Scoring high business volume in land vehicles exports in the Far East, producing 8×8 in Malaysia and tank in Indonesia thanks to its cooperation models, FNSS stands out as one of the three companies bidding for the Altay Main Battle Tank mass production in Turkey. We discussed with General Manager Nail Kurt about export targets and the future of land vehicle companies in Turkey. Kurt maintained that Altay was a strategic asset and that production required cooperation rather than competition.
C4Defence: You have been supplying the Turkish Armed Forces with various kinds of military engineering vehicles. Is it still the case following the Defence Industry Executive Committee (SSİK) meeting on January 31?
FNSS General Manager Nail Kurt: As is known, OTOKAR and FNSS had been found qualified to participate in the tender. There are both 6×6 and 8×8 versions in special purpose tactical wheeled vehicles. Their tender was completed in early 2017. Following 2.5-3 years, BAFOs (Best and Final Offer) were submitted. Afterwards, there appeared the subject of an indigenous engine-transmission. This required a four to five months of studies, which revealed the possible level of indigeneity as well as its effects; this prolonged the business to the summer. After summer, it was ready to be brought before the SSİK. Nevertheless, for reasons not disclosed to us, it did not make it to the SSİK. We know that it was on the agenda of the SSİK, which convened under the chairmanship of the Presidency. We have not heard about an official announcement yet. The Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM) heralded that the number was decreased; however, the SSİK resolution has not reached to our part.
