TÜBİTAK BİLGEM - Türkiye’s Defense Industry Solution Partner in Cutting Edge Technologies
Defence Turkey: Can we start our conversation with some details about the establishment, purpose, vision, and activities of the Information Technologies Institute (BTE), which is one of the 6 Institutes within the TÜBİTAK Informatics and Information Security Research Center (BİLGEM) which develops the R&D-intensive critical subsystems of several projects including TF-X (MMU), MİLDEN, Mine and Improvised Explosive Disposal, and Laser systems?
Dr. Hakkı Murat GENÇ: BTE was established in 1995 within the Marmara Research Center of TÜBITAK to include Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Computer-Aided Design, Robotics, and Space Technologies Departments. Since its establishment, our institute continues to carry out critical R&D studies for our country in a broad spectrum of technologies, including air, land, sea defense, cloud computing, air traffic control, and various radar development activities. Additionally, our staff, which consisted of approximately 60 people during its establishment, has approached 700 today, together with the ones we’re hiring through subcontractor companies.
Defence Turkey: As the Information Technologies Institute, are all of your financial resources provided by TÜBİTAK?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: I think there is such a perception because we are a public institution, albeit with a private status. But my answer to this question would be no. While the situation was close to what you stated until the 2000s, today, our personnel and other expenses can be covered almost entirely with externally supported R&D projects. As of 2021, we can cover 96% of all our expenses, including electricity, water, and personnel salaries, etc., with the project revenues I mentioned. In other words, we can say that we received 4% government support for 2021. We aim to increase our self-efficacy to 100% in 2022.
Defence Turkey: Could you briefly introduce the TÜBİTAK-BİLGEM Department of Defense Technologies, which is currently working on developing Naval, Land, and Air Defense Systems, Avionics, and Real-Time Operating Systems needed by the Turkish Defense and Aerospace industry? Could you share information about the organizational structure, personnel status, and the number of projects carried out by the Department of Defense Technologies?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: Our Institute's Department of Defense Technologies is a well-established organization based on development activities for countermeasure systems against mines and improvised explosive devices, command and control systems for surface ships, and mission computers for aircraft, which were determined as critical work areas before the 2000s. Today, we develop various systems, subsystems or technologies focused on R&D in critical projects for our defense industry, with more than 250 engineers, 10% of whom are PhDs, and more than half of them are graduate engineers in 6 different departments. I can say that we constitute an important national power that develops handheld, robot or vehicle-mounted mine and improvised explosive detection sensors, real-time operating systems, avionics, aircraft tracking systems, submarine combat management systems, various navigational support systems, and magnetic signature reduction systems for naval vessels. We currently have 44 different active projects. Some of these have been turned into programs and actually contain more than one project.
Defence Turkey: What can you say about the work areas and capabilities of TÜBİTAK-BİLGEM BTE? Could you inform us about the number and financial aspect of the projects you are running?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: Our institute continues its activities with a total of 16 separate branches under 4 departments. Apart from these, we have project management branches under each department and quality, configuration, and system engineering departments directly reporting to the institute director. Under our Sensor & Radar Systems Department, we have groups that specialize in Radar, High Power Microwave, Antenna, and RF technologies and Measurement systems. Our Homeland Security Department currently focuses on Data Analysis, and we are on the eve of renaming it. Here, our teams specialize in Data Exploitation, Cloud Computing, Big Data Analysis Systems, and High-Level Software Development work. Our last unit, excluding the Defense Technologies Department, is the Decision Support & Intelligent Transport Systems Department, whose name we plan to change to Mobility Technologies. Intelligent transportation, robotics, and autonomous systems are the areas of expertise of our friends there. We currently have over 100 projects, including those in the warranty period. Our total R&D project size is valued around 2 Billion TL.
Defence Turkey: One of the most important fields of activity of TÜBİTAK BİLGEM is surface and underwater defense systems. Could you give some information about your work in this context?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: Yes, in fact, our first contact with you was thanks to the MÜREN-PREVEZE, one of our important projects in this field. Although the projects in the MÜREN program are aimed at underwater, the activities of BİLGEM BTE -or MAM BTE as it was called at the time- in the field of maritime defense actually began with the first official project, GENESIS -I think signed in 2001- the preparations of which began around 1998, together with the Turkish Naval Research Center Command (ARMERKOM). As you know, this journey reaches MİLGEMs and the ADVENT combat management system today.
On the other hand, BİLGEM's work in naval defense is not limited to the command-control or combat management systems and their sub-technology. BİLGEM also has different tactical and training simulators such as Submarine Tactical Simulator (DATAS), Computer Based Simulation Modeling (BTBM), and Warfare Effectiveness Analysis Model (GEMED), as well as different technologies and products such as Intercept Passive Sonar (IPS), Intercept Detection and Ranging Sonar (IDRS), Magnetic Signature Reduction systems, underwater telephones, submarine battery monitoring systems, electronic plotting tables, IR track prediction systems, message operating systems, naval defense radars, autonomous surface vehicles, and underwater acoustic modems.
Defence Turkey: Could you briefly summarize the capabilities and technologies you developed under the MİLGEM Project as TÜBİTAK BİLGEM for our readers?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: Under the MİLGEM project, the GENESIS Combat Management System, which is now maintained by HAVELSAN and used on the first two ships, the underwater telephones on all ships, IR track prediction & magnetic signature management systems were all developed by using the outputs of our BİLGEM-affiliated institutes and departments. In addition, some special tests such as TEMPEST and dynamic magnetic signature tests were also carried out by us.
Defence Turkey: For the first time, you started to perform platform-level TEMPEST tests for MİLGEM Corvettes. Are TEMPEST tests also applied in Projects such as TCG Ufuk TVEG (Test and Training Ship), I-Class Frigate, and HİSAR Class OPV? What kind of measurements and studies are carried out on the ship as part of TEMPEST tests, and how long do these tests take for each ship?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: We carried out platform-level TEMPEST tests of the MİLGEM-2 corvette in 2013. These tests have been completed in accordance with GENKUR MST 401-1(A) Level C standard. The tests were applied to the SPECIAL and higher confidential information processing systems of the MİLGEM-2 corvette. A test matrix was created by making a risk assessment for all RED marked systems on the ship. Based on the risk analysis results, the risk assessment report -which I cannot share details about- was submitted to the relevant authorities. In this context, it took about 6 months to get information about the systems on the ship, make a risk assessment, create a test matrix, and prepare the test setup, and the execution of the tests took 3 weeks. The tests were carried out on only one ship (MİLGEM-2).
We haven’t received any TEMPEST test requests for other platforms yet.
Defence Turkey: What can you tell us about your technical infrastructure and experience in Magnetic Signature Management as the D/G (DeGaussing) System supplier for all new warship construction projects? When and how did you start your activities in this field? Could you briefly summarize your ongoing work for our readers? Do you have technological improvements and capability increases in D/G Systems in parallel with the new type of mine technologies?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: Our activities in magnetic signature management started in the early 2000s as part of the modernization project of the firing mechanism of naval mines in the inventory of our Navy with today's technology. To establish multiple signature measurement stations in line with the project requirements, we first updated the existing signature measurement station software and then modernized the entire infrastructure. We also delivered the facility, which removes the magnetic signature of the materials needed by our mine-hunting ships, to the Turkish Naval Forces. Since we are also producing smart naval mine firing mechanisms, we have gained complete expertise in magnetic signature management. Our researchers, who are experts in their fields, are constantly improving their research/development potentials and capabilities, taking into account new types of naval mine technologies.
We can summarize our fields of activity as:
Ship D/G Systems,
Ship Signature Measurement Station,
Land Magnetic Signature Measurement and Suppression System
Our ongoing active projects are:
MİLGEM İ-Class Frigate D/G System
Pakistan-MİLGEM D/G System
Ukraine-MİLGEM D/G System
Offshore Patrol Vessel D/G System
Signature Measurement Station Modernization
Defence Turkey: At the beginning of April 2022, it was announced that the D/G (DeGaussing) System integration studies of the TCG İstanbul (F-515), the first ship of the MİLGEM I-Class Frigate Project, had been completed. Could you tell our readers about the onboard D/G System's integration process and working principle? Is the system always on, or is it activated when a naval mine is detected?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: Following the ship's magnetic modeling and analysis studies, the Ship D/G System is designed, produced, and made ready for integration into the ship. The ship D/G System uses onboard D/G coils to suppress the ship's magnetic signature by generating reverse magnetic signature. Depending on the ship's position and route, currents at the proper levels are applied to the D/G coils to ensure that the ship's magnetic signature remains within limits. Since the magnetic signature of a vessel with an active D/G system will be less likely to be detected by magnetic sensors in mines, it also reduces the risk of mine detonation.
The D/G system is designed to be operated continuously while the ship is underway. In addition, we have added a 'coastal operation mode' to our system to keep the ship's magnetic signature with minimal change when the magnetic field sensor is not used. To the best of our knowledge, our system is the only one in the world supporting this feature.
Defence Turkey: TÜBİTAK BİLGEM had previously delivered D/G System for ADA Class Corvettes. Is there a difference between the D/G System used on I-Class and ADA Class ships? As TÜBİTAK BİLGEM, you have delivered the D/G System for Offshore Patrol Vessels, PN-MİLGEM Corvettes (BABUR-Class) exported to Pakistan, Ukraine MİLGEM Corvette, and other ships exported to Turkmenistan. What can you tell us about the D/G System design process and ship-specific DG System production?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: There is no difference in terms of working principle for D/G Systems used on I-Class and ADA Class ships. However, there is a physical difference. The D/G system on ADA Class ships is distributed, while the D/G system on I-Class ships is centrally designed. In distributed systems, the current sources feeding the D/G coils are distributed to different parts of the boat, while in central systems, they are brought together in a group of cabinets.
For the D/G system design process, the ship's magnetic signature must first be modeled. After analyses is completed on this model, the ship-specific D/G System is designed and produced.
As part of the exported systems, the sea acceptances of the distributed D/G system for Turkmenistan corvettes were concluded, and the project was successfully completed. Similarly, the production of the Ukrainian Corvette D/G system, which is designed in a distributed model, is still in progress. Factory acceptance of the D/G system on the 1st ship of PN-MİLGEM, which was designed centrally, has been successfully completed and is ready for delivery. Production continues for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th ships. Production activities of the Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) D/G system are continuing.
Defence Turkey: What can you say about Ship Signature Measurement Station and Magnetic Signature Reduction facilities, which are the other components of Magnetic Signature Management? Do you have any plans or studies on establishing similar facilities in other countries (such as Turkmenistan and Pakistan)?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: Ship Signature Measurement Stations operate for the purpose of measuring the different signatures of ships as a whole. Measuring the ship's magnetic signature enables the determination of the ship's D/G system coil currents.
If the permanent magnetic signature due to the movement of the ship is outside the scope of the dynamic signature and due to the magnetization on the ship's hull, this signature can be removed with Deperming Stations. Our work in this area also continues.
The Land Magnetic Signature Measurement and Suppression System are used to remove/reduce the magnetic signatures of the devices and materials before they are integrated on board the ship. It is possible to measure the magnetic values of the materials and remove the magnetic signatures when necessary. With these facilities, it is possible to reduce the signatures of tanks and armored vehicles against magnetic land mines in line with the needs of our Land Forces.
We have studies and plans for the land signature measurement and suppression system and ship signature measurement station for Turkmenistan and only ship signature measurement station for Pakistan. In our country, we are working on commissioning an additional station beside the existing one to measure the signatures of large ships such as the TCG Anadolu.
Defence Turkey: In order to reduce the IP detectability of surface warships, you also provide the Real-Time IR Track Prediction & Management System (GEZKİY) besides the Shipboard Automatic Degaussing (D/G) System. Could you give information about the GEZKİY System?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: The Real-Time IR Track Prediction & Management System (GEZKİY) project, carried out by our National Electronics and Cryptology Institute (UEKAE) of BİLGEM, aims to model, calculate, and display the infrared signature of the ship in related IR bands in real-time by using the temperature information from the sensors deployed on the platform, and to create precautionary recommendations against threats searching in the related infrared bands.
GEZKİY system consists of two different software working together:
An Infrared Signature Simulation and Display Software that models and calculates the ship's Infrared signature using the temperature information measured directly on the ship and displays it visually in different ways according to operator selections,
Infrared Signature Countermeasure Software, which calculates the estimated detection and locking distance of infrared-guided threats in the software's threat library by using instant meteorological data as well as information such as ship route and speed information.
The system also provides IR signature reduction recommendations to the operator of areas that over-radiate in the infrared bands. In addition, the GEZKİY system works integrated with KALKAN, the ship's flare launcher control software.
Defence Turkey: Are GEZKİY and D/G Systems products available for export? Can we get an assessment of the current demand and interest in these products in the foreign market?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: The technology transfer of the GEZKİY System to ALTINAY company has been completed. The company is currently producing the GEZKİY System for 4 corvettes under construction for Pakistan. As far as I know, they are preparing for Factory Acceptance Tests. We also support them in training, consultancy, or whatever they require. Truthfully, I do not know whether there are any other foreign customer contacts other than Pakistan. In this context, there is no official request to BİLGEM yet.
Defence Turkey: As TÜBİTAK-BİLGEM BTE, what kind of studies do you carry out under the TF-2000 AAW (Anti-Air Warfare) Destroyer Project? Could you enlighten our readers about the technologies and products you are working on? Two separate Sonar Suite studies were initiated by the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and the Ministry of National Defense (MSB) for the TF-2000 AAW Destroyers. Are you involved in these projects?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: As you know, the “BOSS” R&D Project, which aims to develop an integrated sonar suite for the TF-2000 AAW Destroyer, was initiated by the Ministry of National Defense at the beginning of 2022. As TÜBİTAK BİLGEM, we will take part in the project carried out by the main contractor and our sister center TÜBİTAK MAM.
The project aims to develop a Sonar Suite that can operate mono-static, bi-static, and multi-static. The main components of the system will be the Hull/Bow Mounted Sonar System and the Low-Frequency Towed Sonar Simulator. This simulator will be based on the features of the towed sonar produced under the DÜFAS R&D project carried out by the SSB for the Naval Forces Command. The BOSS Sonar Suite, which will be developed with national resources, will be natively integrated with the ADVENT Combat Management System.
The main technological achievements targeted with the project are the development of the multi-static sonar concept and its integration into the CMS. Developing a fully integrated multi-static sonar software with CMS, acquiring multi-static sonar performance modeling capability, and developing a digital underwater telephone compatible with the NATO Underwater Communication Protocol JANUS are the capabilities that will be added to our country's defense power for the first time. In addition to these capabilities, we will be working as TÜBİTAK BİLGEM in the development of sonar signal processing algorithms, development of simulator software, multi-static fusion, acoustic classification, target motion analysis and integration of the Sonar Suite to the ADVENT CMS.
Defence Turkey: Representing an important threshold in TÜBİTAK's achievement to meet the needs of the Turkish Naval Forces for underwater systems, the development of the Submarine Tactical Simulator (DATAS), which runs a special software containing more than 4.5 Million lines of code, started in 2005 and studies were completed in May 2014. DATAS entered service with a ceremony at the Gölcük Naval Base on October 28, 2014. What is your opinion on the importance of DATAS for both TÜBİTAK and the Turkish Defense Industry? Are you working on a similar solution for REİS-Class Submarines and/or MİLDEN Projects?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: As you mentioned, the DATAS Project is critical for acquiring certain technologies. It is aimed to model all the elements in the submarine's Combat Information Center (CIC) and the entire external world in which the submarine interacts with high fidelity. In this sense, DATAS can be considered the forerunner of many underwater projects, from sonars to simulators, from fire control systems to simulation infrastructures, which we developed before and along with the MÜREN program. We conducted an acceptance test for 21 months in the simulator building in Gölcük, where we spent a total of 5,600 man/hours, worked over 20,000 man/hours only on GÜR Class submarines, and worked with field experts for over 73,000 man/hours at the Gölcük Submarine Training Center. I'm talking about a huge study with 125 TÜBİTAK engineers and more than 200 engineers together with subcontractors, 5 different universities, 7 different consultants, 2 of which are foreign, 2 subcontractors, more than 10 industrial services procurement agreements, 65 technical reports, master’s, and doctoral theses, and over 60 scientific publication outputs with unclassified information. More than 10,000 system requirements, more than 875 official documents, and over 950 meeting minutes in the project are still recorded in our version control tools. It would not be possible to develop MÜREN-AY and MÜREN-PREVEZE or to develop them locally and nationally, in real terms, without the scientific knowledge and competence produced in DATAS.
Similar tactical simulator solutions are planned to be developed for our other class submarines, but no contract has been signed yet.
Defence Turkey: Although it was designed for GÜR Class Submarines, will you upgrade the DATAS simulator after the MÜREN-PREVEZE and PREVEZE Mid-Life Update (MLU) Projects?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: Although we hear from time to time that it is being evaluated, no concrete steps have been taken in this direction yet.
Defence Turkey: The MÜREN Combat Management System (CMS), which was developed by utilizing algorithms and software developed by TÜBİTAK MAM/BİLGEM as part of the DATAS (Submarine Tactical Simulator) Project and running on the national middleware 'Genieware,' was first successfully installed to the TCG Doğanay (S-351) and TCG Dolunay (S-352) Submarines under the MÜREN CMS AY-Class Implementation Project signed on June 2, 2016, and the Project was completed in early 2019. What can you tell us about the capabilities of the MÜREN-AY CMS, which can handle 4 different torpedo engagements at the same time. Can we get information about the duration of sea trials and number of torpedo firing tests conducted in the project?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: With the MÜREY-AY CMS, our submarines TCG Doğanay (S-351) and TCG Dolunay (S-352) gained the capability to launch DM2A4 torpedoes, Track Management, and Target Motion Analysis (TMA) capabilities by using data from MİLPAS, ED and Navigation/Attack Periscopes. The DM2A4, which is described as one of the most modern torpedoes, has been used in these submarines with all its capabilities, and the deterrence of our submarines has been significantly increased. Again, with this project, our national middleware software ‘Genieware’ was used for the first time on underwater platforms, and a system open to expansion with its distributed and modular architecture was created. In addition, navigational aids such as the use of digital maps, situational awareness procedures on the map, target avoidance, closest point approach, and route point tracking are also included in the system. During the development of the system with the MÜREN-AY CMS, 12 training torpedo launches were carried out with the participation of BİLGEM personnel, and more than 30 TMA range studies were carried out.
Defence Turkey: The Intercept Passive Sonar (IPS) System, developed under the "Development of Intercept Detection and Ranging Sonar" project under the management of TÜBİTAK BİLGEM, was successfully integrated into the TCG Dolunay (S-352) Submarine in early 2019. Can we get information about the IDRS (Intercept Detection and Ranging Sonar), the second system developed under the project? What are the prominent features of IDRS compared to IPS?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: As you mentioned, the project's scope includes developing two different intercept sonar systems for submarines. Both sonars were designed to detect, analyze and track active acoustic signals emitted from the target in the 1-100 kHz range. IPS, which can acquire the target bearing and pulse parameters, is currently used in the TCG Dolunay integrated with the MÜREN-AY CMS. The IDRS system, which was developed to operate integrated with the MÜREN-PREVEZE Combat Management System, has an intercept sonar feature that can calculate the target distance in addition to the features of the IPS. It is planned to complete the IDRS System Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) in 2022 and to carry out the Sea Acceptance Tests (SAT) by integrating the system into the TCG Sakarya in 2023.
Defence Turkey: At the end of 2010, the BTBM (Computer Based Simulation Modeling) system you developed under the DAKA (Acoustic Decoy Development for Submarine) project was installed at the Submarine Training Center Command. We know that the Turkish Navy effectively uses BTBM to develop torpedo evasion tactics for submarines. Could you give some information about the scope of the BTBM HIZIR update, which was developed to use a similar capability for surface vessels, and the additional features it will provide?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: The BTBM HIZIR update preserved all the capabilities of DAKA BTBM and utilized current/next-generation hardware and software. As part of the update, the expandable acoustic decoys and jammers of ASELSAN's HIZIR system and the components of the HIZIR towed array (torpedo detection array, acoustic and magnetic decoy) were added to the software. Thanks to the update, the possibilities of developing torpedo evasion tactics for surface platforms using the HIZIR system and transferring these tactics to ship systems for decision support purposes have been brought to the BTBM software. We are currently working on the export version of the BTBM software.
Defence Turkey: It is known that the GEMED (Warfare Effectiveness Analysis Model) project, which aims to develop a simulation model that will allow the measurement and evaluation of the combat effectiveness of surface combatants, submarines, and naval aircraft against different threats, started in 2018 and the prototype phase was completed in 2020. Could you give information about the current status of the project and about the activities you have carried out under the project as TÜBİTAK BİLGEM?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: Under the project carried out by the main contractor STM, as TÜBİTAK BİLGEM, we design the models of engagement, evasion, and patrol missions performed by surface, underwater, and aerial platforms, command and control systems, link communication, and models of underwater platforms, weapons, acoustic sensors, and acoustic countermeasures in the project. In addition, we also model the damage caused by airbursts and underwater explosions to platforms. The project went through a major scope update after it started. Within the scope of the new Phase-1 setup, it will be possible to simulate the GMD (Guided Missile Defense) missions of the surface platforms and the target motion analysis (TMA) missions of the underwater platforms. Phase-1 of the GEMED Project is expected to be completed in the last quarter of 2022.
Defence Turkey: A contract was signed between TÜBİTAK BİLGEM and Istanbul Naval Supply Group Command on November 29, 2021, to provide AKYA National Heavyweight Torpedo (HWT) capability to the TCG Doğanay (S-351) and TCG Dolunay (S-352) Submarines, which can launch DM2A4 Heavyweight Torpedoes after MÜREN CMS modernization. Has AKYA HWT integration work started on submarines? Could you inform our readers about the project schedule and the current situation? What improvements/changes were made to the submarine and the CMS under the integration process to launch and guide the AKYA HWT?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: We have completed the critical design phase under the AKYA Heavyweight Torpedo (HWT) integration studies into the MÜREN-AY Combat Management System. At the end of 2022, we plan to fire AKYA HWTs from one of our AY Class Submarines with the MÜREN-AY CMS. As part of the project, some electronic cards and operator interface software used in torpedo firing will be updated, and it will be possible to launch both the DM2A4 and AKYA HWTs at the same time.
Defence Turkey: Acceptance tests of the TCG Preveze (S-353), the first submarine of the 'MÜREN CMS PREVEZE-Class Implementation' Project, were completed at the end of February 2022. What can you tell us about the scope of the MÜREN-PREVEZE Combat Management System (CMS) Modernization Project under the main contractor TÜBİTAK BİLGEM and the modernization and testing processes carried out/to be carried out on each submarine? Has the Modernization of the second submarine started? What can you tell us about the project schedule?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: With the MÜREN-PREVEZE CMS Project, we developed a National Submarine Combat Management System, including analog and digital sonar signal processing, target motion analysis, system track management, and finally, the fire control system, which provides the whole chain that a modern submarine combat management system should have. Integration of the systems into TCG Preveze was completed in just 9 months after the acceptance of the Land Based Test System, thanks to BİLGEM's 20 years of experience in this field and the capabilities it has acquired through past projects on the way to developing the MÜREN-PREVEZE CMS. In this context, more than 20 sensors and navigation systems, both existing and newly developed, have been successfully integrated into the submarine Within the scope of the project, command control systems, fire control systems, sonar signal processing algorithms, and software are developed by TÜBİTAK BİLGEM, while operator consoles, electronic and weapon cabinets, submarine information distribution system, sonar front electronic units are developed by other Turkish defense industry companies.
The Factory Acceptance Tests for the second ship are planned to be completed in 2022, and the sea acceptance tests of our second PREVEZE Class submarine equipped with the MÜREN Combat Management System are expected to be completed in 2023.
Defence Turkey: Under the Project, the old generation ISUS-83/2 CMS with 4 Operator Consoles on each submarine have been replaced by the new generation and fully integrated MÜREN CMS with 5 Operator Consoles. What can you say about the man/hour cost of upgrading the 20 different sensors and navigation systems in the submarine?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: During the project, which includes 1 land-based test system and 4 submarine systems, it is expected that more than 800,000 man/hours of qualified personnel will be used within TÜBİTAK BİLGEM. When we include the subcontractors and the ecosystem, this figure is estimated to approach two million man/hours. This clearly shows the magnitude of the project. These figures do not include the millions of hours of labor we have spent on the capabilities we have acquired throughout our roadmap, especially in the GENESIS and DATAS Projects.
“It is now especially easy for us to integrate not only AKYA but also every other weapon system that is and will be developed in our country, into the MÜREN-CMS. There are no constrains in front of us, neither export restriction, rights, or capability maturity.”
Defence Turkey: What are the differences between the MÜREN CMS integrated into AY Class Submarines and the MÜREN CMS integrated into PREVEZE Class Submarines? Can you share a figure for the lines/codes of the software used in both configurations?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: While the existing CMS was preserved in AY Class Submarines, two additional specially designed consoles and a weapon control cabinet were integrated, and our boats were equipped with the MÜREN-AY CMS. The MÜREN-AY CMS has been implemented mainly with command and fire control components. It works integrated with the MİLPAS sonar (developed by ARMERKOM), Electronic Support (ES) System, Periscopes, and ship navigation systems added to the subs as part of modernization carried out by STM. In PREVEZE-Class submarines, the existing ISUS 83/2 system has been completely removed from the ship, and the modern and full-fledged MÜREN-CMS has been integrated with many additional features to the MÜREN-AY CMS such as sonar signal processing, non-acoustic sensor integration, classification, redundancy, and data recording. In this way, our PREVEZE-Class submarines are equipped with a modern submarine combat management system that can fire the DM2A4 torpedo and then the AKYA National torpedo, as well as a national fire control system, which can perform target motion analysis starting from target detection and identification with sonars, and integrated system track management capability with signature information coming from all acoustic and non-acoustic sensors.
First of all, I would like to state that it would not be correct to define the additional capabilities of MÜREN PREVEZE with the number of lines of code. Still, in response to your question, I can say that the MÜREN-PREVEZE CMS is about 6 times larger than the MÜREN-AY CMS in terms of the number of lines of software code.
Defence Turkey: Since the AKYA National Heavy Torpedo integration was not included in the "MÜREN-PREVEZE CMS Development Project," an additional contract was signed between TÜBİTAK BİLGEM and the Istanbul Naval Supply Group Command on March 8, 2021, for the integration of the AKYA National HWT to the MÜREN CMS aboard the TCG Preveze Submarine. The first AKYA National Heavy Torpedo test firing was carried out in the second half of March 2022 using the TÜBİTAK BİLGEM product fire control system integrated into the MÜREN-PREVZE CMS. Conducted with a training torpedo, this launch was significant because it was the first attempt made entirely using ship system components after the necessary adaptations were made in the MÜREN-PREVEZE CMS. What can you tell us about this historic firing test and its importance for the Turkish Defense Industry?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: We are highly honored to successfully fire our national torpedo AKYA through our domestic and national submarine warfare management system, MÜREN. There are very few countries in the world that can achieve this. AKYA HWT integration is planned for all our submarines in line with the requirements of the Turkish Navy. With our current experience and capabilities, we can complete the integration process in a very short time. I believe that having such capability and flexibility for a strategic weapon such as the torpedo is crucial in reducing foreign dependency and in contributing to our national economy.
It is now especially easy for us to integrate not only AKYA but also every other weapon system that is and will be developed in our country, into the MÜREN-CMS. There are no obstacles in front of us, neither export restriction, rights, or capability maturity.
Defence Turkey: With the participation of the Minister of National Defense Hulusi AKAR, the TCG Preveze Submarine fired an AKYA Training Torpedo against a real target for the first time via the MÜREN-PREVEZE CMS in the Sea of Marmara on March 21, 2022. What can you share with our readers about this test? Can you inform us about the firing distance, the target, and the result of the test?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: Before the test conducted on March 21, 2022, AKYA test firings were carried out with the portable MÜREN torpedo fire control system, which we also developed. The most important thing that distinguishes this test from the others is that this is the first AKYA launch executed by the MÜREN-CMS against a real warship in motion. In addition, during this test, AKYA's target detection and tracking information can be viewed for the first time on MÜREN-CMS sonar/weapon operator screens in real-time allowing direct command and control inputs.
Of course, the firing of AKYA by Hulusi AKAR, the Minister of National Defense, has a spiritual place on this occasion. Although I cannot share details about the actual target platform, target solution of the system, and related parameters during the torpedo engagement, I can briefly say that active, passive, and wake guidance were tested as part of target detection, tracking, and attack functions of the torpedo. In addition to these, the position of the torpedo and its internal guidance phases were integrated into the MÜREN-CMS, the torpedo sonar contacts were analyzed together with the ship's own sensors, and manual guidance procedures were also successfully tested.
Defence Turkey: Turkish Naval Forces plan to provide AKYA National Heavyweight Torpedo capability to GÜR Class (Type 209/1400 Mod) Submarines, which are expected to be modernized in the coming years. Speaking at the opening session of the 10th Naval Systems Seminar, Turkish Naval Forces Naval Technical Commander Rear Admiral (Lower Half) Ramis AKIN said, "When the project is completed, we will have the ability to launch AKYA HWTs from all our submarines. We are really close to that." Will GÜR Class Submarines also undergo a MÜREN-CMS Upgrade, or will they only receive the AKYA National HWT integration? In this context, will the TÜBİTAK BİLGEM fire control system also be integrated into the ISUS-90/33 CMS in the submarines?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: We are working closely with the Turkish Naval Forces to launch AKYA from our GÜR Class Submarines via the MÜREN-CMS. In this context, with limited integration, an AKYA HWT was fired from TCG Gür for demonstration. To provide AKYA firing capability to our GÜR-Class Submarines as soon as possible, it may be preferable to proceed with an incremental model instead of replacing the entire ISUS-90/33 SYS. We also know that our Naval Forces Command, which is decisive in this regard, wants to use the outputs of the ADVENT CMS program for all platforms. Therefore, we will take great pride in working towards the simultaneous implementation of these two milestones, which our Naval Forces Command defines as strategically important.
Defence Turkey: Is there a study to update the MÜREN Combat Management System (CMS) to MÜREN-ADVENT as in the example of GENESIS ADVENT? Are you planning a cooperation and technology transfer with HAVELSAN for the industrialization studies, as in the case of GENESIS ADVENT before?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: We are working with our Navy for ADVENT integration within a roadmap of the MÜREN-CMS, with an incremental project setup aiming to provide our GÜR-Class submarines with the ability to launch AKYA heavyweight torpedoes. As part of these studies, cooperation with our defense industry companies, including HAVELSAN, continues. However, we do not currently have an agenda for MÜREN's direct technology transfer.
Defence Turkey: The experience and technological infrastructure you have gained in the MÜREN-AY and MÜREN-PREVEZE Projects have great value, considering the fact that such critical information and technologies are not open to sharing. Have you received any invitations from the other users of Type 209-Class Submarines around the world to promote the MÜREN CMS? Are there any tenders/projects that you follow for submarine CMS modernization in the world?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: Submarine combat management systems have a very complex structure. Therefore, it is not possible to plug and play the existing design in different submarines as a product package or technical data package. Each new submarine class actually defines a new R&D project in terms of sensors, weapons, navigational aids, physical constraints, and the combat management system to be used. However, we have worked in these fields for a very long time and have the knowledge and competence to adapt to any need.
There are offers and negotiations for foreign markets that we are in the process of evaluating. Moreover, these are not limited to the Type 209-Class.
Defence Turkey: As TÜBİTAK-BİLGEM BTE Defense Technologies Deputy Director, you also participate in the New Type Submarine Project. In this context, can you give us information about your Battery Monitoring System and Underwater Telephone System products that you have developed and delivered under the YT-SATEL and YT-DABIS Projects for Type-214TN REİS Class Submarines?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: Our New Type Underwater Telephone (YT-SATEL) product, which we have developed for Type-214TN REİS Class Submarines, is a communication system capable of analog audio and text transmission using underwater acoustic waves. Three transducer groups on the submarine allow for simultaneous communication in both sectoral and all directions. In addition to audio and text communication, our YT-SATEL product, which is compatible with NATO STANAG 1074, also has emergency listening and sending, message recording and playback, and distance measurement features. All of our products, which have been developed in accordance with military standards and have various certifications (MIL-STD-461 EMC/EMI, MIL-STD-810 environmental condition, and BV-043 shock certificates), have been delivered to Gölcük Naval Shipyard Command.
Our New Type Submarine Battery Monitoring System (YT-DABIS) product, which we developed for Type-214TN REIS-Class Submarines under the New Type Submarine Project, measures the voltage, temperature, and current information of submarine batteries in real time, collects this information via wireless communication, calculates the charge/discharge, total capacity, and alarm levels of the batteries, and displays all this information on the operator's screen. The prominent features of the system are that it has ATEX, MIL-STD-461 EMC/EMI standard, MIL-STD-810 environmental conditions standard, BV043 shock standard certificates, and wireless communication capability. Similar to YT-SATEL, we delivered this system for all our ships following the factory acceptance tests. As our vessels are commissioned, we will also participate in harbor and sea acceptance tests.
Defence Turkey: In his speech at the ceremony (Docking Ceremony of HızırReis, the 2nd REİS Class Submarines, and the First Steel Cutting Ceremony of SelmanReis, the 6th and last submarine of its class) held at Gölcük Naval Shipyard on May 23, President Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN said that the construction of MİLDEN will begin in 2025 and that the first submarine will be delivered within 5-6 years. As TÜBİTAK BİLGEM and BTE, what can you tell us about the capabilities you currently have for the MİLDEN Project and the technologies you are developing?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: Since 2005, when we started working on Underwater Combat Management Systems, we have accomplished all our projects aiming at the National Submarine. Each project has been and continues to be a step toward MİLDEN. In addition to R&D studies for low-power, low-volume, high-performance hardware for MİLDEN, the development of artificial intelligence-enhanced decision support algorithms is among our priorities. In addition, our R&D studies continue for the use of cloud and virtualization technologies in submarine combat management systems. Again, in accordance with the network-centric warfare paradigm, we have conceptual design studies for the combat operations center, in which up-to-date and innovative technologies are used in information processing and display functions.
Defence Turkey: Can you inform us about the technologies and capabilities you are developing for manned and unmanned Mini Submarine Projects? In this context, are you involved in Mini Submarine Projects developed by STM and DEARSAN?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: We are in close contact with STM and DEARSAN companies to provide Submarine Combat Management Systems in their Mini Submarine development projects. We take it as our mission to share our capabilities with the Turkish Defense Industry in matters requiring high technology and to be a good solution partner.
Defence Turkey: What can you tell us about your cooperation with the Turkish Defense Industry for surface and underwater platforms?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: In the MÜREN-PREVEZE CMS Project, we have cooperated with several subcontractor companies that are a part of our defense industry, and a MÜREN ecosystem has been created that enables us to successfully go through this difficult road with the devoted work of all partners. The sonar front-end electronic units of the MÜREN-PREVEZE CMS were provided by METEKSAN DEFENSE, while the operator console, electronic and weapon cabinets, and local firing panel were provided by YALTES. METEKSAN DEFENSE and KOÇ BİLGİ ve SAVUNMA TEKNOLOJİLERİ companies have developed some of the sonar signal processing software. We cooperated with HAVELSAN to provide link capability. Again, as part of the same project, the HAVELSAN Submarine Data Distribution System (SDDS) was integrated into the MÜREN-PREVEZE CMS. Ship integration of MÜREN-CMS equipment was carried out with the support of STM.
In addition to these, we continue to cooperate with our companies that carry out the PREVEZE Mid-Life Uprade (MLU) Project, which continues together with the MÜREN-PREVEZE CMS, on the integration of the systems they provide. For example, the integration of digital sonar sensors developed by ASELSAN with the MÜREN-CMS for TCG Sakarya is ongoing.
Another important collaboration I would like to mention is that it was recently established with the company that we previously transferred technology for TBSH-05 underwater telephones. The agreement between KOÇ BİLGİ ve SAVUNMA TEKNOLOJİLERİ company and TÜBİTAK BİLGEM for the Development of a Digital Underwater Telephone, the new and advanced model of our existing Underwater Phone products, was signed in May 2022. With this agreement, a digital underwater telephone capable of digital communication, compatible with NATO underwater communication protocol JANUS, optionally capable of connecting crypto and backward compatible, will be jointly developed and produced. Our goal is to develop this product with quality and flexibility to use in domestic new shipbuilding and modernization projects as well as in foreign projects.
Defence Turkey: What can you say about the expectations and targets of TÜBİTAK BİLGEM BTE and Defense Technologies Department for the next 10 years?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: In addition to the studies that we have talked about so far, I would also like to mention our other studies whose scientific infrastructure and technology readiness level are not mature enough, and our related goals.
Autonomous surface platforms and their swarm use will gain importance in the coming period, which can change the main approaches in defense and affect concepts and doctrines. In this context, we conduct studies on route tracking with autonomous surface platforms, artificial intelligence-based mission execution, obstacle avoidance, autonomous docking, GPS-free direction finding, swarm-based joint missions, and celestial navigation. We are advancing some of these with NATO and similar support/funders and some with small internally supported investments. The ponds and the coastal part of our Gebze campus provide a significant advantage in creating infrastructure for these studies.
We are currently developing critical equipment such as:
JANUS compatible Underwater Digital Modem,
Acoustic Release equipment that allows the digital acoustic modems or sensors to be kept underwater for a certain period of time for data collection and to be recovered when desired,
Acoustic/Satellite Gateway Buoy, which allows submarines to wirelessly make iridium satellite communication from a digital underwater telephone while submerged,
Global Position Update Buoy, which allows submarines to update their position from GPS via a digital underwater telephone while submerged, which can contribute to maritime defense applications with artificial intelligence and autonomy.
We predict that these can be used in various autonomous/semi-autonomous vehicles in our country in the future. Increasing sonar performance by integrating new generation sensors and signal processing techniques into sonar systems developed in our various projects, creating a modern sonar product family that develops in parallel with technological developments, and gaining multi-static sonar capability that works integrated with the CMS will be among the important topics of the upcoming period.
We will make two important suggestions to the investment program to strengthen our physical infrastructure for the work we will carry out and to accomplish some studies that we cannot do at the moment. The first proposal aims to establish a magnetic signature measurement/suppression facility with unique capabilities in Türkiye and the Middle East region to enable large-scale equipment used in naval and land platforms to carry out signature discipline studies (signature measurement and signature suppression) to develop protection measures against magnetic mines. The facility is designed to directly serve the military units of our country, as well as domestic and foreign companies that provide materials and equipment to these units.
Our second proposal is for the establishment of a new multi-disciplinary development center on the campus, which will serve the studies on:
Underwater/surface autonomous vehicle technologies
Acoustic measurement and test activities of naval platforms
Underwater acoustics and communication technologies
to improve the current capabilities of the naval systems in the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) inventory and to increase the variety/quality of R&D and services to be provided in the future.
Defence Turkey: Is there anything you would like to add as a message to our readers?
Dr. H. Murat GENÇ: TÜBİTAK BİLGEM is doing its best and doing a lot for our country's technological independence and superiority to defend the Blue Homeland!
