By Gokhan Ergocun
ADANA, Türkiye (AA) - Turkish defense firms are showcasing their cutting-edge products at Türkiye's premier technology and aviation gathering.
TEKNOFEST, organized this year in the southern city of Adana, gives visitors a chance to see missiles, aircraft, arms and military equipment.
Schools and competition teams also get a chance to introduce their ideas or prototypes to visitors, including experts, as state-run and private defense firms showcase their latest products, systems and software.
- Aircraft deliveries
Mehmet Demiroglu, the head of Turkish Aerospace Inc (TAI), said his company exhibits manned and unmanned aircraft.
He said the test process for Gokbey, a multipurpose helicopter, is continuing and the aircraft may be delivered to the Turkish army in October.
Türkiye's first delta-shaped unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), ANKA III, which made its debut Thursday at TEKNOFEST, is in a test period.
TAI will complete its first developing phase of ANKA III at the end of 2024 and deliver a prototype to the army, he said.
Touching on TAI's light combat aircraft, Hurjet, he said the firm is debating exporting it to some countries, such as Egypt and Spain.
Demiroglu noted the national combat jet, Kaan, and said there will be an intensive test process for the aircraft that will be delivered in 2028.
- Turbofan engine
Mahmut Aksit, head of TAI Engine Inc (TEI), said his firm introduced for the first time the indigenous turbofan engine TF6000 at TEKNOFEST.
Among the engines on display at TEI's booth, the first indigenous helicopter engine T700-TEI-701D, first indigenous turbodiesel aviation engine TEI-PD170, first indigenous helicopter engine TEI-TS1400 and Türkiye's most powerful indigenous aviation engine TEI-TF10000 are also available to visitors.
The booth also displays TEI-produced parts of the leap engine that powers Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft.
- Aircraft makes debut
Turkish UAV producer, Baykar, is exhibiting many aircraft, including Bayraktar Kizilelma, Bayraktar Akinci, Bayraktar TB2, Bayraktar TB3.
Some of the vehicles also made flights at TEKNOFEST, and Bayraktar TB3 made its debut.
Bayraktar Kalkan, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAV, is also on display at Baykar's booth. The indigenous aircraft can successfully perform day and night reconnaissance, surveillance and target detection missions.
- 5G solutions
Türkiye-based communications firm Ulak exhibits its 5G solutions and defense systems at the event, general manager Rusen Komurcu, told Anadolu.
A communication pod named Uygar, which provides wireless communications from an altitude of 20,000 feet for a 2.5-square-kilometer area for 20 hours, and software-based safe network product Sd-Wan and the firm's 5G systems were introduced, he said.
“Receiving the first signal from the 5G private network system was very valuable for us. It was a test at the milestone point of the products we have developed in terms of domestic and national communication until today," he noted.
- Radar vehicle ALP 100-G
Türkiye's major defense firm, Aselsan, is showcasing indigenous defense products in Adana.
The Aselsan-designed low-altitude radar vehicle ALP 100-G, which will add power to Türkiye's “eyes in the air,” is among the products exhibited.
The radar vehicle, which can detect and track fighter jets, helicopters, UAVs and cruise missiles, offers high freedom of movement thanks to its 8 x 8 tactical wheeled vehicle.
Another defense firm, STM, introduced defense product models, especially submarines and ships.
General manager Ozgur Guleryuz said among the models are Türkiye's first indigenous frigate TCG Istanbul and the tactical mini UAV product family.
Visitors can participate at the event which started Wednesday and will end Sunday.
Anadolu has been the global communication partner of TEKNOFEST since it began in 2018.