Turkey tests its first national missile in Black Sea

ANKARA

Turkey has successfully tested its first national missile, dubbed “Kaan,” in the Black Sea province of Sinop, Defense Minister Fikri Işık stated on May 11.

“A new launch of our 280-kilometer range Bora missile has been made in Sinop. It is about to fall onto its target in the Black Sea at this moment. Turkey is now making its own missiles. We have gained great self-confidence,” Işık told private broadcaster A Haber, describing the launch as “successful.”

Developed by Roketsan, the Bora missile has a 610-milimeter caliber and 280-kilometer range. The system has an intensive and effective firepower with a 470-kilogram warhead over top priority targets.


Aselsan to upgrade tanks

Meanwhile, Turkish defense giant Aselsan has signed a tank upgrade deal worth some $125 million, according to a stock exchange filing on May 11.

The contract with Turkey’s Defense Ministry is for the upgrading of M60T battle tanks.

“Under this agreement, deliveries will be made in 2017-2018,” the company said.

In January, the Defense Ministry launched a tender for contract to upgrade the tanks.

Five Turkish firms placed bids, including Turkey’s biggest defense company Aselsan as well as missile-maker Roketsan, and armored vehicle manufacturers BMC, Otokar and FNSS.

FNSS and Indonesia’s PT Pindad unveiled the jointly developed medium weight tank, KAPLAN MT, during the 13th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) in Istanbul on May 10. FNSS CEO Nail Kurt said at a news conference that the KAPLAN MT program represents not only a new product but also the implementation of a new approach for cooperation in the multinational defense industry.

Kurt said that in line with FNSS’ new vision of being the globe’s trusted and respected defense partner, the tank program was launched three years ago with PT Pindad, accompanied by the two countries’ defense ministries.

“This medium weight tank is a very effective solution to today’s asymmetric warfare conditions exposed which many armies are exposed to,” he said.