September 23, 2011 Tony Osborne, SHEPARD GROUP

London  - Qatar may be the next export customer for the MH-60R Seahawk according to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

The United States Congress has been notified of a request by the Middle East country to purchase six MH-60Rs through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system for $750 million.

The deal would also include associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.

The DSCA says the buy 'will improve Qatar's capability to meet current and future anti-surface warfare threats.'

The release also states that implementation of this proposed sale will: 'require the assignment of ten contractor representatives to Qatar on an intermittent basis over the life of the case to support delivery of the MH-60R helicopters and provide support and equipment familiarisation.'

It is likely that the Seahawks will be land-based and will replace Qatar's aging fleet of Sea King Commando helicopters which are equipped to fire the Exocet anti-ship missile.

Qatar has been undertaking a recapitalisation of its armed forces in recent years and is in the process of taking delivery of 21 AgustaWestland AW139s as well C-130J and C-17 fixed-wing transport aircraft.

Photo Will Horton/Flightglobal

23/09/11 By Stephen Trimble SOURCE:Flight International

Qatar has entered the market for a new maritime helicopter to replace a small fleet of ageing Westland Sea King Commando Mk 3 variants.

The government's interest was announced on 22 September by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which notified Congress of a possible foreign military sale of six Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawks.

The notification means Qatar is interested in the MH-60R but rules out a competitive bidding process. The type often competes for orders with the NH Industries NH90, but it is not clear if Doha is seeking other bids.

Qatar's armed forces are largely equipped with British and French aircraft, but it has recently shown interest in US-sourced equipment. Since 2008, Qatar has ordered four Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules and two Boeing C-17A Globemaster III airlifters.

If the MH-60R bid is selected, Qatar is interested in buying six aircraft and 13 General Electric T700-401C engines, according to the DSCA.

The agency estimated the total cost of the deal at $750 million, including communications equipment, spares, tools, technical data, training and logistics support.

The Qatar Emiri Air Force has an active fleet of 12 Sea Kings which were delivered between 1975 and 1984, as listed in Flightglobal's HeliCAS database.

Turkish Aerospace Industries ANKA UAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

23.09.2011 DEFENSE UPDATE

Turkey is ready to sell the new ANKA Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicles to Egypt. Ankara has already approved a contract signed between with Egypt, for the transfer of six fast intervention vessels.

Egypt was one of the pioneers in unmanned aerial systems, fielding the Teledyne Ryan Model 324 Scarab high speed drone and SkyEye tactical UAVs in since the early 1980s. The addition of a MALE platform will fulfill the gap offering better persistence, improved imagery and multi-payload capacity. According to Ertem, other Middle East countries have also expressed interest in the Anka, as they prefer the Turkish product over U.S. or Israeli competitors.

Turkish and Egyptian officials have discussed military cooperation during the recent visit of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Cairo last week. According to Özcan Ertem , Vice President of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) the prospects of selling the new Anka MALE UAV were discussed. He said the Turkish UAV is raising interest in the region, in Saudi Arabia and other North African countries, markets free from Israeli competition. Ertem said the Anka is currently being tested and certified with the flight testing campaign expected to be concluded in the spring.

According to Turkish sources, Turkey will also deliver to Egypt six multi-role tactical platform, MRTP-20 ‘fast-intervention crafts’, produced by Yonca-Onuk. Three boats will be constructed in Istanbul and the others in Egypt’s Alexandria shipyard using Turkish supplied kits.

September 22nd, 2011 MDAA

TEHRAN (FNA)- The Islamic Republic of Iran’s Armed Forces displayed the latest generation of Shahab missiles, pilotless drones and electronic war systems in the military parades on Thursday.

The parades mark the start of the Week of Sacred Defense, commemorating Iranian sacrifices during the 8 years of the Iraqi imposed war on Iran in the 1980s.

Each year, the Iranian Armed Forces display the country’s latest military achievements and products in nationwide parades on September 22.

During the parades, different classes of Shahab missiles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and various types of electronic warfare systems were displayed.

Iran has recently made good progress in the air industry and has succeeded in gaining the technical know-how for producing stealth aircraft and drones.

Iran successfully tested a home-made radar-evading UAV with bombing capabilities in June 2009. Also in 2008, the country’s Defense Industries launched production lines of two well-known home-made fighter jets, namely Saeqeh (Thunderbolt) and Azarakhsh (Lightening).

Sejjil missiles, considered as the third generation of Iran-made long-range missiles, were displayed during the parades at the mausoleum of the Founder of the Islamic Republic, the Late Imam Khomeini, in Southern Tehran.

The solid-fuel, two-stage Sejjil missile with two engines, is capable of reaching a very high altitude and therefore has a longer range than that of the Shahab 3 model.

The missile has boosted the Islamic republic of Iran’s defense capabilities.

During the parades Shahab 1, 2 and 3, Qadr, Sahab and Zelzal missiles were also displayed.

The liquid-fuel Shahab 3 missile has a range of up to 1,250 miles (2000 kilometers) and is capable of carrying a 1,000-760 kilogram warhead.

The Iranian Army also displayed an upgraded version of the Zolfaqar battle tanks during the parades.

Zolfaqar is a second generation of Iran’s main battle tank (MBT). The test prototypes of the tank were evaluated in 1993. Six semi-industrial prototypes of the tank were produced and tested in 1997.

The Zolfaqar-1 uses a fire control system which enjoys a ‘fire-on-the-move’ technology. The Zolfaqar mounts a laser-warning pod on the turret. Its design enables the tank to use an Iranian-made package of reactive armor.

Zolfaqar-2 is a prototype tank used as a test bed. The Zolfaqar-3 also features considerable upgrades to the fire control system, chassis, engine and main gun, with a 125mm autoloader.

During the parades, the Iranian armed forces displayed different weapons and military tools and equipment, including different kinds of fighters, helicopters, drones, ground-to-ground missiles, air-to-ground missiles, surface-to-surface missiles, tactical and armed vehicles, surface and underwater vessels, electronic and telecommunication equipment, light and mid-light weapons, different kinds of artillery and mortar-launchers, air defense systems and engineering and logistic equipment.

On Sunday, Iran’s Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi also informed that the country would display its latest military achievements and products in nationwide parades on September 22.

“The latest achievements of the Defense Ministry which have been supplied to the Armed Forces recently will be displayed by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and the Islamic Republic Army during the September 22 parades,” Vahidi said during a visit to a defense industry plant on Sunday.

“These achievements” he said “are the latest missile, air, electronic and telecommunications, armored, naval and anti-air tools, weapons and equipments produced in the country.”

Tehran launched an arms development program during the 1980-88 Iraqi imposed war on Iran to compensate for a US weapons embargo. Since 1992, Iran has produced its own tanks, armored personnel carriers, missiles and fighter planes.

Yet, Iranian officials have always stressed that the country’s military and arms programs serve defensive purposes and should not be perceived as a threat to any other country.

The country stages several air, land and sea wargames each year to test its newly produced weapons and equipments.

SOURCE: Fars News Agency

22 septembre 2011 medialibre.eu

Le ministre iranien de la Défense a déclaré que la plainte de l’Iran contre la Russie, pour n’avoir pas respecté le contrat concernant la livraison du système de défense balistique S-300, est en cours d’examen, dans les milieux d’arbitrage. «La Russie est tenu d’appliquer le contenu de l’accord de vente du système de défense balistique S-300», a déclaré Général Ahmad Vahidi, en marge de la cérémonie marquée par le défilé des forces armées. Le ministère iranien de la Défense envisage la création de systèmes de défense aérien, de longue portée. L’Iran est auto-suffisant, en matière des système de défense aérien, de courte portée. Quant à l’installation du système du bouclier défensif balistique de l’ONU, en Turquie, il a fait savoir que Téhéran ne permettra à aucune force étrangère de menacer les intérêts nationaux de l’Iran et réagira, avec vigueur, à toute menace.

Sep 21, 2011 ASDNews Source : Penman Engineering Ltd

United Kingdom: Wednesday, 21st September 2011 --[ASDWire]-- Saudi Arabia has been confirmed as the first overseas country to order and buy into Creation's Zephyr protected vehicle programme. The deal, which establishes a partnership between Penman Group and ERAF Industries, part of Fahad International Company Limited, was finalised during the DSEi Show in London earlier this month. The partnership involves a significant element of technology transfer and will include the establishment of a new in-country operation which will develop and jointly manufacture the Creation Zephyr MRV family of vehicles for tri-service applications in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ERAF Industries is Saudi Arabia's leading armoured vehicle upgrade and remanufacturing specialist - and the development marks the inauguration of its expansion into full vehicle construction.

Initial stages will focus on the 4x4 MRV in a number of configurations, with the 6x6 variants to follow in 2012. Work has already commenced on the project and a pilot vehicle, which will incorporate a number of specific features and regional requirements, is scheduled to be delivered before the end of this year. Precise details of the contract and its value are not being disclosed.

Penman Group Managing Director, Bryan Findlay says, "When we acquired the business, design and intellectual property rights of Creation early in 2011, we recognised the Zephyr vehicle's potential as a world market product, not least because of its modular design and thus suitability for manufacture and assembly in local markets. Many countries now wish to invest, develop and support their local economies and indigenous industries. The knowledge transfer element of this contract is indicative of Saudi Arabia's world leadership and ambition to strengthen its skills and manufacturing capability for the future - and we are very proud to be a partner in that process".

Abdullah Al Ameel, Chairman of Fahad International Company says, "The Zephyr is a fine example of the type of world class design engineering and technology which the United Kingdom has been able to provide for our country over many years. It fits well alongside our company's established portfolio of defence products and of course, there is important added value to be gained for all of us through the associated knowledge transfer programme".

Creation's Zephyr MRV protected platform programme is an integral part of Penman's future group-wide capability - and the latest upgrade variant made its debut at DSEi. The upgrade has also opened up the programme to develop to its full scope and potential. The original Zephyr design concept envisaged a fully functional rolling mine resistant underframe, onto which a wide variety of protected, softskin or even demountable top cabs, citadels or structures could be integrated. To date, development and production ready units have been configured around typical protected patrol vehicle requirements, whilst concurrent full design and pre-production studies have included a wide range of other applications.

Throughout its design evolution, the Zephyr has featured a composite 'occupant survival cell' with surrounding protection including a V-form belly plate and an integral blast mitigation system. Variants of the Zephyr can be configured for operational roles, body types and specialist applications such as pick-up utility vehicle, light logistics cargo carrier, troop carrier, command and control, demountable shelter, weapons mounted installation kit (WMIK), reconnaissance and battlefield ambulance. Crew and seating layouts can be varied and space is also allocated for weapons fit, communications suites, situational awareness (SA) systems and other electronic devices.

Specifically with world markets in mind, the mine resistant under-frame is also designed to accommodate a range of powertrain options, dependent on end user preference and specification. In addition, the unit has been developed to incorporate a rapid access and removal 'cassette' mounting for the cooling pack, engine, automatic transmission and transfer box. This permits main powertrain components to be removed for major repair and maintenance in about an hour.

The latest Zephyr MRVs feature Creation's new, extreme-duty nitrogen-based suspension all round, which improves roll-stiffness and provides further potential for payload growth. The new system, which carries no additional weight penalty, completely replaces the previous airbag based system, which was considered to be potentially vulnerable to small arms fire and damage in hostile operating conditions.

Hampshire-based Creation's Zephyr programme began almost five years ago as its privately funded initiative to develop an upgrade and protection package for in-service and legacy fleet vehicles. Its design team quickly recognised the sector's need for a fundamentally new, radical and fully integrated approach to wheeled protected vehicle engineering. Concepts, projects and design assignments such as the in-house Zephyr, the Lockheed Martin AVA and the Ranger for Universal Engineering then followed, all of which incorporate creative engineering features which subsequently have been widely adopted. More recently, the company has completed designs for other international clients and its subsystems projects, such as the LifeSeat One blast seat, have won critical acclaim.

September 22nd, 2011 By Voice of America, DEFENCE TALK

The United States is reported to be expanding a secret drone program in east Africa and the Arabian peninsula in order to gather intelligence and strike al-Qaida-linked militants in Somalia and Yemen.

Citing U.S. defense officials, The Washington Post reported that the U.S. is building a new military installation to host the unmanned aircraft in Ethiopia, where drones can more easily attack members of the militant group al-Shabab that is fighting for control of neighboring Somalia.

The report also said the U.S. has re-opened a drone base in the Seychelles, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, where a small fleet of "hunter-killer" drones resumed operations this month after a test mission determined that aircraft based there could patrol Somalia.

In addition, the report said the Central Intelligence Agency is building a secret airstrip somewhere in the Arabian subcontinent in order to carry out drone missions against al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. U.S. officials say the group, based in Yemen, is al-Qaida's most active branch, and is responsible for several attempted attacks on U.S. targets.

The U.S. is reported to have already flown drones over Somalia and Yemen from installations in Djibouti.

The U.S. military is also believed to have used the unmanned drone aircraft to carry out missions in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and Libya.

U.S. officials previously acknowledged the existence of the drone base in Seychelles, but said the aircraft were surveillance drones that were primarily being used to track pirates in the region. But the Wall Street Journal reports that the base will now house MQ-9 Reaper drones that can be outfitted for both reconnaissance and strike missions.

Officials at the White House did not comment on the report.

Earlier this month, the commander of U.S. military operations in Africa said three African-based terrorist groups were working together to threaten U.S. interests in the region. General Carter Ham said al-Shabab, Algeria-based Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, and Boko Haram in Nigeria have said they intend to share training and operations in order to target Westerners, specifically Americans.

An M-777 155mm howitzer fires at a low ballistic trajectory in Afghanistan, as 3rd Platoon, Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade, supported ISAF operations in Afghanistan, September 3, Photo by U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ken Scar, 7th MPAD

21.09.2011 DEFENSE UPDATE

Saudi Arabia is seeking to equip three field artillery regiments, two will be equipped with advanced lightweight M777A2 towed howitzers and one with air-transportable M119As, both produced by BAE Systems. The three artillery battalions (53 guns) and associated target acquisition and fire locating radars, in an arms package worth about $886 million.

The package includes two regiments (36 guns) of M777A2 and one regiment equipped with17 M119As howitzers, each unit to be supported by with two TPQ-36 ‘Fire Finder’ radar systems. The units will also deploy with standard U.S. Army artillery C4I systems (Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems – AFATDS). The package will also include 19,440 rounds of ammunition, including 17,136 rounds of the M107 High Explosive (HE) rounds and 2,304 extended range, Rocket Assisted Projectiles (M549 RAPs). The package will also include 60 M1165A1 High Mobility Multipurpose Vehicles (HMMWVs), 120 M1151A1 HMMWVs, 252 M1152A1 HMMWVs, and export versions of the Single Channel Ground And Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS) supporting the C4I system.

Among the companies providing the hardware for this package are BAE Systems in the United Kingdom, the prime contractor for the howitzers, AM General, providing the vehicles and ITT Defense and Information Solutions providing the radios.  Thales Raytheon Systems will deliver the radars. Other suppliers include Smith Detection, SRCTec, Northrop Grumman Corporation and General Dynamics C4 Systems.

 

M119A howitzer supports ISAF forces in Afghanistan. High trajectory fire is often employed in mountainous terrain, enabling the firing unit to be based in the valley where access is easier, but reach targets beyond the ridges surrounding it. Photo: U.S. Army

Sep 21, 2011 By Benjamin Harvey – bloomberg.com

Saudi Arabia’s military asked Turkey to enter a tender to produce attack helicopters for the Saudi air force, Sabah newspaper reported.

Turkish officials are in negotiations with Saudi counterparts regarding the Turkish-made Atak T-129 helicopters, which made their first test flights last month and are expected to go into mass production in the middle of next year, the Istanbul-based newspaper said. Sabah didn’t say how it got the information.

The helicopters are produced with parts and input from Turkish companies including Aselsan Elektronik Sanayi & Ticaret AS and are generating interest from Malaysia, Jordan and Pakistan, Sabah said.

South Korea officially invited Turkey to join a tender in April next year for 36 military helicopters, the newspaper said.

21/09/2011 zonebourse.com

L’Université Khalifa, Cassidian et Emiraje Systems L.L.C. ont inauguré un centre d’excellence en cyber-opérations sur le campus de l’Université Khalifa à Abou Dhabi. Ce nouveau centre concentrera ses travaux de recherche sur les systèmes de sécurité et de contrôle industriel essentiels à la protection des infrastructures énergétiques, à l’encodage et aux investigations numériques.

La création du Centre d’excellence en cyber-opérations est le fruit d’un accord signé en 2010. Dans le cadre de cette coopération, Cassidian et Emiraje Systems se sont engagés à fournir des ressources et équipements à l’Université Khalifa afin de soutenir la mise en place et l’exploitation du centre. Celui-ci encouragera et soutiendra, pour sa part, le développement du capital intellectuel dans le domaine des opérations cybernétiques au sein de l’université. Le centre renforcera en outre les capacités de recherche de l’université dans des domaines de cyber-technologie spéciaux, notamment en matière de sécurité des réseaux, d’applications de sécurité mobile, de cryptologie, d’investigations informatiques et de dispositifs embarqués, tels que les systèmes de contrôle industriel SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition).

Tod Laursen, professeur et président de l’Université Khalifa, a déclaré : « L’inauguration du Centre d’excellence en cyber-opérations est totalement en ligne avec l’objectif stratégique de l’Université Khalifa. Celui-ci consiste à développer les capacités nécessaires pour réaliser la vision 2030 d’Abou Dhabi, qui vise à établir une économie fondée sur la connaissance. De plus, nous avons lancé un grand nombre de programmes académiques et de projets de recherche, qui contribuent ensemble à la réalisation de cet objectif stratégique. »

« Les nombreux cursus académiques que nous proposons, tels que les masters d’ingénierie nucléaire, de sécurité civile et internationale, et de sécurité de l’information, bénéficieront du travail réalisé par ce centre et, en contrepartie, lui fourniront des informations », précise-t-il. « L’interaction constitue la base de la recherche pluridisciplinaire et de l’environnement d’apprentissage que nous mettons en place à l’université Khalifa. Ces cursus, ainsi que le Centre de Recherche & Développement consacré aux semi-conducteurs, le Etisalat-BT Innovation Center et le Centre de Recherche & Innovation aéronautique et spatiale, ne sont que quelques exemples d’activités industrielles ciblées que nous avons récemment créées avec divers partenaires. »

Et Guy Meguer, Vice-président de Cassidian Cyber Security, d’ajouter : « Ce second centre vient confirmer l’engagement de Cassidian à contribuer, par l’apport de capacités durables en matière de cybersécurité, au développement de ces activités dans les EAU. Fournisseur majeur de solutions cybernétiques auprès des gouvernements européens, Cassidian se réjouit de poursuivre sa coopération avec l’Université Khalifa dans le cadre de ce projet, et de faire profiter les étudiants des meilleures approches en matière de sécurité. Tout pays utilisant des systèmes de communication numériques avancés se doit d’adopter une posture de sécurité saine, soutenue par une recherche académique solide et compétente. Ce centre apportera ce soutien essentiel à toute économie avancée. Il est conçu pour développer le capital intellectuel des EAU grâce à un transfert de connaissances efficace, et partager ensuite ce capital avec la communauté internationale ».

Abdul Aziz Al Khaili, Directeur général d’Emiraje Systems, indique quant à lui : « Le périmètre et les capacités étendus du nouveau Centre d’excellence en cyber-opérations d’Abou Dhabi vient compléter les capacités du premier centre créé en mai 2011. Ce partenariat fructueux témoigne de l’engagement actif de Cassidian, actionnaire et partenaire d’Emiraje, dans le transfert de connaissances et de technologies au profit des Emirats. Développer une expertise nationale dans ces domaines sensibles est indispensable pour la sécurité des infrastructures d’information en pleine expansion des EAU, qu’il s’agisse de la protection d’entreprises privées ou de la défense et de la sécurité de la nation. Les étudiants qui obtiendront ces diplômes constitueront une précieuse ressource tant pour le développement du pays que pour Emiraje, dont la mission consiste à développer les systèmes d’information critiques pour la défense et la sécurité des EAU, avec le soutien technologique de Cassidian. Je tiens à saluer une nouvelle fois le rôle prépondérant de l’Université Khalifa dans le développement continu de notre système d’éducation. »

A propos de l’Université Khalifa

L’Université Khalifa a été créée en février 2007 sur décret du Président des Emirats Arabes Unis, Son Altesse le Cheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, pour réaliser la vision 2030 d’Abou Dhabi, qui consiste à établir une économie fondée sur la connaissance susceptible de contribuer efficacement au développement des EAU.

Le campus principal de l’Université Khalifa, situé à Abou Dhabi, est associé au campus de Sharjah. Il propose actuellement des bachelors en informatique, communication, électronique, développement logiciel, génie mécanique, génie aérospatial, et ingénierie biomédicale, des masters et doctorats en informatique, télécommunications et ingénierie électronique, ainsi que des masters en ingénierie nucléaire, sécurité de l’information, et sécurité civile et internationale.

L’Université Khalifa étendra à l’avenir son offre de formation à d’autres disciplines d’ingénierie, de logistique, de management et de sciences de la vie, dont des bachelors en ingénierie systèmes et industrielle, et en ingénierie civile et environnementale.

Elle ouvrira en outre des centres de recherche consacrés notamment aux technologies de l’information et de la communication (TIC), à l’énergie, aux nanotechnologies, à la technologie aérospatiale et aux sciences de la santé.

L’Université Khalifa accueille étudiants et étudiantes de toutes les nationalités, tout en accordant une attention particulière à la formation des jeunes émiratis. Pour plus d’informations, veuillez consulter www.kustar.ac.ae.

Turkish Aerospace Industries executives believe demand for Anka aircraft will be high once the vehicle’s airworthiness and qualification testing period is over. Hürriyet photo

September 19, 2011 İPEK YEZDANİ Hürriyet Daily News - TRDEFENCE

ISTANBUL –  According to an executive at Turkish Aerospace Industries, the new Egyptian government is interested in buying Turkey-made unmanned planes. Some Middle East countries prefer Turkey rather than Israel or the US, defense experts say. Turkey will also sell six multi-role tactical platform naval vessels to the North African country

Turkish Aerospace Industries executives believe demand for Anka aircraft will be high once the vehicle’s airworthiness and qualification testing period is over. Hürriyet photo

Egypt is interested in buying made-in-Turkey unmanned aerial vehicles called Anka from a Turkish defense company, the Hürriyet Daily News has learned.

Egyptian and Turkish authorities talked about a possible future agreement to sell made-in-Turkey unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, to Egypt during the visit of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Egypt last week.

Regional demand

“Many countries in the Middle East, ranging from North African countries to Saudi Arabia, are interested in the Anka Male [medium altitude, long endurance] unmanned aerial vehicle system that we produce,” the Vice President of Turkish Aerospace Industries, or TAI’s, Integrated Aircraft Systems Özcan Ertem told the Hürriyet Daily News in an interview on Monday.

Ertem said a large number of countries – especially in the Middle East – have been closely following the developments in the production of UAVs in Turkey. “I believe once the airworthiness and qualification testing period is over, there will be a high potential market for us to export our Ankas,” he said. “But we can only sell to countries that our government considers appropriate.”

The production process of the first series of UAVs is over now, and Anka has already started its flight test campaign, according to Ertem. The testing period with electro-optic sensors is expected to be concluded in the spring.

High capacity

Compared to the U.S.-made Predator and the Israel-made Heron, the Anka is a larger UAV and has the capacity to carry heavier loads, Ertem said. “The Anka has the capacity to carry up to 500 kilograms of sensors and fuel. Besides, different than our competitors, we have chosen a special engine system that runs on jet fuel, because it is available at every air base.”

There are three countries in the world that produce similar UAVs: Israel, the U.S. and Turkey. There are almost 15 countries interested in buying Turkey’s version of the UAV, and because of political reasons, some countries in the Middle East prefer Turkey rather than Israel or the U.S., defense experts say.

Turkey will also sell six multi-role tactical platform, or MRTP-20, naval vessels to Egypt, the Daily News has learned.

A contract on the procurement and manufacturing of six Onuk MRTP-20 fast-intervention crafts has been signed between Egypt’s Ministry of Defense and Yonca-Onuk JV – a Turkish company that specializes in commercial and naval craft manufacturing, according to the latter’s director for strategic planning, Armağan Ortaç.

Three boats will be constructed in Istanbul and the others in Egypt’s Alexandria shipyard with technology transfer. Moreover, Yonca-Onuk JV will provide all the material kits to be used during the construction in Alexandria.

The project will be completed 31.5 after the contract comes into effect. Harbor acceptance and sea acceptance tests have been completed for the first boat, which will be shipped to Egypt by the end of the month.

photo US Army

19 sept. 2011 par infolivetv