The products being showcased for the first time at IDEF ‘19 at the Meteksan Defence Booth are comprised of; MİLSAR, which is a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and the Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) radar that will become the unblinking eye of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); C-Band Data Link, which will bring a breath of fresh air to the field of UAV data links; KAPAN, which sets the standard in air defence against drones and Retinar FAR, new perimeter surveillance radar; YAKAMOS 2020, which will carry Turkey’s knowledge and experience in the field of sonars to the future; the New Helicopter MİLDAR, as a fire control radar for the attack helicopters of the future; KEMENT, which serves as the infrastructure of network-enabled operations.

Speaking about their participation at IDEF ‘19 Selçuk ALPARSLAN, President of Meteksan Defence, said: “IDEF is a reference exhibition that illustrates the level reached by the Turkish defence and aerospace sector. We are also showcasing what we have achieved to date, giving an idea to the world what type of company Meteksan Defence is by giving hints of what we are poised to accomplish in the future. Our stand is much more crowded than in previous years. On one hand, we are showing products that have already proven themselves on the field, while, on the other, we also have products and solutions on display that are likely to have an impact in the upcoming period. We are confident that our stand will be very interesting for the visitors to the exhibition in terms of the technology and innovation being showcased, and we believe visitors will spend a considerable time looking at it.”

ALPARSLAN went on to share their objectives for IDEF 2021 and 2023: “Our dream for the future is to demonstrate at IDEF 2021 and 2023 that we are a global brand when it comes to sonars, data links and other solutions. What we have achieved to date has provided us the open road to lead us to that point, to which our focus and enthusiasm is currently directed. As a shorter-term goal, we would like to see MİLDAR and MİLSAR being showcased on actual platforms by IDEF 2021.”

Meteksan Defence will host all visitors at its stand number 322C, located in Hall 3.

Helicopter MİLDAR Ready to Serve Aboard Attack Helicopters of the Future

Meteksan Defence has renewed its Helicopter MİLDAR solution in line with evolving needs. The new Helicopter MİLDAR is also making an appearance at IDEF ‘19 as a system that provides a significant force multiplier by considerably enhancing the firepower of modern attack helicopters.

Following the integration of the Helicopter MİLDAR into the T129 ATAK helicopter, and the successful conclusion of the project’s acceptance tests in 2017, Meteksan Defence is now taking the Helicopter MİLDAR into the future by overhauling it with its own resources according to evolving user needs. As Turkey’s very first fire control radar operating in the millimeter waveband, and equipped with Target Tracking and Terrain Profiling features, the Helicopter MİLDAR is being showcased at IDEF ‘19 in a newly modified and advanced version, with its mast-mounted configuration. It is also being displayed in such a way that shows both its external geometry and architecture.

Selçuk ALPARSLAN, President of Meteksan Defence, said that the new Helicopter MİLDAR is a reflection of the company’s innovativeness: “The Helicopter MİLDAR is one of the best examples of how the concepts of R&D and innovation are utilized in the defence sector. When we first started working on it, there were no other millimeter wave radars being produced in Turkey. We not only developed these technologies indigenously, but also ensured that the very first version of the Helicopter MİLDAR possessed all the functions of a modern fire control radar. In time, evolving user needs meant that different physical dimensions and integration options had to be considered. This led us to apply our previously developed technologies to a different architecture, and to roll out a solution that met the needs of our users precisely. In its renewed form, we anticipate that the Helicopter MİLDAR will come to occupy an important place in the future of attack helicopters.”

The Helicopter MİLDAR is also expected to become one of the main sensors aboard the helicopter to be developed under Turkey’s Heavy Attack Helicopter Project, the contract of which was signed in February 2019. Depending on the choice of the platform integrators, the system may be integrated at different locations on the helicopter. The integration of the system onto the mast, which is the configuration showcased at IDEF, is actually one of the most difficult locations in terms of environmental conditions, and so it can be considered indicative of the system’s ability to be successfully integrated in other locations.

MİLSAR - The Unblinking Eye of UAVs

The prototype MİLSAR, whose weight, volume and power consumption are sufficiently for the system to be a viable payload for tactical-class UAVs, is being showcased for the first time at IDEF ‘19.

Technically, the MİLSAR is a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and a ground moving target indicator (GMTI) radar. Due to their ability to provide high resolution images in weather conditions in which electro-optical sensors become ineffective, SAR and GMTI radars have become indispensable on reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft and satellites. The GMTI feature, on the other hand, comes in handy for the long-term surveillance of targeted activities, which is one of the main reasons why UAVs stay in the air for many hours, although the volume, weight and power consumption requirements of GMTI radars generally prevents their usage in smaller UAVs.

MİLSAR is the end product of long-standing work by Meteksan Defence on radar technologies that were first launched in 2007 with the MİLDAR project. This, in itself, provides cues to the system’s performance. As a system developed by engineers of Meteksan Defence, one of the main features that makes MİLSAR stand out is its ability to be used effectively in tactical UAV-sized platforms. Based on advanced technologies and an innovative architecture, MİLSAR is low in weight and small in size, and sets itself apart by requiring only the level of power that a tactical UAV can generate.

In the light of the technological depth and experience it has acquired within the scope of the MİLDAR project, Meteksan Defence has succeeded in developing three different products: The Helicopter MİLDAR, the Automatic Take-Off and Landing System (OKİS) and MİLSAR. Meteksan Defence has already rolled out the Helicopter MİLDAR and OKİS as individual products. The Helicopter MİLDAR has already proven its ability to operate at the desired level of performance under the harshest of environmental conditions, even when exposed to constant vibration. OKİS, on the other hand, has successfully completed integration trials with different UAV platforms.

Meteksan Defence Expands its Data Link Product Family with C-Band UAV Data Link

Meteksan Defence is also showcasing for the first time unique and innovative C-Band Data Links solutions of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at IDEF ‘19.The system being displayed has already completed many testing processes, and today stands out as a working product that has reached the final stage of its qualification process.

The UAV data link ensures direct communication between the UAV and the ground control station. The data link transfers the necessary commands from the ground control station to the UAV, while conveying status and payload-related information and feeds from the UAV to the ground control station. The most critically important requirements of a data link are its bandwidth, reliably, and an uninterrupted data transfer, while also ensuring security. Deploying the experience it has gained in different missile projects, the C-Band Data Link developed by Meteksan Defence for UAVs emerges as an indigenous data link solution that possesses all of these critical features.

The directional and non-directional antenna of the C-Band Data Link were produced by Meteksan Defence indigenously. This has made it possible to avoid any potential antenna procurement-related problems that may arise during serial production in the event of an embargo, and to increase the level of indigenousness at a system level by creating the means to develop and produce broad-band antennas in the 4.4-5.85 GHz band through domestic capabilities. It has also become possible to develop antennas in line with the benefits identified through link and budget analyses. Furthermore, the antenna weight has been reduced significantly as a result of the decision to have the reflective surface of the ground unit reflector antenna made of carbon fiber composites. Last but not least, the radome of the non-directional antenna for the air platform has been designed in such a way that it is more resistant to ambient conditions.

When determining the C-Band Data Link’s technical requirements, Meteksan Defence took advice from the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), which ranks among the world’s leading users of UAVs in operational settings. After making an analysis of previous work related to the ANKA and BAYRAKTAR TB2 UAVs, Meteksan Defence designed a system that can be used by the TAF and also by friendly and allied nations, once the qualification process has been completed.

Selçuk Alparslan, President of Meteksan Defence, describes the C-Band Data Link as an example of Meteksan Defence’s proactive product development approach: “The data link studies we have carried out, especially within the scope of our missile projects, have granted Meteksan Defence significant experience in terms of human resources, technology, infrastructure and the business ecosystem. We transfer this experience to areas in which we identify a need using our own resources, without waiting for an appropriate project to be announced. The C-Band Data Link is the product of such an approach. We are certain that our product will provide high performance, reliability and security to our users, as a competent and competitive solution to UAV platform manufacturers,” Alparslan said.

Meteksan Defence Establishes Infrastructure for Network-Enabled Operation with KEMENT

KEMENT, a system that provides network-enabled capabilities to cruise missiles, is also being showcased at IDEF ‘19 for the first time at the company’s booth.

Network-enabled operation allows cruises missiles – which are used to neutralize high-value targets from hundreds of kilometers away – to be launched according to a “fire and control” rather than a “fire and forget” principle, which greatly enhances the effectiveness of the missile and permits the updating of mission parameters. This is precisely what has been achieved by the KEMENT system, developed by Meteksan Defence as the prime contractor. Serving as a special tactical data link for cruise missiles, KEMENT allows such missiles to establish communication with different friendly units as they navigate towards their target, thus allowing for changes in the missile’s mission definition according to changes in the target area.

KEMENT was first integrated into the SOM cruise missile developed jointly by ROKETSAN and TÜBİTAK SAGE. The technology of the system makes a difference in terms of its band width; its resistance to electronic warfare; its image transmission capability; its ability to form and manage dynamic networks; and its low weight, volume and power consumption. Furthermore, owing to its software-based design and its use of an indigenous waveform, the system also meets the special requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF).

Commenting on this prospect, Selçuk ALPARSLAN, President of Meteksan Defence, said: “Although KEMENT was developed for cruise missiles, it is a system that harbors all of the functions of a National Data Link that can be used by the armed forces in general. The up-to-date and flexible solution laid out by KEMENT is likely to enable its evolution into the National Data Link in a fairly swift manner. At Meteksan Defence, we are ready to convert our government’s investments in this project for the National Data Link, as a cost-effective approach. Showcasing the KEMENT at IDEF ‘19 as a system that is ready to serve is a strong indication of our resolve in this regard.”

In the previous IDEF exhibition, KEMENT was displayed during a special demonstration on May 10, 2017 as part of a special session that was joined by representatives of the Presidency of Defence Industries and the Turkish Naval Forces Command. This year, KEMENT again makes an appearance at IDEF 2019 as a ready-to-use system that has already successfully completed its flight tests. 

Retinar FAR-Equipped KAPAN to Set Standards in Air Defence Against Drones

The KAPAN Anti-Drone system developed by Meteksan Defence will also be displayed at IDEF ‘19 together with the novel Retinar FAR sensor at the company’s booth.

Perimeter surveillance radars stand out as an effective solution for the detection of drones, which are a prominent present day asymmetrical threat , within the scope of critical infrastructure and border security applications. Using such radars as a starting point, Meteksan Defence developed the KAPAN Anti-Drone System within a brief period of time using its own resources, effectively launching it in 2018. At IDEF ‘19 the KAPAN Anti-Drone System is being showcased together with the new Retinar FAR radar system, which greatly enhances its performance.

The Retinar FAR is a product of Meteksan Defence’s in-depth analyses and rigorous field tests regarding drone detection. This version of the Retinar fields a new antenna that has been designed specifically for the surveillance of air space and for the detection of drones with high performance hardware and special algorithms.

The Retinar FAR can detect aerial targets at longer ranges and scan a broader area, thus turning the KAPAN into a more potent drone hunter. Capable of seeing farther with the Retinar FAR, the KAPAN Anti-Drone System neutralizes targeted drones through countermeasure systems provided by Meteksan Defence’s solution partners, such as jamming and laser weapon systems.

YAKAMOS 2020 Sonar to Unveil at IDEF ‘19

The YAKAMOS 2020 another star product of the company, is being unveiled at IDEF ‘19 is the new version of the YAKAMOS sonar that was developed and produced as part of the Turkish Navy’s MİLGEM project. Visitors to IDEF ‘19 will have the opportunity to see a scaled mock-up of the YAKAMOS 2020’s wet end unit at the Meteksan Defence stand, as well as the actual console of the dry-end units, which is expected to be located aboard the ship in the very close future. The YAKAMOS 2020 is expected to be integrated first into I-Class Frigates.

The YAKAMOS Sonar is currently serving with great effect aboard the TCG HEYBELİADA (F-511), TCG BÜYÜKADA (F-512) and the TCG BURGAZADA (F-513) corvettes of the Turkish Navy. The YAKAMOS 2020 will see the addition of many technological and architectural innovations to its predecessor, while maintaining field experience, proven algorithms and interfaces, as many sonar operators have become accustomed to YAKAMOS. As a more compact, competent and modular system with an easily configurable software and hardware architecture, the YAKAMOS 2020 was developed as a system that will be readily adaptable to evolving technologies as well as changing acoustic environments, and that will surpass its rivals in the global market through its superior capabilities. Due to the enhanced efficiency of its power modules, the system is capable of operation for longer periods, while the updates to its sensor architecture enable it to detect potential threats over much greater ranges.

Selçuk ALPARSLAN, President of Meteksan Defence, emphasizes that  the YAKAMOS 2020 represents the pinnacle attained by Turkey in the field of underwater acoustics: “As Turkey’s center of excellence for underwater acoustics, we developed  the YAKAMOS 2020 taking into account user needs, evolving threats, technological advances and the outcomes of our own R&D studies. The YAKAMOS 2020 is not a system that emerged suddenly out of the blue. The YAKAMOS, which we treat like a living system, has been constantly improved upon ever since the start of our industrialization efforts, and every new capability that we have added to the sonar has been implemented on the versions already integrated aboard ships. The YAKAMOS 2020 can be likened to a system that brings together all previous work. This process also shows that, in the event of the YAKAMOS 2020 being selected for I-Class Frigates, it will be a constantly evolving system, following in the footsteps of the YAKAMOS.”

Another important development was selection of the YAKAMOS Sonar for MİLGEM Corvettes, which will be added to the Pakistan Navy’s inventory. The YAKAMOS thus demonstrated its success as a competitive product in an international arena. Selçuk ALPARSLAN stressed the importance of this development from the standpoint of Pakistan, a friendly and allied nation: “This project will supply a highly competent sonar to the Pakistan Navy. Moreover, as part of technology transfer obligations, we will be building a very close cooperation with the Pakistan Defence and Aerospace Industry. We are constantly improving the YAKAMOS, and the sonars we will deliver to Pakistan shall be the most up-to-date, harboring all of the mentioned improvements. With the delivery of the YAKAMOS, we will forge yet another long-term and added-value generating cooperation with Pakistan. We are eagerly looking forward to that day.”