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 domestic air defence missile systems.
Indicating that recent experiences have re-emphasized the importance of air defence systems, Demir announced that Hisar-O deliveries have started. Underlining that Hisar is a specific system, it was stated that the process experienced partial disruption due to COVID-19. Despite this, it was emphasized that some components of systems were deployed in the field and some testing activities were carried out in the field, while the built-in tests and integration process continue. In the experiences gained, it was also determined that the need for a medium-altitude air defence system rather than a low altitude came to the fore. Thus, Hisar-O was delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces, albeit partially, and started to be used.
Work on a SAMP-T-based but more comprehensive system with Eurosam was launched in recent years. Professor Dr. Demir announced that the identification work has been completed in the common process carried out in this field. Studies are also carried out in the ongoing fields. Demir stated that translating the necessary texts into different languages in the process has been completed and discussions on more specific issues are on the agenda.
Although the S-400 procurement agreement includes items such as training, maintenance and technical support, Russian personnel will not be able to access the S-400 batteries as they wish. Stating that this issue is a red line, President of Defence Industries Prof. Dr. İsmail Demir stated that local companies will be the authority in the maintenance processes. While explaining that the installation process is still continuing and certain systems are put into operation, it was underlined that the parties that touch the systems and do business will be Turkish companies and Turkish Air Force.
Turkey's air defence systems procurement roadmap has changed. In the light of recent experience from the field when planning the acquisition of equal quantities Hisar-A and Hisar-O, Prof. Dr. Demir stated that according to the need is on the medium-altitude air defence system. he announced that the procurement rates will be shifted to Hisar-O, whose deliveries have already begun during the procurement process.
In the Hisar-U process, which is also known as the Siper (Trench), it was stated that the studies are continuing, and it was underlined that the experiences obtained in Hisar A and O projects will be transferred here. The development process for longer range radar and stronger electronic subcomponents continues.
Professor Dr. Demir also gave the good news that the deliveries are close in the PORSAV (Prtatif Savunma / Portable Defense) Project, which was launched as part of the need for man-portable air defence missile requirement.
