Turkish defense electronics giant Aselsan allies with Airbus, Rolls Royce

BERLIN

Turkish military electronics specialist Aselsan has signed separate framework agreements with French aviation giant Airbus Group and Britain's Rolls Royce.

Turkish military electronics specialist Aselsan has signed separate framework agreements with French aviation giant Airbus Group and Britain's Rolls Royce that will help the company extend its presence in the global market.

Aselsan and Airbus signed the deal on the sidelines of the ILA air show in Berlin to mark the first step toward future collaboration on civil and military avionic systems, satellite communication systems, electro-optic and laser systems and secure radio communications, a joint statement released by the companies said.

The memorandum of understanding between Aselsan and British carmaker Rolls Royce, meanwhile, was aimed at exploring potential collaboration opportunities in engine control systems field, a separate statement read.

“We are very happy that our collaboration with Turkey’s leading defense electronics company is evolving in a positive manner,” Airbus Group International Senior Vice President Marco Miklis was quoted as saying in the statement.

More access to global markets

By joining forces through the agreement, both groups aim at gaining a distinct competitive edge in accessing new markets and further consolidating their position as leading avionics and aeronautics manufacturers. “We strongly believe that both companies have competitive products and solutions which can be applied to the Turkish and export markets.”

Aselsan Chairman of the Board Hasan Canpolat also said the partnership with French plane-maker would help Aselsan “achieve greater access to global markets.”

“We believe that the synergies generated through this long-term collaboration will deliver innovative solutions and contribute to the worldwide success of both our companies,” he said.

The collaboration framework will be institutionalized by creating a coordination committee and by setting up working groups represented by both parties, according to the statement.

It has further been agreed that the scope of cooperation may be expanded beyond the applications specified above.

Bob Stoddart, Rolls Royce president of customer business and defense, also said his company saw exciting opportunities with Aselsan around the areas of engine control systems and engine health monitoring after “very positive initial discussions” with the Turkish company’s team.

“This [memorandum of understanding] enables us to have a more meaningful discussion and explore potential future collaboration,” he said.

“Turkey is an important market for Rolls Royce and offers several exciting collaborative opportunities for our defense business in the areas of combat aircraft, helicopters and transport aircraft and the provision of support to our expanding engine fleet powering the Turkish Armed Forces,” he added.

Canpolat also drew attention to the importance of a partnership with Roll Royce, saying the synergy and solutions that would be created together would benefit both parties.