IDEF 2017: Turkish defence industry showcases new naval products

The Turkish defence industry is showcasing newly designed and developed weapon systems at the 2017 International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF), which is taking place in Istanbul.

In the past several years, there has been growth in activity in Turkey’s naval industry. Building upon the MILGEM Ada corvette, Turkey’s defence vendors are now transitioning to offering larger, more complex and substantially more capable solutions in important areas, most notably in ship design, electronics and munitions. While Turkish Navy requirements are driving these activities, the likes of Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik (STM), Aselsan, Havelsan, Roketsan and others are aiming for big-ticket defence exports.

STM TF-4500 Frigate

Turkish defence contractor STM unveiled the TF-4500 multi-mission frigate at IDEF 2017. The TF-4500 has been designed for domestic and overseas needs in mind.

According to Navy Recognition, the 4,500-ton and 150-metre frigate is armed with 16 anti-ship missiles (AShM), 32 vertical launch system (VLS) cells, a 76mm main gun, two 25mm remote weapon stations, two point-defence missile systems (PDMS) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) torpedo launchers. The TF-4500 has a top speed of 32 knots, endurance of 30 days and range of 7,000 nautical miles (at 18 knots).

STM prioritized low detectability and low observability in the design, incorporating a low radar cross-section (RCS) design with limited infrared and acoustic signatures. However, the multi-mission ship can operate in Sea State 6 conditions, and serve in a variety of roles including, among others, as a command and control vessel and air defence platform.

Aselsan ÇAFRAD Multi-Mission Radar

One of Aselsan’s marquee programs, the ÇAFRAD is a multi-mission radar suite designed for the Turkish Navy’s future anti-air warfare (AAW) frigate, the TF-2000.

The ÇAFRAD comprises of three active phased-array radar (APAR) systems: An X-band multifunction radar for air and surface target detection, tracking and classification with a range of 150 km. This is supported by an X-band illumination radar – also with a range of 150 km – for guiding semi-active radar-homing AAW missiles. Finally, a 450-km range long-range S-band search radar with the ability to track over 2000 targets. The ÇAFRAD also includes a 450-km range active non-rotating identification, friend-or-foe (IFF) system.

Aselsan ORKA Lightweight Torpedo (LWT)

Aselsan also formally unveiled its ORKA lightweight torpedo (LWT). Based on the Aselsan TORK hard-kill torpedo countermeasure system, the Orka LWT will be deployable from surface warships and aircraft.