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urkish defense technology company HAVELSAN has advanced four of its domestically developed software solutions into NATO’s certification process after successfully completing interoperability tests during the alliance’s Coalition Warrior Interoperability Exploration, Experimentation, Examination Exercise (CWIX) in Poland.

According to information released on Saturday, HAVELSAN’s DOOB-HQ, KAPI, Embedded NONC2 ATA DLP and LYNX systems passed the Assurance Verification and Validation (AV&V) tests required for NATO certification.

The successful evaluations confirmed the systems’ compliance with NATO’s Federated Mission Networking (FMN) standards, enabling them to operate seamlessly alongside allied command-and-control networks during multinational military operations.

The CWIX exercise serves as NATO’s primary platform for testing interoperability among member and partner nations’ command-and-control systems. Certification under the FMN Spiral 4 framework is considered a key prerequisite for participation in NATO missions scheduled between 2025 and 2027.

Expanding HAVELSAN’s NATO portfolio

The addition of four new capabilities further expands HAVELSAN’s portfolio of NATO-compatible technologies in command and control, secure data sharing, system integration and tactical communications.

HAVELSAN has participated in the annual CWIX exercise since 2012, steadily increasing the number of certified systems. Previous certifications include DOOB and KAŞİF in 2019, ADVENT CMS and ADVENT MARTI in 2023, KARTAL and NONC2 ATA DLP in 2024, and six additional products in 2025, including DOOB-HQ, DOOB-TACTICAL, OCTOPUS and TDLYM.

This year’s CWIX exercise, held from June 6 to 26 in Poland, brought together more than 3,000 personnel, 780 systems and representatives from 46 countries, including NATO allies and European Union members.

HAVELSAN participated with 43 personnel and 16 systems spanning multiple operational domains, including command and control, maritime operations, cyber defense, communications, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defense, modeling and simulation, and tactical data links.

New operational focus areas

The company also debuted several capabilities in new operational focus areas, including LYNX and Embedded NONC2 ATA DLP in the Air domain, ADVENT TALAY/REI in the Geospatial, Meteorological and Oceanographic (GEOMETOC) domain, KAPI in Federated Mission Networking, ICS SENTINEL in Cyber, and FIVE in Modeling and Simulation.

HAVELSAN General Manager Mehmet Akif Nacar said the successful certification process demonstrates that Türkiye’s domestically developed defense software meets NATO’s highest interoperability standards.

“The inclusion of four new capabilities in NATO’s certification process is concrete evidence that our national software solutions have gained international recognition and meet the highest interoperability standards,” Nacar said.

He added that HAVELSAN plans to build on its expanded participation in joint operations, cyber defense and modeling and simulation by introducing artificial intelligence-supported command-and-control capabilities in future NATO exercises.

Nacar said the company remains committed to developing technologies that meet the operational requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces while delivering internationally competitive defense solutions.

(Source: Anadolu Agency)

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arch 11, 2023 was the 35th anniversary of a significant event in the history of Turkish defense and aerospace industry: on that day, the first Turkey-assembled F-16C Fighting Falcon combat aircraft was delivered to the Turkish Air Force (TurAF) by TUSAŞ Aerospace Industries (TAI).

TAI was established in 1984 as a joint venture between General Dynamics (later to become Lockheed Martin) and Türkiye Uçak Sanayii A.Ş. (TUSAŞ), for the manufacture of the F-16 aircraft. To produce the engines, another joint venture between General Electric and TUSAŞ was formed under the name of “TUSAŞ Engine Industries” (TEI). The first eight American-built F-16s were delivered in 1987.

Over the course of 35 years, TAI became a national company, with the acquisition of Lockheed Martin’s shares and the consolidation of the two companies, TAI and TUSAŞ under Turkish Aerospace Industries (Türk Havacılık ve Uzay Sanayii AŞ, TUSAŞ). Turkish Aerospace has manufactured a total of 308 F-16s: 262 for the TurAF and 46 for the Egyptian Air Force. In addition, Turkish Aerospace upgraded F-16s of the TurAF and Jordanian and Pakistani Air Forces. Based on ever-expanding infrastructure and experience, Turkish Aerospace initiated many indigenous and international programs.

Now, on the 35th anniversary of the delivery of the first indigenously manufactured F-16 fighter jet, Turkish Aerospace is preparing for another major milestone: the rollout of the first prototype of the Milli Muharip Uçak (MMU, National Combat Aircraft).

Turkey’s MMU (National Combat Aircraft)

The MMU is envisaged as incorporating many state-of-the-art technologies and capabilities such as very low observability, advanced sensors, and data-link systems as well as the capability to carry a wide range of guided weapons, all of which are characteristic features of fifth-generation combat aircraft such as F-22, F-35, J20, and Su57. The MMU’s abilities will be further enhanced through extensive use of artificial intelligence (AI) and neural networks (NN).

The MMU program consists of four main phases: Conceptual Design, Design and Prototype Qualification, Initial and Full Operation Capability, and Serial Production. The first phase, with the assistance of Sweden’s Saab Automobile started in 2011 and was completed in 2013. A contract for the first stage of the second phase, namely Engineering Development and Preliminary Design (ED&PD) was signed between the Turkish Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB, Savunma Sanayii Başkanlığı) and Turkish Aerospace in August 2016. Following this, Turkish Aerospace signed a contract with BAE Systems for consultancy and technical assistance in 2018. The project’s schedule officially started in September 2018.

The first stage of the second phase is planned to last for four years, and it will be followed by the second stage, Critical Design and Prototype Qualification, which is expected to last a total of eight years.

The program is currently in the ED&PD phase. Turkish Aerospace plans to roll out the first prototype in April 2023 with the maiden flight planned for the end of the same year. Service entry will take place in the late 2020s; the MMU is planned to form the backbone of the TurAF combat fleet, operating until around 2070.

Drone revolution

The remarkable operational and export successes of Turkish drones have made Turkey a major player in this field. More than 30 countries use Turkish drones such as Bayraktar TB2, Bayraktar Akinci, ANKA, and AKSUNGUR. The two leading Turkish drone manufacturers, Turkish Aerospace and Baykar Technology, are currently working on jet-powered combat drones, namely the ANKA-3 and the Bayraktar Kızılelma, respectively.

Both platforms will form the backbone of the TurAF drone strike capability. The ANKA-3 is expected to perform missions alongside the MMU, as a “loyal wingman,” whereas the Kızılelma will also be able to be operated from the TCG Anadolu amphibious landing ship with its short takeoff and landing capability.

Future plans

Turkey’s removal from the F-35 project because of the acquisition of the S-400 air defense system from the Russian Federation directly affected the TurAF’s modernization plans. The TurAF previously planned to operate the F-35 alongside the modernized F-16 fleet, which would later be replaced by the MMU. The MMU program, in its early stages, called for the development of an air superiority fighter. Strike missions would be undertaken by the F-35.

The elimination of the F-35 from the road map forced Turkey to redraw these plans and focus on a true omnirole capability for the MMU, employing a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapon systems, all developed or under development by Turkish companies. The F16 fleet, through the indigenous avionics upgrade under the Özgür program, will see an extended period of service. Additionally, Turkey’s request of 40 F-16Vs and upgrade kits for 79 aircraft is important for filling the potential capability gap until the full operational capability of the MMU fleet.

Time is of the essence for the TurAF. Almost all neighboring countries have been allocating significant resources to upgrade their air forces: Greece is taking delivery of Rafale fighters from France and upgraded F-16s from the United States, and Israel is operating more than 30 F-35s and has recently announced acquisition plans for the advanced F-15EX fighter. Meanwhile, Egypt is operating the Rafale, MiG-29SMT, and is currently in negotiations with South Korea for the license production of the FA-50 light combat aircraft. And, Iran has recently reportedly taken delivery of 24 Su-35s, which were originally produced for Egypt.

The MMU program, therefore, has become even more crucial. First, it will be the main asset for the sustained qualitative superiority of the TurAF. Second, it will allow the TurAF and Turkey to achieve operational independence in the air domain. And third, it will enable a large defense and aerospace industry base to evolve around Turkish Aerospace, which in turn will be needed to develop even more challenging programs.

Turkey has recently requested the sale of 40 F-16V fighter aircraft from the United States and upgrade kits for 80 F-16s in its inventory. This move came amidst the strained relations between the two countries and shortly after Turkey’s removal from the fifth-generation fighter aircraft F-35 Lightning II development project by the U.S. because of Ankara’s procurement of the S-400 air defense system from the Russian Federation.

Under normal conditions, the F-16 sale would be a military/technical matter, managed through complex bureaucratic procedures and formalities. However, due to the lengthy list of complex issues between Ankara and Washington, most of which have direct implications for Turkey’s near periphery and NATO alliance, the outcome of the F-16 inquiry will most likely be a major turning point in Turkey’s foreign relations.

To understand better the significance of Turkey’s possible F-16V procurement in terms of military capabilities and strategic implications, we must first take a look at Turkey’s current air power and force structure.

The F-16 and Turkey

Turkey is one of the major users of Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. The Turkish Air Force (TurAF) had taken delivery of a total of 270 F-16C/D Block 30, Block 40, Block 50, and Block 50+ aircraft.

Shortly after the lifting of the U.S. arms embargo in 1978, Turkey started a program to modernize its air force. The majority of the combat aircraft fleet was nearing the end of their useful service, and the lack of spares because of the embargo significantly decreased serviceability. As a result of a technical evaluation, the F-16 Fighting Falcon by General Dynamics was selected.

An agreement for the purchase of 160 F-16C/D Fighting Falcon aircraft was signed between Turkey and United States on December 9, 1983. The agreement covered the sale to Turkey of 160 F-16C/Ds, Block 30 and Block 40 versions, under a project designated “Peace Onyx” through local production.

Turkey’s Türk Uçak Sanayii A.Ş (TUSAŞ) formed a joint venture with General Dynamics, named TUSAŞ Aerospace Industries (TAI) and with General Electric under the name of TUSAŞ Engine Industries (TEI) for the manufacture of the F-16s and its engines, respectively. For the electronic warfare systems of the aircraft, another joint venture, named Mikrodalga Elektronik Sanayii (MIKES) was established.

F-16 upgrades

TurAF started a modernization project for the F-16 fleet in the early 2000s in order to increase the capabilities of the aircraft. Designated as Peace Onyx III, the project covered the upgrade of the mission systems of the aircraft. The project was started in July 2007 and covered a total of 175 Block 40 and Block 50 F-16s. A total of 35 Block 30 F-16s also received limited upgrade. TAI delivered the first aircraft to TurAF on November 2, 2011, and the project was completed in April 2015.

Meanwhile, Turkey also undertook a national upgrade program under the Özgür Project, which started in 2010. The project aims at the development of an indigenous mission computer and mission systems avionics for the F-16. With the nationalization of mission computers, the project aims to ensure the integration of national air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. Furthermore, the experience gained from the Özgür Project will be incorporated into the advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft HÜRJET, and Milli Muharip Uçak (MMU or National Combat Aircraft) fighter development projects. An F-16C Block 30 has been used as the prototype aircraft in the project, and the upgrade of the remaining Block 30 fighters is on the agenda.

Another major improvement of the F-16 fleet is the Structural Modernization Program, under a contract signed in 2015. The project covers structural improvement work to increase the service life of 35 F-16C/D Block 30 aircraft. With this modernization, the service life of the F-16C/D Block 30 aircraft is planned to be extended from 8,000 to 12,000 hours.

What is the F-16V?

The F-16V is the latest version of the F-16 Fighting Falcon family. The aircraft incorporates several improvements over the previous model – the most important of which is the new radar, named AN/APG-83. The AN/APG-83 is an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which does not have any moving mechanical parts unlike its predecessors. AESA radars offer greater detection and tracking ranges, and are capable of tracking multiple targets compared to mechanical pulse-Doppler radars.

In addition to the AESA radar, the F-16V is equipped with a modern commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)-based avionics subsystem; a large-format, high-resolution cockpit display; and a high-volume, high-speed data bus. The flight control system is enhanced by an Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS) to prevent crashes in case the pilot loses control due to blackout, which usually occurs during agile maneuvers. The service life of the aircraft has also increased from 8,000 flight hours to 12,000, thanks to structural improvements.

The F-16V is offered as a new production aircraft and an upgrade package to existing F-16s. Taiwan is the first customer of the F-16V solution as the country signed a $1.85 billion contract with the U.S. in 2012 to upgrade 142 F-16A/Bs. Singapore, South Korea, and Morocco signed contracts to upgrade their F-16s to the F-16V standard. The latest customer for the F-16V upgrade is Greece, which will have 84 of its F-16C/Ds modernized under an agreement signed with the U.S. in late 2019.

In addition to upgrade projects, there have been several contracts for newly built F-16Vs: a total of 149 F-16Vs have been ordered by Bahrain, Bulgaria, Morocco, the Philippines, Slovakia, and Taiwan. A heavily modified F-16V, designated as F-21, is being offered to India.

Turkey’s F-16V request

According to press reports, Turkey submitted a letter of request (LOR) to the U.S. government on September 30, 2021 for the acquisition of 40 F-16V aircraft and kits to upgrade 80 aircraft to the F-16V configuration.

The LOR is a document prepared by the customer government and submitted to the U.S. government to initiate the formal procedure under the Foreign Military Sales procurement system, which is one of the U.S. arms sales schemes. The LOR defines the requirement of the recipient government, the number and type of the weapon platform or system that is desired to be purchased, and the administrative details.

The preparation and submission of the LOR does not guarantee the sale per se, but it is important to note that during its preparation, militaries and bureaucracy from both sides work together, confer, and discuss the general content of the letter. Therefore, the submission of the LOR for the F-16Vs implies that some military/technical discussion between the Turkish and United States’ militaries had taken place.

So, why has Turkey asked for F-16s from the U.S. that previously denied the delivery of F-35 next-generation combat aircraft and imposed sanctions on it?

The procedure’s next milestone is the approval by the U.S. government and congress. Subject to many factors – most of which are political – upon getting congressional approval, the U.S. Department of Defense will prepare a letter of offer and acceptance (LOA), which can be described as a contract. Therefore, the F-16V request will be a stress test for the relationship between Turkey and U.S., which has already been extremely strained for the past few years.

So, why has Turkey asked for F-16s from the U.S. that previously denied the delivery of F-35 next-generation combat aircraft and imposed sanctions on it? There are two main factors that resulted in this request.