IDEF-23 Impressions; A Showcase of the Turkish Defence Industry

As a former soldier and academician who has dealt with these issues, I will present my impressions of the IDEF-23 Defence Industry Fair, which was held between 25-28 July 2023 under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey and under the responsibility of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation (TAFF), under two headings. Firstly, after making a general evaluation of the fair, the prominent topics and products of the fair will be mentioned. According to the information received from the authorities, the numerical values related to the exhibition are as follows.

As can be seen from the numerical values mentioned above, the fair has also attracted great interest from abroad. Naturally, the participation of Turkish companies is increasing year by year because Turkish companies are no longer buyers but sellers. In addition to the exhibitors, it was learnt that more than 100.000 people visited the fair. It is immediately apparent that one of the most striking issues at the fair is the organisation and order. Especially the hall where the heavyweights of the Turkish Defence Industry (TSS) were located was almost like a space base. This hall alone was enough to explain the stage reached by the Turkish Defence Industry. As in the previous IDEF-21, the large number of military delegations from African countries was also noteworthy.

As in IDEF-21, the eyes of both participants and visitors were obviously looking for BAYKAR, the manufacturer of Bayraktar IHAs/ UCAVs, which even Fukuyama, one of the most important figures of neo-liberalism today, called "Game Changer". However, it was understood from the absence of a stand that the company had decided not to participate in the fair this year. Perhaps the following question may come to mind. BAYKAR no longer needs such fairs. True, this is understandable. However, the defence industry and IDEF need BAYKAR. Another institution that we did not see at the exhibition was TÜBİTAK, one of the most important state institutions in the centre of the defence industry. However, TÜBİTAK, with its research institutions such as SAGE, is a state institution of vital importance for the defence industry. As is known, the fair is organised under the auspices of Mr. The fair takes place under the auspices of the President of the Republic. In such a situation, it is important that all state or private sector organisations that shape the defence industry also participate in the fair. This is especially important for the IDEF exhibition, which is being held in the 100th year of our Republic, a year in which we have made such an important discourse and claim as the "Century of Turkey". In the meantime, as a footnote, the use of the term "Turkish Century" instead of the term "Turkish Century" is considered to be more appropriate, especially as it will increase the political influence of the Organisation of Turkic States at home and abroad, and will have a broader meaning.

At the exhibition, similarities and duplications between the products of both foundation and private sector companies attract attention. Competition is important in the field of defence industry as it is in every field, but in this field, competition should be with the outside, i.e. with the world. In general, the most important issue in the development of any defence project is whether the system to be produced is an "operational need" of the Turkish Armed Forces. In other words, if a system or weapon is a need of any force, the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) initiates a project on this subject and continues the process. If this need is in a field that has never been produced before, this need can even start as an R&D project. If the forces have similar needs, the General Staff (currently probably the Ministry of National Defence) and then, if necessary, the SSB should establish the project as a joint project. This is because savings in terms of resources, manpower and logistic support when it enters the inventory dictate this. However, it was understood from the systems exhibited in the open air that the low and medium altitude air defence missile system was built with a separate system for one force and a separate system for another force, both of which were mounted on different platforms. The same applies to the laser weapon systems being developed against drones. The same foundation company is developing two separate systems mounted on two different platforms. Preventing such duplication will prevent the waste of both resources and effort, and will lead to a more advanced system. Otherwise, TAF logistics, manpower and training planners will face many difficulties in the coming years, and resources may be wasted.

Organisation of Turkic States (TDT) and IDEF-23

It was learned that approximately 120 agreements or protocols were signed with different countries and foreign companies during the exhibition, and that the agreements were generally with the Middle East, the Organisation of Turkic States and African countries. Especially the agreement with Azerbaijan for the modernisation of SU-25 aircraft is very important. With this agreement, Turkey will gain the capability to modernise Soviet-made air systems and platforms. With this capability, both the systems in the hands of the states of the Organisation of Turkic States and the systems in the hands of Russia can be modernised if desired. Another important agreement with Azerbaijan is the agreement regarding Azerbaijan's interest in the National Combat Aircraft (MMU) Kaan. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence Industry also opened a booth at the exhibition and the booth attracted a lot of attention. During my interview with Azerbaijani TV channels, the stand was being managed by Müşfik Ramazanlı, Advisor to the Deputy Minister of Defence, who was taking a close interest in all the guests.

Another interesting agreement made at the exhibition was signed with Pakistan. Pakistan, which is a stakeholder of the Baku Declaration with Azerbaijan and Turkey, signed an agreement on the production of some aircraft components in Pakistan. This agreement brings us to the issue of transforming the MMU to be produced by Turkey into a programme like the F-35, with the participation of the Organisation of Turkic States, Pakistan and even some Middle Eastern and African countries. If this is achieved, not only will the necessary resources and market share be provided, but Turkey's regional power status can reach a global dimension. Another contribution of this would be economic. It is very likely that with the progress of the MMU project, Turkey will make a "Call for Participation in the Project" to the CIS, Middle East and African countries.

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) AND IDEF-23

MEDEF, which operates in Turkey and the TRNC and produces ammunition in the TRNC, also participated in the exhibition. Since the company participated through its Ankara office, where some of its facilities are located, this issue may have been overlooked. In other words, the TRNC participated in an important exhibition such as IDEF with a small-scale ammunition manufacturing company. Since the issue of flag and physical presence is important in such events, the TRNC could also have participated in the fair through a state institution. For example, if the Security Forces Command opened a stand at the fair, it would certainly contribute to the promotion and recognition of the TRNC as an observer member of the CSA. It is important to consider this issue in the coming period. For example, the defence industry fair to be held in Azerbaijan in October could be attended for this purpose. At the fair, TRNC Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu and Military Attaché P.Kur.Alb. Hüseyin ULAK and their delegations visited almost all stands and closely examined weapons and systems that could be important for the TRNC. When I visited some of the stands together, especially Military Attaché Colonel ULAK's knowledge of weapons and systems surprised the officials of the companies visited.

Weapons and Defence Systems Sold Abroad

As is known, Turkey does not have a holistic system that covers the sales and after-sales logistics support of weapons and systems sold abroad, as in the case of the US FMS. This process is carried out to a certain extent by the relevant company/foundation or the SSB. At the stands of the companies visited, they were asked how they provide logistic support abroad, and almost all of them stated that they try to handle this issue with the systems they have developed themselves. In other words, after-sales logistics support is carried out company-centred. However, the fact that foreign sales in the defence industry are made from state to state provides additional confidence and comfort to the state that will purchase the product. For this reason, considering the current level of the TSS, the establishment of a "Foreign Military Sales System" is one of the most important issues in the near future. STM ThinkTech may include this issue on its agenda in the coming days.

Noteworthy Projects and Systems

In this section, we will try to give information about the projects and systems that attract attention. The company products mentioned here are for a better understanding of the project and system, not for any advertising purpose

As mentioned in the introduction, TAFF companies really left their mark on the fair. The layout of the stands shows that they have become world brands with their products. It is not for nothing that ASELSAN is now the 49th largest defence industry company. In addition to the foundation companies, another institution that is on its way to becoming a world brand is the General Directorate of Machinery and Chemical Industry. The technology-intensive systems used in the products of the institution, which is the producer and supplier of almost all of the ammunition and explosives of the Turkish Armed Forces, and which was brought to the status of a joint stock company with the amendment of the law in 2021, have started to attract attention. It is understood that the institution will grow and produce even more technologically in the coming years.

In addition to UAV/SUAV technology, another area where the Turkish Defence Industry has gained global acceptance is land vehicles in the 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 segments. The vehicles produced by OTOKAR, BMC, NUROL Makina, Katmerciler and FNSS are really at or above world standards. In fact, the companies are so ambitious in this regard that they even prepare the doctrine and concept of the use of the vehicle they produce with the military personnel they employ. An example of this is the organisation of the YÖRÜK vehicle produced by NUROL Makina as a "Logistics Maintenance and Repair" vehicle. Detailed information about the vehicle was provided at the company stand by (E) Brig. Recep ÖZDEMİR, who was in charge of military vehicles at the company stand.

As a former tanker, the ALTAY tank, on which I worked on the project for a certain period of time, is one of the systems that I am curious about at every exhibition and platform. The Altay tank, which was dubbed the 'New Altay Tank' after the manufacturer changed hands, was also seen at the exhibition, and it was learnt that serial production would begin. It was stated by the company representative that the engine and transmissions developed by BMC Power were ready together with the tank. However, it has been learnt that the engine and transmission tests are still ongoing and will continue, and therefore the serial production phase is also dependent on this. However, it is pleasing that the engine and transmission have been developed together. Because the engine and transmission are like the "tandem stopper" duo in football. If there is no harmony between them, you cannot use the other one, so this incompatibility may delay the production of the tank for a while longer. We hope that this harmony will be achieved in the tests. As a former tanker, the most important issue in the Altay tank, in my opinion, is the weight of the tank. Hopefully, no new systems and equipment will be added to the tank, which has reached approximately 66 T. For comparison, the M-1 Abrams weighs around 60 T, while the Leopard-2 weighs around 63 T.  

The completion of the Helicopter Obstacle Detection System (HETS) developed by METEKSAN, which helps helicopters to fly safely in all weather conditions, was announced by Em. Eng. Dr Brig. Erdal Torun announced the completion of the system. It is certain that the system will enter the Turkish Armed Forces inventory in the near future and will provide our pilots with a separate power and security. 

One of the reasons for the development of the defence industry in recent years is that the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Defense have increased the awareness of companies on the defence industry. FLOK-SER, which is actually an industrial chemical company, has developed a product that can be described as "magic" in the field of security. The product, which has the appearance of a paint, can provide protection even against RPG ammunition with destructive and incendiary warheads when applied as a spray to structures such as containers, security huts, guard posts and positions with a thickness of approximately 06 mm. Information about the product was given by (E)Lieutenant Commander Mehmet Daysal, who is also the general manager of the company.

Over the years, in order to ensure the safety and security of construction equipment and personnel, especially in environments threatened by terrorists and terrorist organisations, additional protective measures have started to be taken by the users within the possibilities of the construction equipment. Çukurova Makina, whose main field of activity is not in the defence industry but which is a world brand in construction equipment production, produces armoured construction equipment and develops systems that will enable users to continue their infrastructure and engineering activities in terrorist and low-intensity conflict environments. Assistant Export Manager Sabit Batmaz provided technical information on the locations, countries and protective features of the construction equipment and stated that their products are world class. 

Another noteworthy company is HAGART. According to the information provided by Hasan Devrez, Assistant Quality Control Manager, the company specialises in 122 mm MLRS and 2.75 mm rocket and launcher systems, and its products are sold and used all over the world.

The Karayel UAV/SUAV of Vestel took its place at the exhibition with the modifications made. In fact, the Karayel UAV is another domestically produced system that demonstrates Turkey's position in UAV/UAV technology in recent years. It was stated by the company that the system was sold to Saudi Arabia and used there, and that SATCOM (Satellite Command) and SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) cameras were installed. The most important difference between SAR and thermal imaging cameras is the following. With SAR, images can be obtained in bad weather conditions, even above the clouds.  Therefore, these features have increased the effectiveness of Karayel.

DESİM's digital sand box project provides users with a three-dimensional image and flexibility in matters such as operations and operational planning. According to the information provided by Altan Yavaş, General Manager of the company, the system can be used by the armed forces of all countries thanks to its map infrastructure that includes all regions of the world, and it stands out as a system that can provide support to the Turkish Armed Forces in their missions and operations abroad. In addition, since it allows the use of generic maps, it is presented as a product that can be easily used in war games and simulation-supported military trainings.

In today's operational conditions, the personal protection of the personnel and the ability to perform operational tasks with the most ergonomic equipment have gained importance. CES offers effective solutions in this field with its lightweight and protective systems for land vehicles, personnel's body and especially the head area. Company official (E) Brig. Taner Düvenci stated that their high-tech products can be easily mounted on all kinds of land vehicles in accordance with NATO standards, and that their personnel protective products are designed to meet the challenges of today's combat environment.

Norm Technologies, which stands out as perhaps the only domestic CBRN solution company in its field, drew attention especially with its CBRN equipment in NATO standards. With the use of armed forces at the forefront of the Covid-19 outbreak all over the world, it seems inevitable that such equipment should be kept in the inventory of the armed forces. 

The companies that attracted the most attention at the fair were the companies producing small arms (pistols and rifles). This is because almost all of the companies have set up shooting simulators, which allow non-professional visitors to experience the shooting experience. The fact that the simulations were close to the real sound and image also increased the interest in these companies.

As in the İzmir ESAS Expo Defence Industry and Supplier Meetings in January 2023, the robot dog distributed by Volt Elektric, based in Kemalpaşa, İzmir, was again the centre of attention. However, my favourite was the (E) Gn. Directorate's K-9 dog. 

It was evident from the large number of vehicles belonging to universities in the car park that there was a great deal of participation from academia at the fair. We visited some of the stands together with Assoc. Prof. Hakan Arıdemir and Dr Ramazan Güreşçi from Kütahya Dumlupınar University, Faculty of Political Sciences, Department of Public Administration, and Erhun Özalp, IETT Security Manager. 

The TAFF personnel who undertook the responsibility of management and organisation, together with Deputy General Manager (E) Maj. Sadık Piyade, Deputy General Manager (Ret.) Major General Sadık Piyade and Fair Branch. Deputy General Director (Ret.) Maj. Gen. Sadık Piyade and Fair Branch Manager (Ret.) Kur. Colonel Göksel Ahçı for their flawless organisation. Deputy General Manager Piyade took a close interest in all participants during the fair and received their feedback on the fair.

I would like to express my gratitude to İbrahim Özdemir, General Manager, and Gökay Türker, Sales and Design Manager, of the Izmir-based AKG company, one of the pioneers of the heavy vehicle and machine cooling system (intercooling) sector in Turkey, who provided me with all kinds of support in both stand use and logistics issues during the three days I was at the exhibition. 

Conclusion

IDEF-23 series exhibitions continue to grow by pushing their limits every year,

IDEF is a showcase for the Turkish Defence Industry and it is important that all private and state institutions that shape the defence industry participate in the IDEF fairs,

Relations in the field of defence industry with the countries of the Middle East, Africa and the Organisation of Turkic States continue to increase,

Many of the above-mentioned countries may participate in the MMU Kaan programme, and Turkey will make the necessary call once the project takes shape, 

Azerbaijan will further increase its relations with Turkey in the field of defence industry as in every field within the scope of the "Shusha Declaration", and the modernisation of Su-25 aircraft is important in terms of providing additional capabilities to Turkish defence industry companies as well as Azerbaijan, 

Considering the export potential of the Turkish Defence Industry, a "Foreign Military Sales Abroad" system can be established in order to provide uninterrupted logistic support before and after sales, to provide companies with appropriate financial resources such as Eximbank loans, and to control end user usage,

Preventing duplication in projects and ensuring platform simplicity in order to save resources, logistic support, training and manpower in the TAF; and in projects to be realised outside the private sector, the projects should be developed by taking into account the operational needs of the TAF,

The Turkish Defence Industry has reached a state where it can compete with the world in the land vehicles segment in addition to UAV/SUAV technology, 

It is envisaged that some kind of progress should be made in the ALTAY tank project.

See you at the next IDEF 

Note

I learnt that Idris Talha Kartav, the son of our brother Vedat Kartav, the driver of the taxi I took while I was in Istanbul, passed away in Adıyaman İsias Hotel during the earthquake on 06 February 2023. Fate has united the TRNC athlete caravan and the tourist guide caravan in this way. On this occasion, I wish God's Mercy to the TRNC athletes and Idris Talha Kartav, and patience to their families and especially to our brother Vedat Kartav.

Reference

FUKUYAMA, F. (2021). Turkish drone success.... Retrieved 31.07.2022, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210413-turkey-drone-successhas-elevated-it-in-the-world-says-fukuyama/.

AKYAR M.S., Holistic Situational Awareness in Turkish Defence Industry; Turkish Foreign Military Sales System, Tesam Academy Journal, 10(2), 559- 589. http://dx.doi.org/10.30626/ tesamakademi.1249677.