Turkey Secures Contract for Long Range Air and Missile Defence System
In an important move for national defense, Turkey has awarded a contract to Eurosam, Aselsan, and Roketsan for a definition study focused on the future Turkish Long Range Air and Missile Defence System. This significant contract was announced during a meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
The definition study, set to unfold over the next 18 months, aims to lay the groundwork for the development and production contract that will align with the operational requirements of the Turkish Air Force. The Turkish Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM) is overseeing this initiative, partnering with local companies Aselsan and Roketsan, along with the Franco-Italian consortium Eurosam, which includes shareholders MBDA and Thales.
This contract follows previous agreements, including the Heads of Agreement signed by industry stakeholders on July 14, 2017, and a Letter of Intent approved by the Defence Ministers of France, Italy, and Turkey on November 8, 2017.
The study marks a significant step toward launching a tri-nation joint Long Range Air and Missile Defence Program. The anticipated system is expected to be operational by the mid-2030s, featuring cutting-edge military capabilities to counter diverse threats, including stealth aircraft, UAVs, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. This system is designed to fulfill the basic operational needs of all three nations, ensuring that Turkey maintains full autonomy while providing flexibility in integrating with NATO.
Moreover, this collaborative effort is set to bolster Turkey’s indigenous air and missile development programs, offering avenues for export opportunities and long-term cooperation between Turkey, Italy, and France.
During the signing ceremony for the contract, Eurosam Managing Director Abdoulaye Samba remarked, “Since our establishment in 1989, Eurosam has been committed to air and missile defense, acquiring exceptional expertise in this strategic area. We are proud to share this knowledge with our partners in France, Italy, and our Turkish ally within NATO. I am optimistic that this collaboration will deepen our strategic ties, continuing the fruitful relationship that France and Italy have enjoyed for decades.”
