SAHA Istanbul EXPO-2024 Impressions

Established with the mission of improving the technological and sectoral competencies of its members and creating a strong ecosystem by supporting cooperation among its members in order to increase the localisation rate of the Turkish defence, aerospace and space sector, to provide it with critical technologies that it does not yet have, and to move it to higher levels in international competition, SAHA Istanbul is the largest industrial cluster in Turkey and Europe. It contributes to the technology development capacity of our country with 1200+ companies from 45 cities, including prime contractors such as ASELSAN, TAI, Roketsan, STM, ASFAT, Military Shipyards and Baykar. Increasing university-industry cooperation is supported with the contributions of 29 universities, including ITU, YTÜ, Sabancı University, and all institutes, and TÜBİTAK (1).

I will try to express my impressions of the SAHA EXPO International Defence, Aerospace and Space Fair, which was held for the second time between 22-26 October 2024 this year, under two main headings as an ex-soldier who has dealt with these issues in the past and as an academician who is still working on these issues. First of all, after making a general evaluation of the fair, the prominent topics and products at the fair will be mentioned. Naturally, it is not possible to fit all the stands and products in the fair here. For this reason, I would like to apologise in advance for the subjects we have not mentioned. According to the information received from the authorities, the numerical values related to the fair are as follows (2).

Since the second day of the exhibition, the sadness of the TAI attack has fallen on both exhibitors and visitors. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Allah's mercy to the martyrs of TAI who lost their lives in the attack, and a speedy recovery to the wounded. This attack shows us that the Turkish Defence Industry is on the right track. It is envisaged that the necessary measures should be taken holistically to prevent such incidents in the future.

SAHA EXPO and IDEF

In recent years, the Turkish Defence Industry has been making its debut in domestic and foreign markets with two major exhibition organisations. These are SAHA EXPO and IDEF. IDEF is organised by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation (TAFF). Previously, my impression was that IDEF would be the main exhibition. However, when we look at the stage SAHA EXPO has reached, it can be stated that both fills the temporal gap of each other. This is because both exhibitions are held every two years in odd and even years.

When we look at the turnover rate of technological developments today, it is important for the Turkish Defence Industry products to be showcased every year in terms of the development of the market. However, the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Defence have important duties here. It is important that all flagship companies in the defence industry participate in both fairs. Perhaps even the relevant unit of the Presidency can be involved here. Because both fairs are held under the auspices of the Presidency. Just as our defence industry is considered a national cause at this stage, participation in these fairs should be evaluated on the same basis.

Perhaps the third of these fairs, which are held every year, could be added in Izmir during the annual EFES exercises. The size of this fair could be kept a little more limited, and it could be organised only as an exhibition of the war weapon vehicles and systems participating in the exercises. Some of these systems are exhibited in the EFES exercise area. However, the number of weapons and systems exhibited here is much smaller. This is because both the systems participating in the exhibition and the number of visitors are limited. Considering the timing of the EFES Exercise and the fact that Izmir is a tourism destination, there will be more foreign participation in this exhibition. In this context, ship visits can also be made in ports. In Izmir, such a fair could be organised by the Aegean Defence Industry and Aviation Cluster Association (ESAS) and EBSO Defence Board as a stakeholder of SAHA Istanbul and TAFF.

Cooperation, Partnerships and Resources in the Defence Industry

Various panels were also organised within the scope of the exhibition. In fact, these panels are important in terms of the contribution of universities to the defence industry. In one of the panels attended, Prof. Dr. İlker Ar, General Director of Industry at the Ministry of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Turkey, took part as a speaker. In his speech, Prof. Dr. Ar drew attention to the cooperation between universities, industry and the sector, and made extensive and satisfying explanations on the subject. During the question and answer period, it was explained by me with examples that the issue of partnership is also very important along with cooperation. At the exhibition, it was stated that there were similarities especially in the land vehicles segment, that the vehicle platforms of similar systems of the foundation companies were different, and that even in UAVs and UCAVs, where Turkey is currently in the leading position in the world, systems that can perform the same missions are produced by different companies, and that there is competition at some point. However, we need to compete with the world, not within ourselves. In addition, in these days when the resource problem in the defence industry is on the agenda, it is foreseen that the issue of partnership in certain systems is important. It can be said that the SSB has the biggest task in this regard. This is because one of the most important methods of moving forward faster and using fewer resources, especially in areas requiring high technology, is ‘capability-based’ and ‘sharing of technical information packages’ partnerships.

In addition to the issue of partnerships, it has also been determined that no system related to the "Foreign Military Sales System ’, which would enable defence industry companies to access new markets, has yet been used. Companies naturally act independently in this regard (See, AKYAR M.S, Holistic Situational Awareness in the Defence Industry; Turkish Foreign Military Sales System, https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/2946573). However, it is important for the Turkish Defence Industry to take action on this issue as soon as possible.

Noteworthy Projects

BAYKAR, as the host company of the fair, was present at the fair with all its products. BAYKAR products and systems were probably the most visited stands by both local and foreign visitors. I had the opportunity to examine Bayraktar TB2-3, Akıncı and Kızılelma in detail at various events. However, I had the opportunity to closely examine Kemankeş-2 for the first time. It really stands out as a very valuable weapon system when cost-effectiveness and even production speed are taken into consideration. Considering the missile and kamikaze drone attacks between Israel-Iran, Israel-Hezbollah, it can be said that it will be an important multiplier in combat and cross-border operations. No one desires it, but it is seen as a system that will come to the fore in the conflicts that may occur in the coming period.

FLOKSER Kimya, which is actually an industrial chemical company, has developed a product that can be considered innovative in the field of security. The product, which has the appearance of a paint, can provide protection even against RPG ammunition with destruction and fire heads when applied to structures such as containers, security huts, guard posts and positions when applied as a spray with a thickness of 6-10 mm. In addition to increasing the protection coefficient of vehicles, the product in question increases the ‘Survival’ capability incredibly, especially for temporary and semi-temporary base areas and positions. Information about the product was given by Em.Korg. Mehmet Daysal, who is also the general manager of the company. Ekin Tükek and Zeynep Tükek, the young and dynamic managers of the company, shared the information that they will increase their foreign co-operation in the coming period, especially in Azerbaijan, with the meetings they held at the fair. I would like to thank the company executives for their close interest.

Another area where the Turkish Defence Industry has gained global recognition in recent years is land vehicles in the 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 segments. NUROL Makina, FNSS, OTOKAR, BMC and Katmerciler dominate this market with the vehicles they produce. These companies are so ambitious in this field that they even prepare the doctrine and concept of the use of the vehicle they produce with the military personnel they employ.

The YORUK vehicle produced by NUROL Makina can be given as an example. The Yörük 4x4 (NMS L) vehicle provides the resupply of units such as detached units, outposts, that is, units that are far away from the supply point, maintenance place or distribution point, while ensuring the safety and ‘Survival’ of the personnel on this mission. In addition, since the rear of this vehicle is open like pick-up vehicles and has armour protection, it is envisaged that platforms such as mortars, Mt., Air Defence, TAS weapons can be mounted on it. Therefore, when the vehicle is considered with these aspects, it can be characterised not only as a ‘Logistic’ vehicle, but also as a ‘Multirole’ vehicle. In addition, it has been learnt that the personnel carrier vehicle of the Yörük vehicle with an extended chassis (NMS 4x4 EWB) has been sold to the Estonian Armed Forces, and that domestic and international sales negotiations for the logistics vehicle are ongoing. It was also stated that a very important NATO country will soon join the foreign sales and operations of FNSS, the sister company of the company.

Miilux Oy, an OYAK company based in Manisa, which is also my hometown, meets all the armour requirements of the Turkish defence industry. It has been learnt that the company, which is an OYAK company, will now produce the ‘resistant hull’ special steel of the submarine in the National Submarine (MİLDEN) project in its facilities in Manisa. This technological move is very important for the Blue Homeland. It is also a source of pride for me that MİLDEN steel will be produced in Manisa.

As a former tanker and project manager, one of the issues I was most curious about was the status of the Altay tank. The Altay tank was not present at the exhibition, but its engine, the Batu, was. However, I could not get a clear answer from those concerned about the tank, the Korean engine and Batu. If they are doing this within the scope of secrecy, they are doing very well! But the impression was as if there were some problem areas. I hope there are not. Therefore, perhaps the relevant company or the SSB will make a statement in the coming days, and we will have detailed information about the ALTAY project.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable companies of the exhibition was ARCA DEFENSE, based in Çorum/Sungurlu. Although the company was established only four or five years ago, it manufactures mortar and artillery ammunition in various diameters, ranging from 60 mm to 155 mm artillery shells and 122 mm rockets. During the exhibition, it was shared with the press that it made the biggest sales agreement alone. Considering the other ammunition companies that have opened an artillery ammunition metal parts production line in the USA and supply the majority of the US Army's artillery ammunition, the Turkish Defence Industry sector is likely to start dominating a new field in the world.

After seeing the Kargu kamikaze UAV of STM, it is worth mentioning that the job of the personnel of armoured and wheeled vehicles, especially tanks, is very difficult in the battlefield. Frankly speaking, I put myself in the shoes of a tank commander and asked myself how I could survive such a threat, but I could not find a definite answer. In fact, it is envisaged that the Ministry of National Defence/Gen.Kur.Bşk. can take measures in this regard by organising workshops in class schools, including retired personnel, on how developments in technology and new systems used in the battlefield affect Doctrine, Training, Leading Personnel Training, Equipment and existing equipment and systems. For example, it can be said that instead of the AKKOR system in tanks, there is a need for systems that can protect the tank 180° against all kinds of threats. Because drones, especially kamikaze drones, have been and will continue to be a great danger to the tank on the battlefield.

HAVELSAN, one of the favourite companies of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation (TAFF), introduced the artificial intelligence-based, virtual reality-supported ‘soldier of the future-future soldier’ project at the exhibition. The system, which provides data transfer with a UBV with a diameter of approximately one kilometre, allows the soldier who enters the cave to follow the drone image and all the information of the soldier with both virtual and real vision. The system was explained in detail by the Project Manager and provided the opportunity for a mini exercise. I would also like to thank Vural Erol and Ümit Rıfat Erdem, International Business Development Managers, for their close interest.

The most interesting stands of the exhibition, especially by non-professional visitors, were those of small arms companies. This is because they have provided visitors with the pleasure of shooting as if they were in a shooting range or firing range with their realistic simulator systems. Therefore, they also attracted all the attention

TÜBİTAK continues to support the defence industry, especially with its R&D projects. A general information exchange was held with Sadullah UZUN about the projects in the press.

In addition to the classical defence industry and its products, the presence of companies requiring high technology was also a source of pride. One of these companies is Nonografi. The company, which specialises in coating particles and materials, especially in the field of aviation, has attracted attention with its many different and numerous products.

Teknofest and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)

Obviously, since I participated in the fair from a TRNC university (Girne American University), everyone I dealt with showed great interest in me. Another question asked was about the TRNC Teknofest and how the interest would be. To the best of my ability, I tried to explain that the interest in Teknofest will be high, the TRNC people will show interest, university students and foreigners living in the TRNC may be one of the Teknofests with the highest participation in terms of foreign participation. In this context, it is also predicted that the TRNC will also attract the attention of Turkish citizens living in Turkey and other countries as it is one of the favourite holiday destinations.

It is also certain that Teknofest will make a great contribution to the recognition of the TRNC. TRNC President Mr. Despite the statements made by Mr Ersin Tatar, President of the TRNC, and Mr Selçuk Bayraktar at the Adana Teknofest, there is currently no definite date shared with the public. However, it is important that the TRNC relevant authorities start the necessary preparations in coordination with the T3 Foundation and determine the date. In addition, since we are the only university participating in the Azerbaijan Teknofest from TRNC, I would like to take this opportunity to state that we are ready to make the necessary contribution as Girne American University.

Conclusion ;

Ensuring the participation of all important flagship companies and organisations in fairs such as SAHA EXPO and IDEF, which are the trunk shows of the Turkish Defence Industry, and organising a separate fair outside the exercise area during the EFES Exercise in Izmir,

Cooperation as well as partnerships are important for effective resource and project management in the defence industry, so that companies can focus their efforts on external competition rather than internal competition,

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,

In order to save resources, logistic support, training and manpower in the TAF, it is envisaged to prevent duplication in projects and to ensure platform simplicity, and for projects to be carried out outside the private sector, it is envisaged that the projects will be created by taking into account the operational needs of the TAF.

The Turkish Defence Industry has reached a position where it can compete with the world in the production of ammunition and submarine steel production in addition to UAV/SUAV, land vehicles technology,

Kamikaze drones and similar weapon systems have become a serious threat to land vehicles in the battlefield, there is a need to develop projects that can counter these systems, the knowledge and experience of retired personnel can be utilised for the development of such countermeasures, and important contributions can be made especially in the creation of doctrine and usage concepts of weapon systems that have recently entered the inventory,

Developments regarding the ALTAY tank are eagerly awaited,

Ömer Sürmen, Assistant Secretary General of SAHA Istanbul, who I consider to be the SHERPA of SAHA EXPO, should be congratulated for his perfect organisation. We congratulate him.

See you at the next IDEF and SAHA EXPOs, and at the TRNC Teknofest.

Footnotes

(1) SAHA Istanbul, https://www.sahaistanbul.org.tr/kurumsal/biz-kimiz, Accessed 28 October 2024

(2) Obtained from SAHA Istanbul secretariat.