More than 50 Turkish companies to attend international defense fair in Paris

ANKARA

Some 59 Turkish defense companies are set to attend the international land and air defense and security exhibition in Paris next week, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

Eurosatory 2018, held on June 11-15, is expected to host more than 55,000 visitors from more than 100 countries.

The Turkish defense sector will be present at the fair under the coordination of the Defense Industry Undersecretariat (SSM) and Turkey’s Defense Industry Exporters’ Union (SSI), the agency reported.

Various national products such as armored ground vehicles, weapons, electronic and missile systems, simulators, military textile goods and equipment, as well as logistics products will be showcased.

The delegates will hold meetings with other contractors and delegates, particularly those from France.

The fair comes amid controversy over Ankara’s ordering of S-400 missile systems from Russia, which has caused dispute with its NATO ally, the U.S., from which Turkey has also bought F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets.

Turkey’s armored vehicles to debut in Paris defense fair

Turkish defense industry producer BMC will exhibit six armored military vehicles at an international exhibition in Paris.

The vehicles will be showcased in a 700-square-meter stall at the Eurosatory Fair, which will kick off on June 11 and end on June 16.

BMC is one of Turkey’s 59 defense companies that will attend the international land and air defense and security exhibition, which is expected to host more than 55,000 visitors from more than 100 countries.

The Istanbul-based company’s mine-resistant ambush protected and multi-purpose vehicles Kirpi, Amazon and Vuran as well as a special production armored truck will be displayed at the fair.

An ambulance version of Kirpi II with a capacity for eight seats and two stretchers will also make its debut at the exhibition.

However, Vuran will make its debut, with its specially manufactured 120 millimeter (4.7 inches) automatic howitzer system ALKAR, which was developed by Turkey’s leading defense firm Aselsan.

In ALKAR, the bullet is loaded automatically into the chamber. The advanced speed and precise electromechanical turret system can turn the barrel 360 degrees and the system can shoot at a high-barrel angle. Due to the originally developed recoil mechanism in the howitzer, the pressure caused by the shooting is minimized. This feature allows the system to be used in different vehicles with wheels and palettes.

A new 4x4 tactical wheeled armored truck named “285” will also make its first appearance. The vehicle can carry nine tons of lightweight and has 10 tons of payload. It can travel at a speed of 90 kilometers per hour and has 285 horsepower.

In addition, BMC’s Amazon will be exhibited with its special remote-control system. 

Amazon was first introduced during a military drill in May in Turkey. Its new version will be displayed at the fair.