Page 73 - IDEF 2017

Turkish Defence Industry industry based on national resources. In
Historical Development 1974 Turkish Armed Forces Foundation was
established with this understanding in mind
General: and several investments, though limited,
The first initiative to establish a defence were initiated.
industry in Turkey dates back to the period
of the Ottoman Empire. Standing strong 1923-1950
up until the 17th century, defense industry Machinery, craftsmen and workmen
couldn’t keep up with the technological transferred discretely from İstanbul and
developments in Europe since the 18th its surroundings at the end of World War
century and totally lost its impact starting 1 played a crucial role in winning the War
from World War 1. of Independence. Small scale and simple
workshops in Ankara and environs and
Thus, there was no significant defence Erzurum not only provided light weapons
industry infrastructure during the first years and ammunition but also helped lay the
of the Republic and the endeavors were foundation for a sound local defence
limited to the establishment of a few facilities industry infrastructure.
near Ankara during the Independence War.
Acknowledging that defence industry is a General Directorate of Military Facilities
part of the overall industrialization and was set up in 1921. Establishing a weaponry
development, the government decided to and ammunition production capability was
support and guide defence industry during discussed for the first time during the İzmir
the first planning period. However despite Congress of Economics. Consequently a
some important ventures in ammunition, number of facilities were set up in Ankara
weaponry and aircraft production, a solid and its surroundings between 1924 and 1943.
infrastructure could not be established due In addition, a privately owned small facility
to adverse internal and external factors. producing pistols, 81 mm mortar and its
ammunition, explosives and pyrotechnics,
Besides administrative and financial provided support to the Turkish Armed Forces
difficulties in maintaining and improving during World War 2. In the meantime Gölcük
national capabilities, scarce national Shipyard was set up for the maintenance
resources as well as procurement policies of Yavuz battle cruiser in 1924 and Taşkızak
proved insufficient to fulfil defence Shipyard was reactivated in 1941.
equipment needs of the Turkish Armed
Forces. In the post World War 2 era, attempts Turkish aviation industry was set in motion
at defense production came to a complete with the establishment of Tayyare ve Motor
halt as a result of the foreign military aid Türk AŞ (TamTAŞ) in 1926. The facilities of
received upon improvement of bilateral TamTAŞ in Kayseri started production in
relations with the United States and Turkey’s 1928 and until 1939, a total of 112 aircraft
NATO membership. –15 German Junkers A-20s, 15 US Hawk
fighters, 10 US Fledging trainers, 15 German
However, regional problems Turkey faced in Gotha liaison aircraft –were produced.
the 1960’s, Cyprus crises in 1963 and 1967, the After completion of the maintenance of the
Cyprus Peace Operation in 1974 and the arms aircraft in the inventory of the Turkish Air
embargo following the Peace Operation Force Command, TamTAŞ suspended aircraft
necessitated the development of a defence production in 1939.

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