Eurosatory 2018, the International Land and Airland Defence and Security exhibition, was held at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center in Paris during June 11th to the 15th, 2018.

According to the organizing company COGES the exhibition hosted 39 national pavilions including the Turkish Pavilion, gathered 1,802 exhibitors from 63 countries, 65.8% of which are international companies, 57,056 international visitors from 153 countries including 227 Official Delegations and 177 VIP Experts from 94 countries and 4 international organizations. During Eurosatory 2018 a total of 71 conferences were held and 696 journalists followed the event from all continents. The next edition of Eurosatory will be held from 8 to 12 June 2020.

Eurosatory, is the world-leading event dedicated to Land & Airland Defence and Security. The event provides a unique time-effective opportunity to meet, in a single place, all the Land & Airland Defence and Security manufacturers, to discover the latest technological innovations in domains and to help exhibitors and visitors to expand their professional network, to prospect new markets and to generate business opportunities.  

As a result of the Presidency of Defence Industries’ (SSB) heavy investment to develop Turkish defence industrial capabilities by designing and developing high-technology defence equipment in Turkey through technology transfers and co-production contracts, the Turkish Defence and Aerospace Industry has achieved remarkable progress in many areas over the last decade and has transitioned from a license producer to a technology owner. The Turkish Defence and Aerospace Industry today can compete in the international arena and has the ability to meet the needs of the majority (around 70 per cent in 2017) of both the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) and its customers.

The SSB attaches a great deal of importance to defence exports and provides comprehensive support to the presentation of Turkish defence industrial capabilities under a National Participation concept. Believing that international fairs are the best platforms to share Turkish defence capabilities with other representatives from various countries and also to take advantage of their valuable experiences, the SSB has identified certain areas as targets of opportunity for Turkish defence industrial capabilities to establish themselves and have decided to participate in international fairs held in these areas such as IDEX in Abu Dhabi, DIMDEX in Qatar, DSA in Malaysia, IDEAS in Pakistan, SOFEX in Jordan, DSEi in the UK, FIDAE in Chile and Eurosatory in France with a National Pavillion. 

The Turkish Defence and Aerospace Sector’s participation in Eurosatory 2018, which is one of the major meeting points of the world defence industry, was performed under the coordination of the SSB and Turkey’s Defense Industry Exporters’ Union (SSI). A total of 59 Turkish Defence and Aerospace companies (61 with the SSB and SSI) including Aselsan, AYESAŞ, BMC, FNSS, Havelsan, Katmerciler, MKEK, Otokar, Nurol Makina, Nurol Technologies Roketsan, SDT, STM, Vestel Defence and Yakupoğlu took part at the Turkish Pavillion. With 61 exhibitors the Turkish Defence and Aerospace Sector was the 6th largest international participant at Eurosatory 2018.

The Eurosatory 2018 stand was 700-square-meters. Participants included BMC, as one of the biggest commercial and military vehicle producers founded in Izmir Turkey with a background of more than 50 years, which showcased 6 military vehicles including 4 World Premieres; Multi-Purpose Armored Vehicle “VURAN (4x4)” with 120 mm ALKAR Mortar System, Multi-Purpose Armored Vehicle “AMAZON (4x4)” with Remote Control System, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle “KİRPİ II (4x4)”s Ambulance version and Armored Tactical Wheeled Vehicle “BMC 285.” 

Thanks to its monocoque type armored cabin and windows, shock absorbing seats, V-shaped underbelly, gun ports and emergency exit hatch, VURAN (4x4) is part of a family including multi-purpose armored vehicles. It provides mine and ballistic protection for its passengers.  VURAN features front rear view camera, automatic fire extinguishing system, remote controlled weapon station, run-flat tire inserts and A/C with heating and cooling functions.

KİRPİ II (4x4), a prominent member of BMC’s Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Family, was also presented at the Eurosatory 2018 by BMC with its two distinct facelift models. “KİRPİ II (4x4) Ambulance” and “KİRPİ II (4x4) with Remote Controlled Weapon Station” which have the same cabin features as VURAN. The monocoque type armored cabin and windows, shock absorbing seats; V-shaped underbelly, gun ports and emergency exit hatch are leading common features of BMC’s Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Family. 

AMAZON (4x4), another vehicle that was showcased at the BMC stand, guarantees security of its passengers against mine, ballistic and hand-made explosive threats. The distinguishing features of the vehicle are as follows: Automatic fire extinguishing system, central tire inflation system, run flat tire inserts, rear view camera, blackout and camouflage lighting. The new 4x4 Tactical Wheeled Armored Vehicle BMC 285 can carry nine tons of lightweight and has 10 tons of payload. It can travel at a speed of 90 kilometers per hour and has 285 horsepower.

FNSS Savunma Sistemleri unveiled the first prototype of the PARS 4x4 Anti-Tank Vehicle (ATV) which it is developing to meet the requirements of the Turkish Land Forces Command (TLFC) and exhibited KAPLAN-20 the New Generation Armored Fighting Vehicle (NG-AFV) and PARS III 8x8 Wheeled Armored Vehicle.

Nurol Makina (at Hall 5, Stand B841), one of the most competitive 4x4 Tactical Wheeled Armored Vehicle producers, welcomed its visitors at Eurosatory 2018, with its best-in-class products; EJDER YALÇIN 4x4 and NMS 4x4. The two vehicles, which have become favorites among Armed Forces and Security Forces, were displayed at Eurosatory for the first time. 

The EJDER YALÇIN, which passed numerous tests with flying colors in regions around the world as diverse as the Sahara Desert and the steppes of Central Asia. The NMS 4x4, on the other hand, adds modularity to the equation, taking adaptability to different requirements to a maximum level. The EJDER YALÇIN was presented in half desert, half khaki camouflage to highlight the adaptability of the vehicle to different environments, and to underline its selection by different countries around the world with very different climates. The EJDER YALÇIN has already proven its combat-worthiness after having served in different conflicts and engagements in countries that have the vehicle in their inventory. The excitement it has generated in international markets has turned into concrete deals and orders over the course of 2017, and EJDER YALÇIN has been the choice of five different countries to date. Over 400 vehicles have already been delivered, while confirmed orders are in place for 500 more. Depending on user preference, the vehicles can be delivered in different configurations and with different mission payloads. Nurol Makina is currently projecting 1,400 orders for EJDER YALÇIN.

With the NMS 4x4, Nurol Makina responds to different protection levels and payload requirements with a single platform. The vehicle features scalable armor, offering a protection levels ranging from 1–4, and the level of ballistic protection the platform offers can be further adjusted according to specific needs through the addition or removal of armor plates from its hull. These adjustments do not have to be the same all around the vehicle. For instance, based on user preferences, the vehicle’s engine and personnel cabin can be granted higher protection, while the payload section at the rear can feature lower protection levels, effectively multiplying the number of alternative mission configurations available to the user. Another advantage offered by the NMS 4x4 in this respect is that its armor plates that have been developed by Nurol Technologies – which also operates under Nurol Holding – and the synergy between the two companies has paved the way for the production of vehicle-specific metal plates. Nurol Makina received the first purchase order for the NMS 4x4 from Qatar, even before the said qualification process had been completed. At DIMDEX 2018, Nurol Makina signed a letter of intent with Barzan Holding concerning the sale of 214 NMS 4x4 vehicles.

Otokar, a Koç Group company and the leading supplier to the Turkish Land Forces, debuted five armored vehicles at Eurosatory 2018, Europe’s largest defense industry exhibition.  The Company unveiled its TULPAR 105mm Light Tank for the first time at Eurosatory 2018. Designed as a multi-purpose tracked armored vehicle to address a diverse range of missions, TULPAR offers an effective solution for operators requiring high destructive capabilities. Other vehicles showcased by Otokar at the stand were; COBRA II, ARMA 6x6, COBRA and KAYA II. During Eurosatory 2018, Otokar’s subsidiary Al Jason exhibited its RABDAN 8x8 WAV, for which it won a significant contract with the UAE last year.

Based on the COBRA platform, COBRA II 4x4 WAV offers high levels of protection against ballistic, IED threats and mines, a considerable payload capacity and a large internal volume. In addition to superior mobility, the COBRA II accommodates 9 personnel including driver and commander, and delivers high performance in the toughest terrain and climate conditions. An amphibious option is available, and the vehicle offers a wide range of weapons integration and mission equipment options. The COBRA II is being successfully used in border protection as well as internal security and peacekeeping missions. Its modular structure means it can be used as a personnel carrier, a weapons platform, a ground surveillance radar platform, or as a CBRN reconnaissance, C2 or ambulance vehicle.

The KAYA II leverages Otokar’s experience and knowhow in mine protected vehicles. Designed as a mine-resistant personnel carrier, KAYA II provides superior protection against both mines and kinetic-energy ammunition, with a chassis that adapts to the terrain with a torsion bar suspension system. Offering excellent mobility in all kinds of terrain and climate conditions, the KAYA II 4x4 features a monocoque body and can accommodate 10 people, including commander and driver. 

In addition, at the stand Roketsan showcased the mock-ups of CIRIT (named after a traditional Turkish cavalry game) 2.75” semi-active laser (SAL) guided rocket, the Smart Micro Munition (MAM-L), SOM Next Generation Air Launched Cruise Missile Family, Anti-Tank Guided Missile Family comprising UMTAS long-range and OMTAS medium-range anti-tank guided missiles with SAL and IIR guidance, 122mm and 107mm unguided Artillery Rockets, T-122/300 Multi Caliber and Multi Barrel Rocket Launching (MBRL) System, TRG-300 TIGER Missile System, TEBER Laser Guidance Kit, ASW Rocket and Ballistic Protection Solutions.