networks. Which kind of networks are we talking about here?

So far, Cassidian has deployed 220 secure communications networks in over 70 countries worldwide. Cassidian installs and operates nationwide networks for police and security forces as well as regional or mobile networks for major sporting events. With the German BOSNet system, used by emergency services and the Federal Police, we currently roll out the largest nationwide TETRA network in the world. And our portfolio also covers emergency call centres. Just to give you an example: more than two thirds of all emergency calls in the USA are transferred using Cassidian’s technologies. In short, wherever sophisticated communication solutions are in demand, Cassidian offers fully integrated solutions that enable decision-makers to ensure quick reaction times for crisis management, even when public communication systems are down.

Defence Turkey: Cassidian is part of the EADS Group. What does that mean for your business?

Cassidian benefits from the support of the whole EADS Group in terms of developing new technologies, creating R&D synergies and accessing further export markets. Many of our customers see the possibility of receiving a wide range of products and support from a single, trusted supplier with the same high standards of quality and the passion to deliver the best value for money as a tremendous benefit. We are part of one of the best high-tech companies in the world, and that’s something we can really build on.