Turkish Defence & Aerospace Industry News Round Up
In a bid to start developing its own/indigenous designs, which is a direct result of country’s heavy investment in the defence & aerospace industry that took place during last decade, the Turkish Defence & Aerospace Industry has started to promote and export its NATO-standard compliant, state-of-the-art products at a cheaper price than the normal market prices, and more importantly, along with technology transfer and local production options, that the world’s major players are not flexible enough to meet such requirements easily. Focusing on the lucrative international arms market, the Turkish Defence & Aerospace Industry is emerging as a new arms exporter that can provide, more efficient, low cost, combat proven, and less problematic for arms buyers.
Turkish Defence Industry January 1 – August 31, 2018 Performance
Emerging as a new arms exporter that can provide more efficient, low cost, combat proven, and less problematic products for arms buyers, the Turkish Defence & Aerospace Industry has increased exports by 14.8% in the first eight months of 2018 compared to the same period last year.
According to export figures revealed by the Turkish Exporters’ Assembly (TIM), on September 1st, 2018 during January 1st – August 31st of 2018, the Turkish Defence & Aerospace Sector exported a total of US$1.244,442 Billion, while the said figure was at US$1.066 Million level in the same period of last year.
Nevertheless, according to data released by the TIM, in August 2018 the Turkish Defence & Aerospace Industry’s total arms exports saw a decrease of around 24.7% compared to August 2017 (US$159.009 Million) and around 39.3% compared to July 2018. The Turkish Defence & Aerospace Industry realized US$$106.506 Million in defence and aerospace equipment exports in January, US$149.655 Million in February, US$$147.969 Million in March, US$189.961 Million in April, US$190.161 Million in May, US$123.052 Million in June and US$197.344 Million in July.
According to TIM figures the list of the top 15 countries that imported defence and aerospace products from Turkey during January 1st - August 31st of 2018 is composed of; the USA, Germany, Oman, the Netherlands, India, the UK, France, Poland, Azerbaijan, Spain, Belgium, Senegal, Italy, Philippines and Ukraine.
With a total of around US$456,359 Million in purchases, the United States was the largest recipient/importer (mainly military and civil helicopter and aircraft parts, and component sales realized under offset commitments), followed by Germany with US$152,036 Million, Oman with around US$130,930 Million (represents 1979.56% increase compared to the same period last year, one of the largest in terms of the rate of increase, mainly stemming from FNSS PARS III ACV deliveries to the Royal Omani Army), the Netherlands with US$50.466 Million (represents 511.01% increase compared to the same period last year and mainly stemming from Aselsan’s SMART-S Mk2 3D radar T/R module deliveries to Thales), India with around US$48,424 Million, the UK with US$39,546 Million, France with around US$39,481 Million, Poland with US$26,03 Million Azerbaijan with around US$24,178 Million and Spain with around US$18,851 Million.
According to TIM’s figures during January 1st - August 31st of 2018, the Turkish Defence & Aerospace Industry has exported US$466,771 Million (represents a 2.09% increase compared to 2017) in defence and aerospace equipment to North America/USA, US$374,773 Million (represents a 13.45% increase compared to 2017) to EU Member Countries, US$17,206 Million to other European countries, around US$167,940 Million (represents around a 211% increase compared to 2017) to the Middle East countries, US$50.160 Million to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), around US$69,408 Million to other Asian countries, around US$32,845 Million to African countries and around US$28,959 Million (represent s a 22.61% decrease compared to 2017) to countries in the Far East.
Aselsan Secures Lucrative Contracts During the first 8 Months of 2018
As a flagship of the Turkish Defence & Aerospace Sector and already a global player in its fields of activity, Aselsan, has secured around US$637.632 Million + Euro455.042 Million + TL2.829,734 Billion (+ TL 1.5 Billion in MoU for IFFand Digital Communication Network System Projects) in contracts during January 1st – June 30th, 2018 from both local and export customers to deliver its NATO-standard compliant, state-of-the-art products.
Aselsan, the main integrator for defence projects in Turkey, is among the main beneficiaries of the growing defence spending due to its increasing capabilities with enhanced know-how and the increasing need for domestic production in the sector. However, Aselsan needs to increase its export sales, which was merely at the US$215 Million level to become a real international player in the defence sector.
According to Aselsan’s 2018 first half balance-sheet, the backlog has reached US$8.1 Billion. The company secured a much larger number of orders during the first half of 2018 compared to whole of 2017. During January 1st – December 31, 2017, Aselsan’s backlog reached US$6.8 Billion and the company realized a total of TL5.360 Billion in revenue, of which TL4.576 Billion was obrained from local customers/orders and TL784.165 Million (US$215 Million) from exports.
The company also secured a total of five lucrative contracts during July and August 2018 valued at Euro191,451 Million + US$755,825 Million + TL1.384.4 Billion. As such, during the first 8 months of 2018 the total value of contracts secured by Aselsan from both local and export customers has reached TL4.214 Billion + around US$1.394 Billion + Euro646,493 Million.
For example on July 2, 2018 Aselsan secured a Euro94.696 Million contract from BMC to deliver an undisclosed amount of SARP RCWSs to the Turkish Army, Turkish Gendarmerie General Command and Turkish Coast Guard platforms. Deliveries will take place during 2018-2021.
On July 5, the Company received a US$254.725,195 Million contract from Turkish Aerospace (TA). Deliveries under the contract will take place during 2018-2022. This order probably was made under the Pakistan Army’s T129 ATAK Helicopter Project. On July 24, 2018 Aselsan signed an amendment valued at Euro96.7 Million + TL25 Million with the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) for the FIRAT-M60T Project contract to increase the number of M60T MBTs (from 120 to 160) to be modernized under the FIRAT-M60T Project and to install AKKOR PULAT Active Protection Systems on the tanks.
On July 30, 2018 Aselsan signed a TL247.5 Million + US$33.7 Million amendment with the SSB under the Modular Temporary Base Area (MTBA/MGUB) Project. According to the statement issued by Aselsan, under the contract amendment, deliveries will be completed by the end of 2020. Within the scope of the MTBA Project Aselsan signed the previous amendment on January 12, 2018 valued at around US$119.116 Million and calls for the delivery of an undisclosed number of Modular Base Security Systems to the Turkish Land Forces Command. The total value of the contract/amendments awarded Under the MBTA Project during February 5, 2013 and July 30, 2018 is around US$427.775 Million. Under the MTBA 1/2/3/4 contracts Aselsan’s Modular Base Security System has been established at 25 different base areas. Under MTBA-5 contract further 14 base areas are being installed with Aselsan’s Modular Base Security System. Under the MTBA-6 contract, which was awarded on November 29, 2016 and valued at around US$64.965 Million, it covers the installation of Aselsan’s Modular Base Security System at six additional base areas. In total 48 base areas have been planned to be modernized with Aselsan’s Modular Base Security System. According to Turkish President Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN’s 100-day Action Plan, which was unveiled on August 3, 2018, during next 100 days (by the end of 2018) Aselsan’s Modular Base Security System will be established at an additional three base areas. During a DIEC Meeting held on November 2, 2017 the green light was given for the modernization of 40 more base areas. Amendments signed in January and July 2018 were probably awarded as part of this decision.
The Modular Base Security System; which is being used at different locations and very tough conditions; are well qualified, high tech, mature and turnkey systems developed by Aselsan and includes the following subsystems; Security Management System, Armoured Security Vehicle or Stationary Towers, Electro-Optical Sensor System, Ground Surveillance Radars, Panoramic 360 Degree Situational Awareness System, Acoustic Gunshot Detection System, Wireless Sensor Networks, Remote Controlled Weapon Systems (SARP RCWS), Ballistic Protection Systems, Physical Security Systems (barbed wires, fences, etc.), Various Special Designed Habitation Units, Unmanned Flying System (SERCE and TEPEGOZ), RF Jammer and Energy Storage System.
On August 8, 2018 Aselsan signed a contract with the SSB valued at US$37.6 Million + TL214.9 Million to deliver a Digital Communication Network. According to statement issued by the company deliveries will take place during 2019-2020.
On August 9, 2018 under the Stand-Off Electronic Support/Electronic Attack (ES/EA) Capability at Air Platform (Air SOJ) Project, Aselsan secured a contract valued at TL900 Million + US$430 Million for the delivery of four Air SOJ Systems to be integrated on business jets for the Turkish Air Force Command between 2023-2027. Under the Project, Turkish Aerospace (TA) will perform the structural modifications on the selected business jets for the installation of Air SOJ System. The Air SOJ Project covers the procurement of a modern airborne stand-off ES/EA system capable of jamming the early warning and air defence radars and communication systems of the enemy thus preventing or postponing the detection, identification and interception of the TurAF’s attacking fighter/bombers by the enemy especially in cross-border operations. Aselsan’s Airborne Stand-Off Jammer System, which was originally planned to have an Effective Radiated Power (ERP) of 1MW but for this it was determined that a 17m-length antenna and 5.5t payload would be required, it will feature long range detecting and jamming capability with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, wide band frequency coverage, high power jamming output, precise direction finding and geo-location for radar and communication signals and to be integrated on a business jet (probably either on the GulfStream G-550 [the Stand-Off Jammer Aircraft mock-up displayed by the Company is based on the G-550] or on the Bombardier Global 6000).
TurAF Pilots Flew the F-35A for the First Time at Luke AFB
The Turkish Air Force (TurAF) F-35 JSF Instructor Pilot (IP) Major Halit OKTAY carried out the first solo flight with the F-35A AT-01 (TurAF serial number 18-0001, 15-259) on August 28, 2018 at Luke Air Force Base (AFB), Turkish Chief of General Staff (TGS) said in a statement released late on the same day. Major OKTAY is one of two TurAF pilots (the other one is Major M. Onur KARA), who have received Instructor Pilot (IP) training in the U.S. With this flight Major OKTAY became the first TurAF pilot to fly on the F-35A Lightning II jet. Major Mustafa Onur KARA became the second TurAF Instructor Pilot to fly on the JSF with his flight performed with the F-35A AT-02 (TurAF serial number 18-0002) on September 3, 2018.
TurAF trainees at Luke AFB consist of 13 student pilots (who will receive Transition and Instructor Pilot training) as well as 325 maintenance personnel and led by Colonel Ziya KABASAKAL. The U.S. Air Force (USAF) activated the 63rd Fighter Squadron on August 1, 2016 at Luke AFB to train TurAF F-35A pilots. Turkish pilots were expected perform their first flight with the F-35A in July 2018 after they completed some initial classroom and simulator training.
The TurAF Instructor Pilots (IPs) will get the qualification to train Turkish and partner nations pilots on the F-35A lightning II Joint Strike Fighter through a 6-month syllabus made of two distinct classes respectively called “Transition” and “Instructor Pilot Upgrade” (IPUG). During Transition the pilots train in various forms of flight: air-to-air combat, air-to-ground missions including SEAD/DEAD tasks (Suppression/Destruction of Enemy Air Defences). At the end of this stage, the student IPs have gained skills to fly these missions in all-weather conditions. During the subsequent IPUG class, the students are taught how to teach follow-on pilots to fly and fight in the F-35A. The IPUG course ends with a check ride required to achieve the IP qualification.
The F-35A AT-01 is one of two (the other one is AT-02) 5th Generation F-35A Lightning II Block 3F aircraft and Turkey has received their deliveries in June 2018, despite opposition from the U.S. Congress. The ownership of these two F-35As also was transferred to the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) in June.
According to the current schedule, the F-35A AT-01 and AT-02 will stay in the U.S. at Luke AFB, Arizona, where TurAF pilots and maintainers will perform training on the aircraft. The 3rd and 4th F-35As, currently at the production/final assembly line, will be delivered in March 2019 and they will also stay at Luke AFB. These four F-35A Lightning II jets will be utilized in TurAF pilots and maintenance personnel training in the U.S. until December 2020.
As of June 22, 2018, Turkey has placed an order for a total of 30 F-35As. By the end of 2023 the TurAF is expected to receive a total of 30 F-35As, which have been ordered in two batches, and all will be deployed at the 7th Main Jet Base (MJB) located in Akçadağ, Malatya. The schedule of the TurAF’s 30 F-35A Lightning II aircraft per LRIP contract is: LRIP-10 2 aircraft (2018), LRIP-11 4 aircraft (2019), LRIP-12 8 aircraft (2020-21), LRIP-13 8 aircraft (2022) and LRIP-14 8 aircraft (2023).
However, delivery and transfer of the future F-35A Lightning IIs to Turkey has been temporarily stalled by the U.S. Congress in August. On August 1, 2018 the U.S. Senate approved the National Defence Authorization Act (NDAA), a Defence policy bill, for the fiscal year 2019, which includes an amendment that would bar the transfer of F-35 fighters to Turkey temporarily until the Pentagon submitted an assessment within 90 days of the measure’s enactment on U.S. - Turkish relations, the impact of Turkey’s planned acquisition of the Russian advanced S-400 Triumph Air and Missile Defence System, and the ramifications for the U.S. industrial base if Turkey is dropped from the international F-35 JSF Program. The U.S. President Donald TRUMP approved the bill on August 13, 2018. The F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO), on the other hand, announced on August 16 that it would continue to execute current Program plans with all partners, including Turkey, and to abide by any future policy guidelines.
40+ HGK-84 Smart Munitions Delivered to the TurAF
On August 22, 2018 Prof. Ismail DEMIR, President of the Defence Industries announced with a tweet that within the scope of the modern ammunition procurement project, 40+ units of HGK-84 (2.000lb) munitions, have been delivered to the Turkish Air Force (TurAF). Delivered munitions are in HGK-2 configuration, which incorporates some improvements to increase CEP compared to previous version HGK-1. The HGK-1 and HGK-2 Precision Guidance Kits (HGK) of Aselsan converts 2.000lb free-fall general purpose bombs into all-weather precision guided munitions with less than 10m CEP. The HGK-1 and HGK-2 precision guidance kits for Mk-84 general purpose bombs and NEB (Penetration Bomb) have been used intensively in operations against terrorist organizations (PKK, YPG and ISID) both in south-eastern Anatolia and in Syria and northern Iraq. The prototypes of HGK precision guidance kits was designed, developed and certified to F-4E 2020 and F-16C/D by TÜBİTAK-SAGE but since 2014 series production of the HGK guidance kits have been carried out by Aselsan under the contract awarded by the Turkish MoND in December of 2013.
The third and fourth versions of the precision guidance kits dubbed HGK-3 and HGK-4 are installed on Mk-82 and Mk-83 general-purpose bombs respectively. There is also Laser HGK (HGK-2 LAB), equipped with semi active laser seeker (LAB) in addition to the existing INS/GPS-based guidance system. The HGK-2 LAB, equivalent to GBU-54 Laser JDAM but on 2.000lb Mk-84, can be employed to engage both stationary and fast moving targets on the ground with high precision. Aselsan continues series production of Laser HGK-2 under a contract awarded by the Turkish MoND. The key components of the HGK consist of a tail section with aerodynamic control surfaces, a (body) strake kit, and a GPS/INS guidance control unit.
The HGK that can be launched from F-4E 2020 and F-16C/D aircraft is capable of reaching ranges of over 12nm when released from medium altitudes. A maximum range of 15nm is achieved upon releases from a 40,000ft altitude. Impact angles from 10 degrees to 90 degrees allow the HGK to be employed to engage various targets with lethal accuracy.
In December 2013 Aselsan secured a TL57.9 Million contract from the Turkish MoND for the series production and delivery of an undisclosed number of HGK-2 precision guidance kits to the TurAF and according to the Aselsan 2017 Almanac, under the contract deliveries have been completed with the hand over of the final batch HGK-2s in June 2017. Aselsan also secured follow-on contracts for the delivery of an undisclosed number of HGK precision guidance kits in various types including HGK-2 and HGK-2 LAB from both MoND and SSB during the first half of 2018. The first contract was awarded by the MoND in March and is valued at TL264.183 Million, the second contract was awarded by the SSB in May 2018 and is valued at TL103.371,572 Million.
ANKA-S MALE UAV Performed MAM-L Firing
According to President of Defence Industries Prof. Ismail DEMIR’s tweet issued on August 17, 2018, MAM-L Smart Micro Munition firing tests, which have been carried out for a while with Armed ANKA-S UAV, have been successfully completed. This is the first time an armed version of ANKA-S UAV has been disclosed by the SSB. During the firing tests the Armed ANKA-S, which has Ku-Band satellite control capability over ViaSat’ Ku-Band SatCom antenna, all related command and control commands were transmitted to the aircraft through the national TurkSat 4B communication satellite. TA has at this point completed delivery of 2 ANKA-S UAV Systems (6 aircraft) to the TurAF with one more System with 4 aircraft planned by the end of 2018.
The Armed ANKA-S UAV can carry a total of four Roketsan MAM-L semi-active laser-guided air-to-ground smart munitions (two under each wing) and can be equipped with either CMX-15D or StarSafire 380-HLD (on-board first 6 ANKA-S UAVs delivered to the TurAF) FLIR payload. Thanks to the Armed ANKA-S UAV’s SatCom capability, up to six aircraft can be controlled at ranges up to more than 1,000km simultaneously via the TurkSat 4B (Ku-band, with 10mb/s data transfer rate) and later via the TurkSat 6A (X-Band) when it becomes operational in 2021. TA has previously developed the armed version of ANKA Block- and the first aircraft, with tail number 16-003, which performed its maiden flight on March 7, 2017. The Armed ANKA Block-B carried out its first firing test on April 28, 2017. Following its entrance into the Turkish Gendarmerie General Command service under a leasing contract, the armed ANKA Block-Bs conducted their initial air strikes against PKK terrorists in early July 2017.
The MAM-L, a variant of the Laser Guided L-UMTAS with Semi Active Laser (SAL) seeker of CIRIT Laser Guided Rocket has already been integrated on the BAYRAKTAR TB2-S and KARAYEL-SU Armed Tactical UAVs, in addition to the Armed ANKA MALE UAVs. Both BAYRAKTAR TB2-S and KARAYEL-SU UAVs have already secured export contracts and are expected to be armed with MAM-L munitions. Having a weight of 50lb/22kg and a length of 1m, the combat proven MAM-L is an unpowered smart munition with a gliding range of 8km when dropped from 12,000ft/3,657m (range extends to 14km when released from high altitudes), and can be fitted with 10kg weight high explosive blast-fragmentation, anti-tank or thermobaric warheads. The MAM-L, with high explosive blast-fragmentation warhead is highly effective against soft targets, such as light structures, unarmoured ground vehicles, radar antennas and soft targets like weapon pits and personnel, with a lethal radius of 25m. The other version with tandem anti-tank warhead is effectively used against heavy armoured vehicles such as Main Battle Tanks. In April 2018, Roketsan General Manager Selçuk YAŞAR disclosed that MAM-L’s kg price is over US$2,000, which equates US$44,000 (22x2.000$).
ALTAY MBT Prototype Performs Company Trials in a Foreign Country
Speaking at the 10th Ambassadors Conference held on August 16, 2018 in Ankara, Turkey’s Prof. Ismail DEMIR, President of the Defence Industries announced that one of the ALTAY Main Battle Tank (MBT) prototypes is currently undergoing field test in an a foreign country and when it completes the test in this undisclosed country it will move on to a another country.
The ALTAY MBT Series Production Phase, covers 250 MBTs and the National Power Pack Development Program. Although the contract for the National Power Pack Development Program was awarded on June 14, 2018, the contract with BMC for the ALTAY MBT Series Production Phase has not yet been signed. According to Turkish President ERDOĞAN’s 100-day Action Plan, which was unveiled on August 3, 2018, the ALTAY MBT Series Production Phase contract will be awarded during next 100 days (by the end of 2018).
Under the ALTAY Turkish National Main Battle Tank Development Program, Main Contractor Otokar has developed a 3rd Generation+ ALTAY MBT and manufactured four prototypes in cooperation with its local partners (Aselsan, MKEK, Roketsan and STM, under the project Otokar cooperated with 109 subcontractors of which 20 were foreign companies) and South Korean Hyundai/Rotem, which was selected as the Technical Support and Assistance Provider (TSAP), to meet Turkish Army requirements. The prototype vehicles which were developed with the use of existing local capabilities to the maximum extent under the ALTAY MBT Program Development Phase includes; Mobility Test Rig (MTR), Fire Power Test Rig (FTR), Prototype Vehicle 1 (PV-1), Prototype Vehicle 2 (PV-2) as well as 1 Full Scale Dummy (used in live HEAT, KE, ATGM firing tests and mine tests).
Aselsan Delivered Two More AselPOD to the TurAF
On August 13, 2018 Prof. Ismail DEMIR, President of the Defence Industries announced with a tweet that two more AselPOD Electro-Optic (EO) Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Targeting Systems have been delivered to theTurkish Air Force (TurAF). The two AselPODs that were delivered were manufactured under the Serial Production Phase of the AselPOD Program. In December 2016 Aselsan secured a US$25.8 Million contract from the SSB for the series production of 16 AselPOD Electro-Optic Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Targeting Systems to meet TurAF requirements. Aselsan started deliveries under the Serial Production Phase during the first half of 2018. Although the AselPOD has been certified for use both on F-4E 2020 and F-16C/D, the TurAF puzzlingly has decided to deploy them only on F-16C/Ds. F-4E 2020s still operates with aging Pave Spike Targeting Pods.
As a next generation multi-sensor targeting pod for fighter aircraft, the AselPOD was developed by Aselsan under the Targeting Pod Project, which was launched by the SSB to meet the TurAF’s next generation targeting pod requirement from indigenous solutions. On June 26, 2006 a US$51.5 Million contract was awarded to Aselsan for the design, development and manufacture of 4 AselPOD prototypes. During the development and certification phases, Aselsan, in cooperation with the 1st Air Maintenance Factory Directorate (former 1st ASMC/HIBM) and Lockheed Martin, has successfully integrated the AselPOD on F-4E 2020 and F-16C/D Block 40M/50M/50+ fighters and several flight and live firing tests have been completed. The first live firing test with GBU-10 Paveway II Laser Guided Bomb (LGB) was carried out successfully on February 23, 2016 at the Konya/Karapınar Test range. Following the completion of the test campaign and certification process, Aselsan delivered the first two AselPOD prototypes to the TurAF in 2016. One of the remaining two prototypes was handed over in 2017 and the last prototype was handed over in early 2018.
The AselPOD incorporates, in a single pod, all the targeting features required by a modern strike fighter. The pod incorporates a high-resolution, mid-wave 3rd generation (3-5 micron) FLIR (with 640x512 pixels detector), a high-resolution day-light camera (CCD-TV), a Dual Band Laser Range Finder/Target Designator, a Laser Spot Tracker for tracking targets and for directing LGBs to the target, a Laser Marker/Pointer for joint operations, and an Inertial Measuring Unit to provide precise target coordination and orientation data. The AselPOD enables pilots to engage their targets even when partly obscured by cloud or countermeasures. The 220kg AselPOD is 240cm in length and 43cm in diameter. The AselPOD can track up to 8 targets in IR or Day Video.
50+ Laser UMTAS Delivered to Turkish Land Forces
On August 12, 2018 the SSB announced via Twitter that acceptance of 50+ units of Laser UMTAS (L-UMTAS) Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, to be used on attack helicopters in the inventory of Turkish Land Forces (TLF), has been completed successfully.
The Laser UMTAS (L-UMTAS/MIZRAK-L) is a new-generation long range ATGM with a Semi Active Laser (SAL) seeker. Roketsan has started development of L-UMTAS/MIZRAK-L in 2012 and completed the development and qualification campaign in 2015. To meet urgent requirements of the TLF the company was awarded a contract to deliver an undisclosed number of L-UMTAS/MIZRAK-L in 2015 and deliveries started in 2016.
The UMTAS ATGM has a length of 1.8m and a diameter of 160mm, and weighs 37.5kg. It features four short wings mounted in the middle section and four aerodynamic control fins in the tail section for flight control. The missile has the ability to operate in both fire-and-forget and fire-and-update operation modes. The fire-and-forget mode enables the weapon to travel on its own path after illumination of the target.
Under a contract awarded in December 2016 and covering 2017-2022 , Roketsan will complete the delivery of a total of 544 UMTAS Missile of which 405 in L-UMTAS/MIZRAK-L configuration and 713 MAM-L Smart Micro Munition in 2018 to the TLFC and TGGC. The naval version of Laser UMTAS (L-UMTAS/MIZRAK-L) has entered the service of the Turkish Navy under the TEMREN Project. The Laser UMTAS has been previously tested on AH-1S/P Cobra, AH-1W SuperCobra and T129 ATAK attack helicopters, S-70B SeaHawk ASW/ASuW helicopter, Iomax Archangel Border patrol Aircraft (BPA) and HürKus-C prototype as well as on the Armed ANKA Block-B MALE UAV
Aselsan Delivered Over 100 LGK-84 to the TurAF
According to President of Defence Industries Prof. Ismail DEMIR’s tweet issued on August 11, 2018, acceptance of 100+ Laser Guidance Kits (LGKs) for the TurAF has been completed. The accepted LGKs are in LGK-84 configuration and represent the delivery of the first batch ordered in December 2013 under a US$31 Million series production contract awarded by the Turkish MoND.
Under the contract Aselsan will deliver a total of 1,400 LGK-82 and LGK-84 laser guidance kits (unit price is around TL22,000 as of January 2014 figures). According to the Aselsan 2017 Almanac, the company completed the deliveries for the last batch of LGK-82 in October 2017. The first live firing test with the LGK-82 was performed on May 12, 2016 from an F-16C of the 401st Flight Test Squadron.
The Laser Guidance Kit (LGK) is a low cost laser guidance kit applicable to current conventional unguided bombs (500lb Mk-82, 2000lb Mk-84). This guidance package consists of a semi-active seeker attached to the nose of the weapon, a computer control group, guidance canards attached to the front of the warhead to provide steering commands, and a folding wing kit attached to the rear to provide stability and greater range. Since there is no electrical interface between this weapon and aircraft, integration effort is minimum for any aircraft. The LGK-82 and LKG-84 have been certified to the F-16C/D and F-4E/2020 aircraft in the TurAF inventory.
The LGK weapon homes on reflected laser beam energy (via proportional navigation technique) directed on the target. Target illumination can be completed by the launching aircraft, by a third aircraft or by ground-based troops operating a laser designator. Once released from the delivery aircraft, the thermal battery for the Guidance Computer Group fires to supply power and the wings are released. After release, the weapon is guided toward the designated impact point by using the control canards and the seeker.
Aselsan previously (during 1990s) manufactured 2nd generation Paveway II laser guidance kits under Raytheon licence to meet TurAF requirements. Contrary to Paveway II, which uses a non-proportional ‘bang-bang’ guidance/navigation technique where control surfaces are not deflected proportionally to the guidance error, but are driven to the limit of their deflection (thus munition follows ballistic flight profile), the LGK is fitted with a more sensitive proportional guidance seeker head allowing the selection of the angle-of-attack and the impact angle and thus the munition can follow a shaped trajectory during flight. Compared to bang-bang guidance, the proportional navigation increases accuracy and further broadens launch envelopes available to attacking aircraft. Proportional guidance is also used in the Paveway III laser guidance kit.
Meanwhile, according to Aselsan, the company has submitted a proposal valued at US$1 Billon to an undisclosed country for the delivery (and probably for the local production) of an undisclosed number of LGK precision guidance kits. This undisclosed country is probably Saudi Arabia. According to Aselsan Almanac 2017 documents, the company has performed successful live firing tests for demonstration purpose in Saudi Arabia with LGK-82s in October 2017. “During firing tests performed by the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) in Saudi Arabia, targets have been hit successfully,” as stated in the Almanac 2017. In February 2018, Lockheed Martin joined hands with Wahaj, a subsidiary of Saudi International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem) to set up a production unit for its Paveway II Plus Laser Guided Bomb (LGB) mechanical parts in Saudi Arabia. The foreseen production package was said to cover three configurations GBU-10 (Mk-84 2.000-lb/907.18kg), GBU-12 (Mk-82 500-lb/336.79kg) and GBU-16 (Mk-83 1.000-lb/453.59kg).
AKINCI Attack UAV Prototypes will be Powered by a Pair of PD210 Engines
Responding our question during a QA session at the SAHA EXPO 2018 Fair Press Meeting held on August 8, 2018 Baykar Makina General Manager Haluk BAYRAKTAR disclosed that the AKINCI (Raider) Attack UAV prototypes initially powered by a pair of enhanced version of TEI’s PD170 turbo-diesel engine are to be uprated to 201hp (to be dubbed PD210) from the current 170hp. Developed by TEI for the ANKA MALE UAVs, the PD170 engine is capable of reaching and maintaining 120hp at up to 30,000ft and 170hp at up to 20,000ft. According to TEI, with minor modifications it can be upgrated to 210hp.
According to BAYRAKTAR, the uprated/enhanced version of the engine has been completed and is currently undergoing test at the bench. This way it is believed to be preferred in order to gain time and shorten the AKINCI Attack UAV’s ground and flight test campaign until the originally planned 550hp turboprop engine is developed locally or if it is to be procured from a foreign company. According to BAYRAKTAR, during the test campaign to be powered by a pair of two TEI PD210 piston engines, rather than the originally foreseen 550hp turbine engines, the AKINCI Attack UAV prototype will not be tested at its maximum performance levels to compensate loss in engine thrust.
According to Turkish President Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN’s 100-day Action Plan, which was unveiled on August 3, 2018, during next 100 days (by the end of 2018) the AKINCI Attack UAV’s currently on-going Design Phase will be completed. On August 7, 2018 TEI announced with a tweet that within the context of the 100-day Action Plan, they would complete the delivery of the first two prototype engines (PD210) in next 100 days. The first AKINCI Attack UAV prototype is expected to perform its maiden flight during the first quarter of 2019. The production model AKINCI Attack UAVs are expected to enter TurAF service following the completion of the test campaign and qualification/certification process either in late 2020 or in 2021. Baykar Makina secured a contract in June 2018 under the Attack UAV Development (AKINCI) Project.
The AKINCI UAV, with a 20m wingspan, height of 4.1m and an overall fuselage length of 12.5m, will have a service ceiling of 40,000 feet, maximum take-off weight of 4,5 tons, and a payload capacity of 1,350kg (900kg external and 450kg internal). The aircraft will have an endurance of 24 hours and is to be powered by two turboprop (TP) engines each generating 550hp. Until the indigenous turboprop engine is ready or an alternative ITAR Free turboprop engine is procured from abroad (such as Motor Sich of Ukraine, which manufactures AI-450 series TP engines generating 450shp power) the prototype aircraft will be powered by a pair of PD210 turbo-diesel engines. TEI currently is working on two different turbojet engine cores, the first one is for the TS1400 turboshaft engine to generate 1,400shp and to be used on T625 and T129 ATAK helicopters. The second turbojet core generating 1,300N (292lbf) – 1,500N (337lbf) thrust and with the addition of the turboprop section this core is expected to meet AKINCI Attack UAV’s TP engine requirements.
Second Batch of TGGC’s BAYRAKTAR TB2-S Block 2 UAVs Delivered
On August 3, 2018 Selçuk BAYRAKTAR, Baykar Makina Chief Technology Officer (CTO) announced with a tweet that following the successful completion of acceptance tests, the company has carried out the delivery of 6 BAYRAKTAR Armed UAVs to theTurkish Gendarmerie General Command (TGGC). The delivered BAYRAKTAR TB2-S Armed Tactical UAVs are in Block 2 configuration (has two underwing pylons/hard points under each wing and equipped with a CMX-15D FLIR payload) and constitutes the second batch of 12 aircraft ordered on May 11, 2017 during the IDEF ‘17 Exhibition. Under the contract the first batch of 6 BAYRAKTAR TB2-S Block 2 Armed UAVs were delivered on May 30, 2018. Along with 6 UAVs, Baykar Makina has also delivered 3 Ground Control Stations (GCSs) to the TGGC.
Baykar Makina has delivered a total of 58 BAYRAKTAR TB2s (Surveillance) and TB2-Ss (Armed) UAVS to Turkish end users. 13 TB2s and 21 TB2-Ss to Turkish Land Forces Command (TLFC), 6 TB2s to the Security General Directorate (Turkish Police) and 4 TB2s and 14 TB2-Ss (2 in Block 1 and 12 in Block 2 configurations) TGCG.
The BAYRAKTAR TB2 Tactical UAV, which entered TLF service in 2015, and TB2-S Armed Tactical UAV, which have been in use since June 2016, took part in Operation Euphrates Shield and Operation Olive Branch. As of August 8, 2018 BAYRAKTAR TB2 and TB2-S UAV fleets accumulated a total of 60,000 flight hours. According to the Turkish MoND, Turkey will procure as many as 151 BAYRAKTAR TB2 UAVs of which 112s would be in armed (TB2-S) configuration.
As of August 29, 2018 BAYRAKTAR TB2 and TB2-S UAVs are deployed at airbases or airport base commands located in Batman, Siirt and Van by the TLFC and at airbases or airport base commands located in Batman, Elazığ, Van and Şırnak by the TGGC. The fourth base (Gendarmerie Tactical UAV Command) of the TGGC has been established at the Şırnak Şerafettin Elçi Airport and became operational in August of 2018. According to Turkish President ERDOĞAN’s 100-day Action Plan, which was unveiled on August 3, 2018, during next 100 days (by the end of 2018) the fifth Gendarmerie Tactical UAV Command will be established in Gaziantep.
Meanwhile, on July 27, 2018 Prof. Ismail DEMIR, President of the Defence Industries announced with a tweet that during a test flight BOZOK Smart Munition developed by TUBITAK-SAGE was successfully launched from a BAYRAKTAR TB2-S Armed Tactical UAV. According to sources the live firing test was carried out on July 26, 2018 at the Gulf of Saros. Further live firing tests with BOZOK smart munition are scheduled to take place during the coming weeks with BAYRAKTAR TB2-S and Armed ANKA UAVs. The BOZOK smart munition is equipped with a tactical inertial guidance system for the flight phase and semi active laser seeker for the terminal phase. Having a weight of 16kg (around 35.3lb), diameter of 120mm and a length of 80cm, the BOZOK is an unpowered smart munition with a gliding range of 9km when dropped from 20,000ft (6,096m) at 0.15 Mach air speed, and can be fitted with a 5kg max. weight warhead. BAYRAKTAR TB2-S Armed Tactical UAVs are so far armed with Roketsan’s Micro Smart Munitions (based on UMTAS ATGM) and MAM-C (based on CIRIT SAL Guided Rocket and become operational in 2018).
Roketsan Delivered Over 60 MAM-C Smart Munitions
On August 2, 2018 Prof. Ismail DEMIR, President of the Defence Industries announced with a tweet that 30+ MAM-C Smart Munitions developed by Roketsan have been delivered to the Turkish Security Forces (Gendarmerie General Command). MAM-C smart munitions being used/launched from BAYRAKTAR TB2-S Armed Tactical UAVs in the Turkish Gendarmerie General Command (TGGC) inventory. The TGGC currently operates 14 TB2-Ss (2 in Block 1 and 12 in Block 2 configurations).
Roketsan previously delivered 30 MAM-C munitions to Turkish Land Forces Command and President of the Defence Industries Prof. DEMIR announced this delivery on June 28, 2018 via Twitter. Baykar Makina delivered 21 TB2-Ss to the TLFC thus far. BAYRAKTAR TB2-S Armed Tactical UAVs can be armed with Roketsan’s MAM-L, MAM-C and TUBITAK-SAGE’s BOZOK Smart Munitions.
On April 2, 2018 the SSB has disclosed via Twitter that the series production of MAM-C smart munition to be installed on Armed UAVs commenced.
Having a weight of 8.5kg, a diameter of 70mm and a length of 80cm, the MAM-C is an unpowered smart munition with a gliding range of 8km, and can be fitted with a 2.5kg warhead. The MAM-C is based on the CIRIT SAL Guided Rocket, but does not have a rocket motor and it became operational during the first half of 2018.
First Release Test of SOM-J Missile Performed
On July 27, 2018 Prof. Ismail DEMIR, President of the Defence Industries announced with a tweet that the first live-drop tests of SOM-J missiles have been successfully conducted. According to sources, the test was performed at the Sinop Test Range on an F-16C aircraft from the 401st Flight Test Squadron of the 1st Main Jet Base (MJB) Command, located in Eskişehir.
Prior to the start of flight testing phase, the SOM-J air launched anti-ship missile has been matured and proven with ground testing. As part of ground test campaign the performance test of the SOM-J warhead section was tested during the first half of 2018 at Qinetiq test facilities in the UK.
Prior to live-drop test, captive carriage testing (a flight test mission to ensure the weapon would perform its designed functions prior to being released from the aircraft) was performed in the same week and they both were tracked by a ground based telemetry station established in Bartın. The aim of the live-drop test is to verify the SOM-J’s ability to be safely released from the aircraft and perform its autonomous functions. The SOM-J that was released from an F-16C is a glide-only weapon with an active autopilot, but without a live engine and warhead. During the coming weeks, follow-on release and live firing tests will be performed with SOM-J missiles with a live engine (an evolved version of SAFRAN Power Unit’s TR40 turbojet engine) and navigation avionics but without a warhead, until the final flight test events where it actually hits a target with full mission systems software and guidance. The first live firing test with SOM-J against a target is planned to be executed in early 2019.
When development is complete, the SOM-J, a low observable variant of the SOM air launched cruise missile and designed to fit internal weapon bay of F-35 jet, is intended for use aboard the F-35A Lighting II aircraft.
The TurAF F-35As will be integrated with SOM-J air launched anti-ship missiles. Integration efforts on F-35A will be launched in 2021 with Block 4.2 software. In fact, even if it can be useful to carry up to six SOM-J missiles (2 in the internal bays and 4 on the external pylons) an F-35A carrying the SOM-J on the underwing pylons would lose much of its stealthiness. Having a range of 150+nm and carrying a single 350lb blast-fragmentation/semi-armour-piercing warhead the 1,000lb class SOM-J is an air-to-surface missile designed for use against heavily defended, high value maritime targets and land targets. Roketsan has been cooperating with TUBITAK-SAGE and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, the Prime Contractor of the JSF Program since 2014 for the integration of the SOM-J on the F-35. A business partnership agreement was signed with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (LMMFC) for the design, development, production and marketing of the SOM-J Weapon System in 2014 and the contract was signed in 2016. The integration activities of the F-35 are being carried out by LMMFC with the assistance of Roketsan and TUBITAK-SAGE, and these activities are scheduled to be completed in 2023.
TEBER-82 Deliveries to the TurAF Commenced
On July 12, 2018 the SSB announced via Twitter that the deliveries for Roketsan’s TEBER Guidance Kit to the TurAF would commence in July.
Roketsan started TEBER Guidance Kits Development Project in early 2014 with its own-resources. Following the development and prototype manufacturing phases, ground tests were completed in 2016 in cooperation with the 1st AMFD and the 401st Flight test Squadron. The first calibration sortie on an F-16C of the 401st Flight Test Squadron was performed during the first half of 2016. Following the captive carriage and drop testing efforts, firing tests began in 2017 and final tests were conducted during June 21-22, 2018 at the Konya, Karapinar Test Range.
Named after a historic double-sided axe, TEBER is a low cost guidance kit that turns standard Mk-81 (250lb) and Mk-82 (500lb) series free-fall general purpose bombs into precision-guided munitions through the addition of a Laser Seeker, Global Positioning System (GPS), Inertial Navigation System and control fins. TEBER’s modular design offers affordable options. An add-on Laser Seeker, which is located on the front section, allows precise impact capability for moving land and surface targets even if the target is manoeuvring at high speeds. The Laser Seeker may be equipped with or without a Height of Burst seeker.
The TEBER tail kit can identify the bombs (Mk-81/Mk-82), which are integrated and it can be installed very quickly in the field with the Laser Seeker. The tail kit contains a GPS/Inertial Navigation System for precise guidance and aerodynamic control surfaces. Body Strakes supply additional lift and stability and the weapon manoeuvre capability.
TEBER offers capability against moving land and surface targets travelling at speeds of up to 110km/h, and has been certified for the TurAF’s F-16 fighters. Roketsan is also targeting other NATO fighter types, such as Rafale and Typhoon, as well as non-NATO platforms including the MiG-29. On the other hand, efforts for the integration of TEBER-81 and TEBER-82 on Armed ANKA MALE UAV are currently on-going.
HIZIR TCMS Protects TCG Burgazada Corvette Against Modern HWT
Speaking to Defence Turkey at SAVTEK 2018, the 9th Defence Techologies Congress, held at METU on June 27-29, an Aselsan official confirmed that during recently completed tests the HIZIR Torpedo Countermeasure System (TCMS) for Surface Ships has successfully detected a modern heavy weight torpedo (HWT training version) at a sufficient distance and managed to confuse/seduce it with countermeasure decoys. The HIZIR TCMS uses an expendable DULGER self-propelled target emulator decoy and MEZGIT self-propelled jammer decoy (in 12.5cm diameter and 120cm length), members of ZOKA Anti-Torpedo Acoustic Decoy Family. The mentioned success was achieved during the SAT Phase of TCG Burgazada corvette.
The HIZIR TCMS detects and classifies torpedo threats and attempts to counter the acoustic sensor or the seeker head of the torpedo by generating decoy signals that are tailored to attract the attacking torpedo, luring it away from the ship. It comprises;
Towed Array (TA, a passive sonar array with a total length of 800m, it includes a magnetic device that can cause the torpedo to detonate prematurely)
Towed Decoy (TD, located at 650m of the TA)
Winch (for the lowering and unmooring of towed units),
Electronic Cabinet
Launchers
Expendable Decoys (DULGER and MEZGIT)
Display/Control Units (Consoles)
The third vessel of ADA Class corvettes TCG Burgazada (F-513) will be commissioned on September 27, 2018. Contrary to sister ships TCG Heybeliada and TCG Büyükada, it is equipped with Aselsan’s HIZIR Torpedo Countermeasure System, replacing the Ultra Electronics Sea Sentor Surface Ship Torpedo Defence System (SSTDS). The fourth vessel of the ADA Class corvettes TCG Kınalıada (to be commissioned in October 2019) will be also equipped with HIZIR TCMS.
Aselsan completed the first Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) of the HIZIR Torpedo Countermeasure System to be installed on TCG Burgazada in October 2017. Following the completion of the FAT Phase, the HIZIR System was integrated on TCG Burgazada corvette at Istanbul Naval Shipyard in late 2017. TCG Burgazada sailed for the first time on March 18, 2018. During the Sea Acceptance Test (SAT) phase, various performance tests were carried out under a variety of scenarios with the participation of the Turkish Naval Forces Command (TNFC) and Aselsan officials.
During the Aselsan facility tour that took place on May 7, 2018, Aselsan Deputy General Manager Mustafa KAVAL (former deputy manager of Aselsan) disclosed that existing torpedo defence systems (Sea Sentor SSTDS) onboard the first two ADA Class corvettes, that were procured from abroad, will be replaced with Aselsan HIZIR TCMS and added, “HIZIR passed all tests successfully. TNFC has performed five more tests with HIZIR TCMS, it has been proven that our system is much more effective than foreign one.”
Aselsan developed the ZOKA Anti-Torpedo Acoustic Decoy Family (comprising both stationary and self-propelled jammers and target emulator decoys) with up-to-date signal processing capability under the DAKA (Acoustic Decoy System for Submarines) Project. During April 15, 2008 – October 1, 2014 Aselsan manufactured a total of 4 ZARGANA TCMS along with 280 ZOKA torpedo decoys for the Ay Class submarines, and 8 ZARGANA TCMS along with 360 ZOKA torpedo decoys for the Preveze and Gur Class submarines.
In Ay, Preveze and Gur Class submarines the ZOKA decoys (LAPIN, MERCAN, CIPURA and CACA with 10cm diameter and 50cm and 100cm lengths) are launched via inboard signal ejector tubes. Where as the self-propelled LIPSOZ (target emulator) and ESKINA (jammer) decoys with 12.5cm diameter and a 120cm length need the ZARGANA Submarine Decoy Launcher for launching from Preveze and Gur Class submarines.
Under a contract valued at TL34 Million and awarded in January 2015 Aselsan has developed a 6-tube ZARGANA Submarine Decoy Launcher to be fitted externally to the pressure hull for the Preveze and Gur Class submarines. This makes it relatively easy to install and reload because the pressure hull itself does not need to be pierced and then repaired. Thanks to its full integration into the submarine’s Combat Mangement Ssytem (CMS), the ZARGANA Launcher shortens reaction time considerably compared to signal ejector tube launching option. Each of the Preveze and Gur Class submarines will be integrated with a total of 4 ZARGANA Launchers (2 at the port and 2 at the starboard side). The ZARGANA Launcher can be effectively used up to depths of 400m and since there is no release of gas into the water the submarine’s stealthy acoustic performance is maintained during launcher/decoy deployment and helps it escape.
Under the Prototyping Phase, Aselsan will integrate ZARGANA Submarine Decoy Launchers first on a Preveze and then on a Gur Class submarines that serve as a prototype platform and then the remaining Preveze and Gur Class submarines will be modernized under the Series Modernization Phase. According to Aselsan, ZARGANA Submarine Decoy Launchers will be first integrated on TGC Anafartalar (3rd ship of Preveze Class) and then on TCG Burakreis (3rd ship of Gur Class). The company has already completed the manufacture and Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) of ZARGANA Launchers to be integrated on TCG Anafartalar and TCG Burakreis. According to the Program schedule the integration effort on the first prototype submarine (TCG Anafartalar) should have been started in March 2018 and integration on all of 8 submarines should be completed by the end of 2019. However, this schedule seems to not have been able to be kept. According to Aselsan’s 2017 Almanac, the FATs of the prototype ZARGANA Submarine Decoy Launchers to be integrated on the first prototype submarine were completed successfully in November 2017. According to Aselsan’s monthly bulletin’s (A Bülten) September 2018 issue, the FATs of the second set of ZARGANA Launchers to be integrated on TCG Burakreis were completed successfully during July 30 – August 1, 2018.
CAFRAD Prototype Integrated on a Gabya Class Frigate for Sea Trials
Design, development, manufacture and qualification of CAFRAD’s prototype, composed of an X-Band Multifunctional Phased Array Radar (CFR), X-Band Illumination Radar (AYR) and a non-rotating AESA type IFF antenna subsystem, was completed in September 2017. The Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) of the CAFRAD prototype on the Technology Demonstration Prototype (TGP) tower were carried out during the first quarter of 2018 and then the TGP tower was integrated on a Gabya Class Frigate, with RIM-162B Block I ESSM capability during the first half of 2018.
According to current schedule, live firing tests which are part of the acceptance process, with the CAFRAD prototype will be performed during the second half of 2018 and the Phase-I of the CAFRAD Program will be completed at the beginning of 2019. Phase-II of the CAFRAD Program will cover the development of multi-face antenna versions of CFR and AYR and the development of UMR (to be based on S-Band Early Warning Radar System [EIRS] of the Turkish Air Force) and their integration to the CAFRDAD Suite. According to the SSB’s official website the Phase-II contract is planned to be awarded in November 2018 and deliveries would start in 2023.
The CAFRAD will be the core and main sensor of the TF-2000 ADW destroyers, it said that the design of TF-2000 ADW will be developed in accordance with CAFRAD’s technical features. So the TF-2000 is designed for the CAFRAD.
The CAFRAD prototype has been under development since 2013. Under Phase-I of the Multifunctional Phased Array Radar (CAFRAD) Program, a US$79 Million (TL200 Million) contract was signed between the SSB and Prime Contractor Aselsan on August 1, 2013. Phase-I covers the design, development manufacture and testing of the CAFRAD Radar System Technology Demonstrator Prototype. The CAFRAD Suite comprises three separate new generation radars (CFR, AYR and UMR) based on the most advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN) Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) sensor technology with multiple digitally formed beams, fully solid state Transmit/Receive (T/R) modules and digital signal processing, up to 12 fixed-panel radar antennas (it depends the configuration of UMR, which has both a single face rotating antenna and a four fixed-panel configurations) and a non-rotating AESA type IFF antenna subsystem. The ÇFR (multifunctional radar) and AYR (illumination radar) are in X-Band configuration, where as the long-range (450km+) search radar UMR operates in S-Band. Each fixed-panel of the ÇFR and AYR consists of around 5,000 T/R modules. The CAFRAD Suite can be integrated into a single mast structure but if the single face rotating antenna configuration of the UMR is selected then it will not located at the mast structure and the TF-2000 will be fitted with a large single face rotating S-Band UMR antenna back aft in addition to a integrated mast forward.
The TF-2000 ADW destroyers will also feature a number of indigenous sensor systems such as GENESIS ADVENT CMS and YAKAMOS-3 hull mounted active/passive sonar, and weapon systems such as 35mm KORKUT-D CIWS, HISAR-A short, HISAR-Nokta (Point) medium and HISAR-U long-range (can only be used against air breathing targets including fighter jets, UAVs and cruise missiles and will have an effective range of 70-90km) air defence missiles. The TF-2000 ADW destroyers are also expected to be fitted with the naval variant of the Enhanced Long Range Area Air and Missile Defence System (GUMS/UMBFSS) missile systems to be fired from national VLSs. EuroSam has been selected as the technical support provider for the GUMS/UMBFSS, to be equipped with a Ka-Band RF seeker and would be able to intercept incoming ballistic missiles at 30km and over altitudes with hit-to-kill concept/capability.
