Joint Weapons Project of Turkey and Poland

Rising Value and Importance of Poland:

Even if you cook the best food in the world, only hungry people will take care of it. It is difficult to convince and serve a full person. We see that Poland is one of the most favorable countries among European countries in terms of developing military relations and cooperating in the field of defense industry.

In light of current developments and prospects for the near future, Poland has an increasing geostrategic, geoeconomic and sociological value. It is a country that is in a key position especially for Eastern Europe and tends to make a rapid exit in recent years. In addition, according to American and British think tanks, it is a country that is shown among the rising powers that will dominate the fate and future of Europe. Considering the power of Poland's diaspora in the USA, which has taken a historical stance against the Russians, it becomes more understandable why the Polish-US relationship has a special course in Eastern Europe.

Turkey and Poland started a remarkable military cooperation process with the Bayraktar TB2 sales agreement. This first step is important in terms of activating aftershocks that can pave the way for the two countries to cooperate.

The defense programs carried out by Poland are largely shaped by the influence and experience of the Ukrainian war. Poland; It sees itself as the country most affected by this war among European countries, due to the increasing wave of immigration and also the security concerns arising from possible Russian aggression.

In this context, the Polish defense industry has started to give priority to tanks and weapon systems used against tanks in the first place. Poland started to support the Ukrainians from the east by donating Soviet-era T-72 tanks, some of which it had modernized with its own efforts, to Ukraine. He currently has a limited number of German Leopard 2 series tanks left. It is expected that 250 M1A2 SepV3 tanks ordered from the USA will arrive as soon as possible. Meanwhile, used British-made Challenger tanks are about to be included in the inventory. In addition, depending on whether one of the German Leopard 2 or South Korean K2 tanks wins the tender, the new tank procurement process will begin. In addition, the production of armored vehicles in the country was emphasized.

Can Cooperation be Considered Between Turkey and Poland in the Field of Tanks and Armored Vehicles?

As can be seen, even when we look at the Main Battle Tank (AMT) specifically, the developments in Poland are quite dizzying. However, when we raise our intellectual altitude and look at the developments in the world in the field of defense, we see this. In the classical sense, AMTs are the platforms whose future is most questioned on the battlefield these days and most tested with counter systems. The battlefields of Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Syria are the hottest examples in this regard. Despite this, Poland, which prioritizes the need for the AMT platform, saw it necessary to increase its efforts and searches in this area.

The definition, development, past and present of AMT will not be discussed in this article. Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Russia, Syria etc. Current experiences will not be mentioned. The modern threats against AMTs and the countermeasures taken by tanks against these threats will not be mentioned. Regarding these issues, one of the authors of STRASAM, Dr. Articles written by Mehmet Çanlı can be viewed.

As it is known, many countries are working on very different alternative approaches and projects for the future of tanks. The expected change and transformation in the use of tanks in the battlefields of the near future will be shaped in line with these projects. Meanwhile, from a variety of new light and medium-weight tanks to new armored combat vehicles that have changed and become heavier; From wheeled tank destroyer classes to loading firepower into the chassis of unarmored Toyota jeeps, various solutions are sought.

In this context, Poland's PT-01 tank concept study is an example of such searches. Considering the projects and future studies carried out by Poland and Turkey within the framework of tanks and armored vehicles, I consider that establishing close cooperation between the two countries in this special field will be in the interest and benefit of both sides.

Turkey-Poland Armored Platform Development Project:

Let's assume that we have prepared a lighter but adequately protected armored vehicle family instead of heavy tanks and armored vehicles. In this context, let's assume that we have adopted a course of action that counteracts the enemy's classical AMT force with ATGM (Anti Tank Guided Missiles) instead of AMT. In a way, we get rid of the "cannon (130 mm., 140 mm. and even 155 mm.)" solutions used against armor in the classical AMT approach.

However, the need for an effective cannon system against all other targets has not disappeared yet. Because the most affordable and sustainable heavy fire support vehicle is still the gun. The 57, 75, 88 mm. Considering balls of similar diameter, let's consider using a 60 mm ball system for our solution set. This cannon should be high pressure, horizontal trajectory and rifled set. Thus, it can perform accurate and calculated shooting missions even further away. Have a classic brass cased bullet. Let there be a loading system with options that can be fed with more than one or even two different types of ammunition. Let's leave the responsibility for developing such a weapon system to Poland.

Tower System:

Let's reinforce this cannon with a fully automatic and unmanned turret system. Turkey is ahead of Poland in this field. Let's set up the system with both structural and modern fire control computers. Just like in modern tanks, there is a completely separate night vision optical system for the commander, etc. Cost-increasing issues should not be included in this project. Instead, it should have a structure that can do its job with the mirror system and all the elements that will be exposed to fire can be easily changed thanks to the automatic system in the tower. It can also counter the enemy's classic AMT power with weapons like OMTAS and UMTAS. But here, let's add a feature to the fire control system: It is based on an attack with a dual ammunition salvo, which will have a terminal effect before and simultaneously with a possible ATGM attack, by using chubby type 60 mm guns, instead of using armor-piercing shells, against tanks with an active protection system. act according to a concept.

Armored Combat Vehicle (ZMA):

There should also be an ZMA (Armored Combat Vehicle) platform to accompany this vehicle, which will replace the AMT. Let this vehicle have the same modular tower structure. But let this system have today's popular 25mm guns. Let it be supported by a hybrid launcher that will replace the ATGM mount, carrying 70 mm unguided rockets and Cirit Laser guided rockets. Thus, it can provide the most intense and appropriate fire support service to the infantry in contact with the enemy elements. Let's establish this light and agile strike force, which is considered instead of the AMT and ZMA duo, with the dynamic numerical balance we want according to the demands of the battlefield. In other words, there will be certain numbers of certain types of vehicles in each union, not a similar structure, but flexibility should be taken as a basis.

Also, the personnel and organization of this system differ. As you know, in the classic NATO standard AMTs, there are four personnel: the tank commander, the gunner, the driver and the loader. Instead of the loader, some countries are introducing automation systems and prefer to limit the total personnel requirement to 3 numbers for each AMT. These vehicles should not have similar titles. Operator 1, 2, 3 etc. Let there be trained personnel, each of whom is qualified and capable of doing the job of the other. The command of the unit should be carried out by a specially equipped ZPT (Armored Personnel Carrier) that can command and control both these vehicles and other artificial intelligence supported unmanned vehicles from just behind the battle line. This command and control tool should be as redundant as possible.

Each vehicle should have mounts on the appropriate exterior to which you can attach custom-made weapon launchers. Both Turkey and Poland have maturing products in this regard. Both countries should have the flexibility to use their own product. In this way, our new type of armored formation, the enemy 10-12 km. have the opportunity to detect, diagnose and influence from afar. If the command vehicle wishes, it can organize all these circulating ammunition fired from different vehicles in a way to perform a swarm attack.

Integration of Other Systems and Tools:

Of course, all vehicles that will take on the role of AMT, ZMA and ZPT share the same modular platform foundation. Let the command, engineering and other types of special vehicle families be integrated into this structure. I don't mind that it has a wheeled structure at the first stage. For example, the PARS family, produced by Turkey's FNSS company, can be seen as a very suitable solution with 4X4, 6X6 and 8X8 alternatives. The Polish production KTO Rosomak 8X8 vehicle can also be revised in accordance with this structure. But in terms of family wealth and customization possibilities, PARS is clearly ahead. In addition, FNSS already has a number of modern armored vehicle systems that can adjust this system to a tracked structure. In fact, Otokar has similar possibilities and capabilities. BMC etc. other Turkish companies are also carrying out studies to close the gap in this field.

Well, what kind of business system and benefit can be offered with this type of project. For example, suppose there will be two "Armored Cavalry" battalions, one in Poland and the other in Turkey. battalion in Poland; Let him focus on symmetrical battles, fighting on open terrain, facing the enemy, and engaging in a dynamic war with hit-and-run tactics. In the same framework, it can also support residential area battles. In short, it should be in a structure with high maneuverability. It should have a structure focused on being used in the field and in the city, against larger and more cumbersome units.

The armored cavalry battalion in Turkey, on the other hand, should be designed in a structure that can quickly take positions, surround the rear of the front, organize surprise attacks, and be used both in the field and in residential areas against asymmetrical weighted forces and terrorist threats. It can also be used on the battlefields of Syria and Iraq when necessary.

Finally, the different usage experiences of Poland and Turkey in different battlefields should be combined in a common database.

Market Sharing Model:

Both countries should have a second battalion to contribute to the NATO rapid response force. At this stage, the System Integration of Unmanned Ground Vehicles of other NATO countries, especially Turkey, Poland, Lithuania and Germany, should be considered more seriously. Thus, within the framework of a new generation armored operation concept that will spread and strengthen throughout Europe, its military and political sphere of influence will be expanded. At the same time, interoperability and interdependence between these countries will be increased. However, the intellectual property rights within the scope of this project, which we assume and accept that Poland and Turkey will jointly implement, should be the common property and right of both countries.

I consider that there may be a very serious foreign market opportunity in a study to be started in this context. The two countries can make joint production and focus on selling products that can appeal to different foreign markets. For example, Poland; it can focus on all of Europe and North America, and Turkey can focus on the Asia-Pacific, Africa and Middle East regions. For example, co-production with a third regional country in South America can be considered.

In the following stages, the number of new armored cavalry battalions and the scope of their mission can be expanded. Additional weapons and platforms can be articulated. Weapon systems of requesting third countries can also be included in the project.

Digital Unity Concept:

Within the scope of this project, a structure similar to the "HAVELSAN Digital Unity Concept" can be taken as a basis. For this purpose, the concept in question can be developed to create the most ideal solution for the joint operation of manned and unmanned vehicles. It should also be considered that this concept is sufficient on its own, with an open architecture and network-centered structure. The solution to be created could bring a second Genesis Advent success story to the agenda.

In addition, the following important issue from a military point of view should not be neglected. All ground troops should have means of indirect fire as well as means of direct fire. For example, a fully automated 81 and 120 mm armored mortar platform can be considered. In addition, we can consider mini UAV swarms with the multi-launcher system, or ammunition such as the Lentatek Pike, or the Spike NLOS equivalent systems in this context. For this purpose, first of all, we have M113 etc. Making platforms unmanned can stand out as a project. Many countries have old generation ZPTs like M113 in their inventory. These can be replaced by Rheinmetall Mission Master derivative systems, which are designed completely for the purpose. But I think it would be more accurate to give priority to unmanned vehicles.

Conclusion and Evaluation:

In my opinion, such “advocacy programs that prioritize political benefit” can offer significant potential. I have shared my works similar to these ideas in a narrow framework in my previous articles. In this article, within this framework, cooperation with Poland can be done, "in which field a joint project with this country can serve the interests and expectations of both countries?" I focused on the question. I wanted to bring my suggestion for a narrow area (armored unit operation) to your attention.

I intend to cover my work on Air Defense Systems in a separate article, as another area where we can cooperate with Poland.

Here, I would like to emphasize the importance of timing and space. Poland stands out as a place. Timing is what we all know. “Iron is forged in temper.” In the meantime, let's keep this in mind. In the field of armored operating platforms, Poland will soon reach saturation. Currently, I consider that a cooperation can be established with this country in this sense. I think that a cooperation between Turkey and Poland in the medium and long term may be more difficult and even unnecessary than today.

In the near term, I find it beneficial to start the right cooperation with Poland without delay. “The market of Bor has passed, the riding donkey to Niğde.” I just want to hope that we won't be too late on this. Let's not forget that the defense industry can become a permanent national power element only by being fed with foreign sales, sustainable industrial products and the right cooperation.

It is necessary to expand and spread the successes achieved within the framework of domestic defense projects. For this, the use of the right marketing language and appropriate approaches are needed. This requires a goal-oriented effort and intellectual effort. I hope that this work will be a drop of 'sweat of mind' dedicated to this purpose and intellectual effort.