Page 45 - IDEF 2017

SSM should take the initiative and Production, investment and
open calls for the projects export works for 2017...
Turkish defence industry has taken major Bursa Aerospace and Defence Cluster
steps in the recent years through localization, Association operates under Bursa Chamber
genuine designing and R&D investments. of Commerce and Industry ( BTSO ). There
Thus, the local coverage ratio has reached are quite active companies in the cluster
nearly 60 percent in product assemblies. which both produce for SSM affiliate
However, there exist important shortages on companies and civil aviation sector and
semi-assembly and component basis. Those make export as well. In this sector, having
are like precise mechanics, MEMS, motors, some necessary certificates are compulsory.
internal combustion engines, etc., and of Therefore, we have started training and
course material. However, most of those consultation programmes for the cluster
necessities can be produced through genuine companies in order to take certificates.
designs and procured from local market. For On the other hand, overseas and domestic
instance, the industrial infrastructure of sectoral fair participations, B2B meetings
Bursa is at the level of covering 75 percent of have been going on. Defence sector reports
Turkish defence needs. The ambargo which is indicate that defence products exportation
recently started by some EU countries ( also of Bursa was folded in 2016. In this regard,
NATO allies ) against Turkey in importation the contibution of Economy Ministry URGE
of some defence products should motivate (Development of International Competition)
us to act more rapidly for taking measures in Programme and clustering activities can
this regard. I do not think that the SSM – side clearly been seen.
industry relationship is not at the required
level. SSM requests that new projects should Expectations from MSB, SSM and
be followed by the cluster companies and anniversary messages
companies should submit their proposals to The Ministry of Defence has been determinig
SSM. According to me, this is not so effective. and procuring the long-term and short-
Here, SSM should take the initiative and tertm needs of Turkish Army for 97 years
open calls for the projects. from local and foreign sources. However, the
fact of procuring long-term defence product
SSM should evaluate the infrastructure needs through genuine projects from local
of Turkish industrial infrastructure very sources has come on agenda by means
carefully through competence matrices of of SSM. Turkey has taken very significant
defence and aviation clusters and site visits. steps through SSM in regard of procuring
Projects which can be easily be carried out basic important products such as; fighter
by private sector should be left to private aircraft, training aircraft, helicopter, bombs,
sector by SSM. Thus, the product cost will be weapons, tank, battleship, satellite, etc,
decreased down. from local sources. Thus, our country has
taken place among weapon producing and
exporting countries.

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