FEATURE - Türkiye localizes aircraft hydraulic systems for national aviation programs

By Goksel Yildirim and Seyit Kurt

ANKARA/ISTANBUL (AA) - Hydraulic systems, described as the “heart and circulatory system” of aircraft, are being localized for Türkiye’s national aviation platforms as part of the country’s efforts to reduce foreign dependency in defense and aerospace.

Hydraulic systems are vital for controlling aircraft, enabling pilots to precisely move heavy components such as landing gear and control surfaces with minimal cockpit input.

These systems consist of pumps, reservoirs, actuators, and manifolds, which function much like the human body: pumps pressurize hydraulic fluid like a heart pumping blood, pipelines distribute it throughout the aircraft, and actuators generate motion similar to muscles.

Türkiye has recently accelerated localization and nationalization policies in aviation and defense, achieving concrete gains in platform development, subsystems, engine technologies, and maintenance capabilities.

Within this framework, Türkiye's IDAK AeroSystems company develops hydraulic pumps, reservoirs, valves, accumulators, manifolds, and actuation systems in line with international aviation standards, tailored to the needs of aircraft, helicopter, and engine manufacturers.

Localization strengthens resistance against embargoes and export restrictions, builds domestic design, testing, and certification capabilities, supports high value-added production and exports, and enables small and medium-sized enterprises to integrate into major supply chains.

- 'No room for chance or inexperience'

Speaking to Anadolu, IDAK AeroSystems General Manager Ali Emre Akgunes said the company supports Türkiye’s local and national aviation initiative by focusing primarily on domestic projects.

“As original platforms are developed in Türkiye, the need for local aviation subsystems grows. We design and manufacture ATA 29 Hydraulic Power Packages, including pumps, reservoirs, actuators, and manifolds, to meet this demand,” he said.

Akgunes emphasized that aviation hydraulic systems require advanced engineering and strict qualification processes, adding that “there is no room for chance or inexperienced teams in aviation.”

- From localization to exports

Akgunes said products developed for national platforms fully comply with international standards, allowing the company to target not only domestic needs but also global markets.

IDAK AeroSystems has contributed to localization efforts in projects such as KAAN, HURJET, HURKUS, and domestic aircraft engine programs, while also expanding exports.

The company plans to establish an IDAK Hydraulic Center of Excellence to bring production, assembly, and testing activities under one roof, and will soon launch IDAK Italia to strengthen its presence in Europe.

"Since last year, this approach has begun to yield results," Akgunes said. "Our projects, which started with a jet trainer aircraft and later expanded to fighter aircraft and a turboprop trainer, were crowned with export contracts signed in 2025."

“Our journey, which began with equipment supply, has evolved into complete system supply,” he added.