Roketsan and MBDA Germany are Combining their Forces
The ILA Berlin International Air Show that took place between 20-25 May saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Roketsan and MBDA Deutschland GmbH on the production and integration of the 70mm laser guided missile System (“Cirit”). Under the terms of this agreement signed between Roketsan General Manager Selçuk Yaşar and MBDA Group Germany Managing Director Thomas Homberg , both companies will initiate the exchange of business and technical information, realize preliminary work on the integration of “Cirit” to the German UH Tiger Platform and present a solution for the needs of the German Armed Forces.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Roketsan General Manager Selçuk Yaşar indicated that through this collaboration the capabilities of the 2.75” Laser Guided Missile System “Cirit” will be combined with the know-how of MBDA Germany’s weapon platform management systems and believed an advanced weapon system would be presented to the German Army.
Speaking at the signing, Thomas Homberg said that the already existing co-operations between Roketsan and MBDA will be extended by this focused initiative and by combining their competencies they would jointly be providing this required capability to the German Armed Forces.
Cirit Missile for the UH Tiger Helicopters
Presently deployed in Afghanistan, important decisions were reached in the past that certain updates on top of the UH-Tiger Attack Helicopters were needed since the old weapon systems did not meet the new generation tactical needs. In line with these needs, moving the machine gun from its existing location under the wing to the nose of the helicopter and undertaking updates on the mission computer are planned. In addition, under the coverage of the new weapon systems needs, installing a 2.75” laser guided missile to the UH-Tiger Helicopters is targeted. Based on this agreement, preliminary work has commenced on undertaking the integration of the Cirit Missile to these helicopters jointly with MBDA Deutschland GmbH that is responsible for the weapon integration on the UH-Tiger Helicopters. Within the framework of the requirements of the German Army, the modernisation of 72 UH-60 Tiger Helicopters is planned during the first stage. On the other hand, in responding to the urgent needs identified by the German Army Command within the German Defence Ministry, analysis work is continuing on identifying cost-effective solutions.
