Defence Turkey - First of all could you please provide us with information on the projects carried out by UK companies? What is your assessment on the co-operation that takes place within the coverage of these projects?

Our Undersecretariat’s co-operation with the UK commenced with the signing of the HF-SSB Wireless Project in 1990. The Project was successfully completed. At the present time the basis for concrete co-operation between UK firms and our firms is the TSK X-Band Satellite Communications Systems (X-Band), the A-400M Aircraft Project, the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Project, Mine Hunting Vessels and the Link-16 System Integration Opportunity projects. In particular in the X-Band Project, ASELSAN’s role in gaining satellite ability is important. Considering the capabilities and synergy created with these projects, we hope to further our co-operation with UK firms in the period ahead.

Defence Turkey - In the last few years the Turkish global defence industry companies have rapidly advanced and created technology that have now become a part of a team. In this context in which areas an intense co-operation with the UK defence industry can provide a benefit for both sides? What are your views and recommendations on this subject?

We have seen that UK firms are at the forefront, in particular with C4ISR systems, consulting, air defence and aeronautics. In this respect when the significant abilities of our companies are kept in mind, I believe that a very good basis for co-operation can take place in the future. At present certain companies of ours are undertaking joint work with UK companies and we are receiving the fruits of these activities. As NATO allies, if we bear in mind hat there are similar needs that are medium-term for the two countries, aeronautics, air defence, sea acoustics, radar/sonar technologies, submarine/coastal surveillance, rocket and missile systems and including UAVs, in every area of the defence industry, it appears possible, in fact, to accomplish lasting co-operation projects in the security area.

Defence Turkey - In which direction are the strategies and plans in terms of strengthening defence industry co-operation between the two countries?

The existing UK industry is more focused on the United States. As far as we can see in the “ultra-coach” co-operation, expanding co-operation in industry between the two countries will be possible by organizing workshops and thereby creating the medium to debate opportunities. An Industrial Partnering Event took place at our Undersecretariat between Turkish and UK firms regarding the areas we can co-operate with the UK in order to identify potential areas of co-operation. We were able to provide participation through our Undersecretariat at the DSE expo and in this respect we undertook very successful initiatives. We hope to carry forward these initiatives through concrete steps. As NATO partners, by determining the joint needs and capabilities of our two countries, joint activities will be, in my opinion, in the interests of both nations. There is also a Defence Industry Co-operation Agreement signed between the two countries. Within this context I believe that our relationship will expand with more companies participating. However, it is obvious that cutting back the bureaucratic red tape related to export licences and showing flexibility on technology transfers by the UK will increase the potential for co-operation between us.

Defence Turkey - What are your views on realizing co-coperation between the two countries involving third country markets?

Our defence industry firms have made great strides since our Undersecretariat was founded in 1985. In our Strategic Plan covering the years 2007-2011, our targets relating to defence industry exports have been identified and great importance is attached to exports. Thus, benefiting from our relationship from the part and the present will no doubt be beneficial by undertaken joint activities involving third country markets.

Defence Turkey - Lastly, what is the message you want to convey to UK defence industry companies and officials?

The relationship we have established in recent years of which two is enormously comprehensive international project as well as other project that we are implementing has created a favourable basis of cooperation between the two countries.