IDEF 2017: TÜBİTAK SAGE will showcase PGM & AAM technology

The Scientific and Technology Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) and its research and development (R&D) centres, such the Defense Industries Research and Development Institute (SAGE), will showcase a diverse range of recently completed and ongoing defence and security R&D programs at the forthcoming International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) in Istanbul.

Turkey’s state-owned news agency Anadolu Agency reports that TÜBİTAK-SAGE will exhibit its precision-guided munitions (PGM) and air defence systems.

In terms of PGMs, TÜBİTAK-SAGE will display its Stand-off Missile (SOM) air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) range, including the SOM-J, a variant designed for use in the internal weapon bays of the F-35 Lightning II jointly offered by Roketsan and Lockheed Martin. Currently, the Turkish Air Force deploys the SOM from its F-16C/D Block-40 and F-4Es.

In contrast to most existing ALCMs, such as the MBDA SCALP and KEPD 350, the SOM is a smaller design. For example, the 5.1 metre KEPD 350 weighs 1,400 kg, while the SOM is shorter and lighter at 3.6 metres and 600 kg, respectively. The SOM is powered by a Microturbo TRI-40 turbojet engine, which also powers the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile and MBDA Exocet MM-40 Block-III.

The Turkish defence company Kale Aero is developing a turbojet engine to eventually supplant the TRI-40. This program is important not only for powering the SOM, but Turkey’s other stand-off range weapons as well, notably the Atmaca anti-ship missile.

SAGE will also showcase its thermobaric version of the Mk-82 general purpose bomb (GPB), which should provide higher destructive power against reinforced fortifications, such as caves and bunkers. It will also exhibit its Penetrator Bomb (NEB), which SAGE says is the world’s first air-dropped bomb with tandem warheads. SAGE will also present its Precision Guidance Kit (HGK) and Wing Assisted Guidance Kit (KGK) for GPBs – these emulate the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and JDAM-ER, respectively.

The President of TÜBİTAK Dr. Arif Ergin told Anadolu Agency that SAGE will also reveal its GÖKDOĞAN and BOZDOĞAN air-to-air missiles (AAM). According to Turkey’s Minister of Science, Industry and Technology, Faruk Özlü (via the Daily Sabah), the GÖKDOĞAN will be an infrared-guided short-range AAM, while the BOZDOĞAN will be an active radar-guided long-range AAM. Development is expected to conclude in 2019.