The Turkish authorities announced that the attackers, a man and a woman, had been neutralized, while Turkish Interior Minister Ali Berli Kaya said that preliminary evidence indicated that the Kurdistan Workers’ Party was behind the terrorist attack in Ankara.
Ankara did not reveal the motives behind the attack, but targeting the Aerospace Industries Company carries many implications, as it is one of the 100 largest arms manufacturing companies in the world.
The attack also occurred simultaneously with Istanbul hosting the Defense and Space Industries Exhibition, which is considered one of the most important defense exhibitions in the region.
The Turkish Aerospace Industries Company “Tusas” is one of the most prominent defense and aviation companies in the country, as it produces “KAAN”, which is the first locally manufactured combat aircraft, according to what was reported by the company’s official website.
The Turkish Aerospace Company (TAI) was established under the supervision of the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology on June 28, 1973, with the aim of reducing Türkiye’s dependence on foreign countries for armaments.
As Turkey moved towards using F-16 aircraft to meet the needs of the Turkish Air Force, TAI established TUSAS in 1984 as a joint project between Turkey and the United States for 25 years with the aim of manufacturing F-16 aircraft and integrating technological systems into these aircraft. Fighters and flight tests.
Before the end of the project period, TAI was restructured through the acquisition of foreign shares of the company by Turkish shareholders in 2005.
Accordingly, “TAI” and “TUSAS” were merged under “Turkish Aerospace Inc” with the aim of expanding its activities, and it became a center for developing, modernizing, manufacturing and integrating systems and supporting the life cycle of aviation and space industry systems.
The company made headlines last February after the success of the first test flight of its locally-made TF-X KAAN fighter and its ability to take off and land at an air base north of Ankara, 8 years after the start of its project to produce the fifth generation fighter.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan named the fighter “Kaan,” which means “The Greatest King,” and it operates with two F-110 engines manufactured by General Electric, which is the same engine used in the F-16 fighters.
The complete model of the aircraft was displayed for the first time at the Paris Air Show in June 2019.
According to the Air Force Technology website, the fifth generation of this fighter has superior stealth and attack capabilities and will replace the current fleet of F-16 fighter aircraft in service with the Turkish Air Force.
In addition to its stealth fighter, TUSAŞ manufactures the advanced jet trainer “HÜRJET”, a single-engine, two-seat aircraft with modern flight technology and high-performance features, which plays a crucial role in training novice pilots through superior performance characteristics.
The company produces other models designated for training purposes, and it also partners with other companies active in the field to develop and modernize the Turkish Air Force fleet, especially the American F-16 fighters.
The Turkish company also designed a heavy attack helicopter by combining characteristics of the T129 ATAK and T625 helicopters. The helicopter uses subsystems such as transmission, rotor systems and landing gear that were developed within the framework of the T625 Utility Helicopter project, in addition to the technological knowledge, operational experience and achievements gained through the T129 ATAK project. .
The Turkish company also designed the T625 GÖKBEY helicopter to carry out a variety of missions, including VIP transport, cargo transport, air ambulance services, search and rescue operations, and maritime transport missions.
The T625 GÖKBEY, the first multi-purpose helicopter developed and manufactured with local capabilities, successfully completed its test flight on September 6, 2018.
The company is currently making the necessary modifications to obtain certification for the helicopter from the European Aviation Safety Agency and the General Directorate of Civil Aviation.
As for the space industries, the Turkish company launched the “GÖKTÜRK” satellite, which has a high-resolution optical camera and was successfully launched from French Guiana in December 2016.
Turkish Aerospace was directly involved in the project in many aspects of the work and development activities, and also manufactured the flight panels fitted to the mission module structure of the satellite at its own facilities.
The “GÖKTÜRK-1” satellite system allows taking high-resolution images from any area of the Earth without geographical restrictions, for both military and civilian uses.
Source: RT + media
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Interview with Dr. Selin Ozdemir, Defense Analyst
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ozdemir. With the recent terrorist attack in Ankara targeting the Turkish Aerospace Industries Company, could you provide us with some insight into the potential implications of this incident?
Dr. Ozdemir: Thank you for having me. This attack is indeed quite significant. The Turkish Aerospace Industries Company, known as TUSAS, plays a critical role in the national defense strategy of Turkey. It not only develops key defense technologies like the KAAN fighter but also aims to reduce Dependence on foreign military supplies. An attack of this nature disrupts not only production but could have broader implications for national security.
Interviewer: The preliminary evidence suggests that the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) might be behind this attack. How does their involvement affect the political landscape regarding Turkey’s defense strategies?
Dr. Ozdemir: The PKK has long been viewed as a major threat to Turkish state security. Their involvement in this attack highlights the ongoing tensions in the region. It puts additional pressure on the Turkish government to enhance security measures, not just for defense contractors, but across all sectors. It also plays into a narrative of escalating violence that can influence domestic and international perceptions of Turkey’s stability.
Interviewer: This attack coincides with the Defense and Space Industries Exhibition in Istanbul. Do you think there’s a connection?
Dr. Ozdemir: Absolutely. The timing is undeniably provocative. The exhibition is a showcase for defense technology and Turkey’s capabilities in this sector. An attack during such a significant event sends a strong message, possibly intended to undermine confidence in Turkish defense initiatives both domestically and internationally.
Interviewer: What does this mean for the future of Turkish defense projects, particularly in light of TUSAS’s achievements like the KAAN fighter?
Dr. Ozdemir: The success of projects like the KAAN is crucial for Turkey’s ambitions to be self-sufficient in defense technology. However, incidents like this can cause delays and increased security costs. The Turkish government might have to bolster security around TUSAS and similar institutions, which could divert resources and attention from development goals. Yet, these challenges could also foster a renewed determination to advance indigenous capabilities.
Interviewer: In your opinion, what steps should Turkish authorities take following this attack?
Dr. Ozdemir: First and foremost, they need to ensure the safety of personnel at defense contractors and boost security infrastructure. Additionally, it’s vital for the government to engage in dialogue with communities to mitigate the risks of extremist ideologies fostering further violence. Perhaps most importantly, reaffirming the commitment to advance indigenous defense technologies is essential. This can demonstrate resilience and determination in the face of threats.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Ozdemir, for your valuable insights on this pressing issue.
Dr. Ozdemir: My pleasure. Thank you for having me.
SAS’s advancements in aerospace technology?
Dr. Ozdemir: This attack, while certainly alarming, may also serve to galvanize efforts within Turkey to accelerate its defense projects. There’s a strong resolve to prove that Turkish defense capabilities can withstand such threats. The successful test flights of the KAAN fighter and other projects demonstrate that Turkey aims to assert its independence in defense production. However, we may see increased security protocols and a reassessment of infrastructure to protect vital assets.
Interviewer: In light of this incident, how do you anticipate international partners might react to Turkey’s defense initiatives?
Dr. Ozdemir: International partners are likely to watch closely. While some may express concern over Turkey’s internal security situation, others may recognize the resilience and technological advancements being made. It could lead to an increased interest in collaborating with Turkey on defense projects that emphasize security against such threats. However, it may also complicate Turkey’s existing relations, especially with countries wary of PKK influences.
Interviewer: what are some key takeaways for the Turkish public following this attack?
Dr. Ozdemir: The Turkish public should remain vigilant yet resilient. It’s important to understand that while this attack targets a critical component of Turkey’s national security strategy, it also reflects the ongoing security challenges the nation faces. Awareness and support for domestic defense initiatives can bolster morale and emphasize the importance of national security. Ultimately, the government and defense sectors will need to communicate effectively to maintain public confidence during these turbulent times.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Ozdemir, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue.
Dr. Ozdemir: Thank you for having me; it’s vital we discuss these developments openly.
