President of Defence Industries Prof. Dr. Ismail Demir answered questions of Turkey's leading defence magazines via domestic video conferencing system. Answering the questions of C4Defence, Demir made important statements about the Turkish defence sector's post-COVID-19 period plans in addition to aviation programs.
Professor Dr. Demir made importand announements about F-35. It was announced that every supply line will be shut down after the March 2020 but there is no steps in line of that from the main contractor. Turkey continues study and production processes. It was stated that there was also a lack of communication in the process due to COVID-19, yet it was emphasized that the production did not stop. Turkey to work as long and as long as the program's loyal partner and continue to contribute. It was emphasized that while the cost of removing the Turkish industry from the process was calculated to be at least 600 million USD, the stubbornness continued, but it had to be put to an end and the works were not as easy as expected. As if they never left that makes the process of Turkey's plans underlined that conditions will be in place, to make the necessary warnings as long as the unilateral steps and highlighting the added value of the stay was announced to be reminded of the request.
It is stated that although foreign components are used as part of the transition process for the Turkish Fighter X(TFX), they will be changed with domestic ones in order of importance. While announcing that Block system will be adopted in MMU, Presidency of Defence Industries also gave green light to TFX-UAV integration. Prof. Dr. Demir stated that the UAV road map is wide. He underlined that there are some studies under the leadership of TUSAŞ in the field of UAV and that domestic UAV companies have reached an important competence.
It has been announced that the F-16 modernization programs will continue within the scope of the Turkish Air Force's requirements. Indicating that AESA radar integration is also on the table for F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, Demir said that the studies are ongoing and that different Block aircraft will be modernized. It was stated that there was no specific demand for the modernization of F-4E 2020 Terminator aircraft, but structural and avionic improvements are on the agenda.
Stating that UAVs are an important requirement of the modern battlefield. Prof. Dr. Demir said that Turkey continues work with all his strength to lead this trend. While it has been announced that R&D processes continue in many different areas from mini UAVs to MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) platforms, electronic warfare systems, ship-based UAVs, and jet engine UAVs are on the drawing table and It was stated that the design activities are going on as planned.
