Multiple agreements inked at Istanbul defense fair

By Gokhan Ergocun

ISTANBUL (AA) - Several defense agreements were signed on Wednesday at an international fair in Istanbul.

The 14th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF'19) saw the participation of Turkey's flag carrier Turkish Airlines and defense giant Aselsan among others.

An agreement on laser-based air defense systems was signed by Aselsan, missile producer Roketsan, tech firm Ermaksan, Tubitak, and Gebze Technical University.

Also, an agreement for the mass production of Turkey's main battle tank Altay -- which will be produced by automotive company BMC -- was signed at the fair.

Ismail Demir, the head of Defense Industries Presidency (SSB), said the Altay project is a joint effort with several other corporations.

SSB also signed a protocol with Turkish Airlines for logistic cooperation and an agreement with Aselsan for low-altitude radar systems.