The SAHA EXPO International Defence & Aerospace Exhibition held in Istanbul on October 22-23, 2024, presented a wide range of cutting-edge defence technologies, with a particular emphasis on innovations from Turkish defence giants like Aselsan. This event provided a platform for showcasing the technological advancements that are redefining modern warfare and security measures, emphasizing areas such as armored vehicle enhancements, air defence systems, drone mitigation solutions, and integrated systems for the battlefield. This article offers a detailed exploration of the notable technologies displayed at the expo, focusing on their capabilities, applications, and the role they play in enhancing defence mechanisms in both national and international contexts.
Altay Main Battle Tank Systems: Advanced Fire Control and Defence
The Altay Main Battle Tank (MBT), one of the flagship programs featured at the exhibition, exemplifies Turkey’s capability to design and manufacture sophisticated armored vehicles. The tank is equipped with the Volkan-II fire control system and the Akkor active protection system, both developed by Aselsan, which play a crucial role in ensuring superior performance under challenging combat conditions.
The Volkan-II fire control system is designed to improve targeting accuracy and stabilization during firing sequences. The system features advanced sensors, ballistic computation, and target-tracking algorithms that allow the tank to effectively engage moving targets under various environmental conditions. Volkan-II’s modular design means that it can be adapted to other tank platforms, including German Leopard 1 and Leopard 2, as well as American M48 and M60 tanks, showcasing its versatility.
The Akkor active protection system, integrated into the Altay tank, provides a critical layer of defence against modern threats, such as anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and top-attack munitions. Akkor operates through two rotating launchers mounted on the turret, each equipped with counter-munitions capable of intercepting incoming threats before they can strike the vehicle. The system’s ability to engage multiple threats simultaneously, including FPV (First-Person View) drones and suicide drones, highlights its adaptability to evolving battlefield dynamics. The emergence of these aerial threats, as demonstrated in recent conflicts, has underscored the necessity for active protection measures like Akkor, which are now seen as indispensable for armored vehicle survivability.
ALTAY TANK TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONSTechnical features of the NEW ALTAY Tank, which is designed with the most modern technology and provides superiority over its competitors
MOVEMENT ABILITY
| Maximum Speed | 65 km/s |
| Land Speed | 45 km/s |
| Unprepared Shallow Water Crossing | 1,2 m |
| Prepared Deep Water Passage | 2,2 m |
| Prepared Underwater Transition | 4 m |
| Side Slope | %30 |
| Climbing Ability | %60 |
| Maximum Power | 1500 BG |
| Motor | 12 Cylinder Electronically Controlled Diesel |
| Transmission | 6 Forward, 3 Reverse – Automatic Control |
| Suspension | Electronically Controlled ISU Suspension UnitsAutomatic Track Tension Adjustment Capability |
| Working Temperature | -32 °C / +52 °C |
| Crew | Tank Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver(4 Crew) |
FIREPOWER
| 120 mm L55 Yellow – Setsiz (Smoothbore) Ana Silah | Ability to Fire Stanag 4385 Compatible AmmunitionLaser Guided Missile Firing Capability |
| 7.62 mm Coaxial Machine Gun | |
| Fire Control System | 360 Degree Rotatable Independent Commander PeriscopePrecise Optical StabilizationTV/Thermal Vision and Laser Rangefinder Capability (Separately for Commander and Gunner)Hunter-Strike SkillAutomatic Target TrackingElectric Gun/Turret Power System |
| Remote Controlled Weapon System | Suitable Infrastructure for the Use of 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm Mk.Tf. and 40 mm Grenade LaunchersThermal / TV Vision and Laser Rangefinding CapabilityAutomatic Target Tracking |
AUXILIARY SYSTEMS
| Tank Driver Vision System |
| Close Range Surveillance System |
| Auxiliary Power Group |
| Tank Crew Training System |
COMMAND CONTROL
| Multi-Band Digital Joint Radio |
| Tank Command Control Communication Information System |
| New Generation Internal Communication System |
Upgrades and Modernization Packages for Legacy Platforms
Aselsan has also demonstrated its expertise in the modernization of legacy platforms, offering comprehensive upgrades for tanks such as the German Leopard series and the American M48 and M60. The modernization programs include the integration of advanced fire control systems, electronic warfare suites, communication packages, and active protection systems. The upgraded M60T and M60TM tanks, which are equipped with various components produced by Aselsan, reflect the company’s ability to significantly enhance the capabilities of older platforms, ensuring they remain effective on modern battlefields.
The modernization process involves the integration of new electronic and optical systems that improve situational awareness, targeting precision, and survivability. These upgrades extend the service life of these platforms, providing a cost-effective solution for countries seeking to maintain a capable armored force without the financial burden of procuring entirely new fleets of tanks.
Korkut Air Defence System: Effective Drone Mitigation
The Korkut air defence system, another prominent technology displayed at SAHA EXPO 2024, is an example of Aselsan’s commitment to addressing emerging aerial threats. The system is designed to counter a wide range of airborne targets, including drones, cruise missiles, and low-flying aircraft. The Korkut system is equipped with 35mm automatic cannons that utilize intelligent, programmable munitions to effectively engage and neutralize these threats.
The increasing prevalence of drone swarms and kamikaze drones on the battlefield has necessitated the development of cost-effective countermeasures. The Korkut system, with its rapid-fire cannons and advanced target acquisition capabilities, provides an efficient solution for dealing with such threats. Compared to missile-based air defence systems, Korkut offers a more economical approach, particularly when dealing with large numbers of relatively inexpensive drone targets. Its adaptability is further demonstrated by its integration into various platforms, including tracked, wheeled, and even naval carriers. The naval variant, known as GÖKDENİZ, is currently in use by the Turkish Navy, providing an additional layer of protection for naval assets against similar aerial threats.
Below is a detailed table summarizing the key features and capabilities of the Korkut SSA (Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun System):
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 35 mm Gun Turret | Equipped with twin 35 mm automatic cannons, each capable of a firing rate of 550 rounds per minute, providing a combined firing speed of 2 x 550 rpm. This high rate of fire is effective against a variety of aerial targets, including drones and cruise missiles. |
| Air Burst Ammunition | The system effectively uses Air Burst Ammunition (ABA) to engage and neutralize fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, cruise missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). ABA ensures greater coverage and lethality by detonating in proximity to the target, increasing the probability of successful target neutralization. |
| Automatic Linkless Ammunition Feed Mechanism (ALAFM) | The Korkut SSA features an Automatic Linkless Ammunition Feed Mechanism, which enables the simultaneous loading of two different types of ammunition into the magazine. This unique capability allows for rapid switching between ammunition types, taking less than 15 seconds to change, providing flexibility in response to varying target profiles. |
| Stabilized Gun Turret | The gun turret is stabilized, allowing for effective target tracking and firing while on the move. This feature is crucial for maintaining engagement accuracy in dynamic battlefield environments, particularly when the platform is in motion. |
| Automatic Target Tracking | Integrated with an advanced Tracking Platform that includes a Tracking Radar and Electro-Optical (E/O) Sensors. These components work together to automatically detect, track, and engage targets with high precision. The combination of radar and optical sensors ensures accurate target acquisition under diverse operational conditions, including day and night engagements and adverse weather scenarios. |
Hisar Air Defence Systems and the Steel Dome Concept
The Hisar family of air defence systems, consisting of the Hisar A and Hisar O, represents Turkey’s multi-layered approach to air defence. The Hisar A is a short-range system with an effective range of up to 15 kilometers, while the Hisar O provides medium-range coverage of up to 40 kilometers. Both systems are designed to protect military assets and critical infrastructure from a variety of airborne threats, including aircraft, helicopters, and missiles.
At SAHA EXPO 2024, it was announced that Hisar systems have been in serial production since 2021 and are actively deployed by the Turkish Armed Forces. The development of these systems is part of a broader effort to create a comprehensive air defence network capable of addressing both conventional and asymmetric threats. The Hisar systems are also integral components of the “Steel Dome” concept—a multi-layered airspace control system that integrates early warning radars, electronic warfare capabilities, and various air defence platforms to provide a robust shield against aerial attacks.
The expansion of the Hisar program includes efforts to extend the effective range of the Hisar O system, enhancing its ability to engage threats at greater distances. Negotiations are also underway with multiple countries interested in procuring the Hisar systems, reflecting their growing reputation as a reliable and effective air defence solution.
| Category | Feature/Description |
|---|---|
| General Purpose | Medium Range Air Defense Missile System dedicated to defending stationary forces and critical assets. |
| Threats Addressed | – Fighters – Helicopters – UAVs – Cruise Missiles – Air-to-Surface Missiles |
| Capabilities | – Target detection, classification, identification, and tracking – Command & control – Fire control functions |
| Architecture | Distributed and flexible |
| Battery Composition | – Battery level Fire Control Center (FCC) – Battery level Radar – Electro-Optical System – TDLCS – Missile Launching Systems |
| Battery Autonomy | Autonomous detection, tracking, identification, command, and fire control functions. |
| Battalion Composition | – Battalion level Fire Control Center (FCC) – Battalion level Radar – Three HİSAR O+ Batteries – Tactical Data Link Connection System – Support Vehicles |
| Battalion FCC Functions | – Produces integrated air picture using information from radar and batteries. – Performs threat evaluation and assignment for batteries. |
| Technological Foundation | – State-of-the-art technology – Open hardware and software architecture to accommodate future advancements. |
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Air Defense Execution | – Distributed architecture – Flexible deployment |
| Mission Planning | At both battery and battalion levels |
| Command & Control Management | Distribution and management of command information |
| Integrated Air Picture | Provides a comprehensive air picture by fusing radar and battery data |
| Target Interception | – Infrared Imaging (IIR) and Radio Frequency (RF) missiles – 360° threat destruction via vertical launchers |
| Engagements | – Multiple target engagements – Successive firing capability |
| Midcourse Guidance | Data link-supported midcourse guidance |
| Operational Conditions | Effective in day, night, and adverse weather conditions |
| Navigation | Utilizes global positioning and navigation systems |
| System Communication | – Wired or wireless – Compatible with Turkish Armed Forces C2 units via Link 1/Link 11B/Link 16 tactical data links and JREAP |
| Target Tracking | – Automatic with Electro-Optical (EO) sensors |
| IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) | Integrated system |
| Threat Evaluation | Automatic threat evaluation and weapon assignment |
| Radar Fusion | Multi-target and multi-radar data fusion |
| Embedded Systems | – Embedded simulation – Built-in testing |
| Maintenance | Effective Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) and maintenance functions |
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| System Interception Range | 25 km |
| Ready-to-Fire Missiles | ≥ 18 (Battery Level), ≥ 54 (Battalion Level) |
| Fighter Detection & Tracking Range | 40-60 km |
| Number of Tracks | > 60 targets |
Electronic Warfare and Drone Countermeasures
In response to the evolving nature of threats on the modern battlefield, Aselsan has developed a range of electronic warfare (EW) systems designed to counter drones and other unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The use of radio-electronic warfare to disrupt communication links and navigation systems of drones provides a non-kinetic means of neutralizing these threats. Aselsan’s EW systems are capable of jamming and deceiving adversary drones, rendering them ineffective or forcing them to abort their missions.
In addition to EW systems, Aselsan is also developing Hard Kill solutions to physically destroy drones when electronic measures are insufficient. These solutions include kinetic effectors, such as laser systems and the aforementioned Korkut artillery system, which use intelligent munitions to engage and destroy drones. The combination of electronic and kinetic countermeasures provides a comprehensive approach to drone mitigation, ensuring that ground troops and critical assets are protected from the growing threat posed by unmanned systems.
Multinational Collaboration and Technology Transfer
One of the key themes of SAHA EXPO 2024 was the emphasis on multinational collaboration and technology transfer. Aselsan, as Turkey’s leading defence company, has expressed its readiness to cooperate with European countries, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, to develop and integrate advanced defence technologies. The company’s experience with a wide range of platforms, including German, American, and indigenous Turkish systems, positions it as a valuable partner for countries seeking to enhance their defence capabilities.
Aselsan’s willingness to engage in technology transfer and joint development projects is particularly significant for countries looking to build their domestic defence industries. By collaborating with local partners, Aselsan aims to not only supply advanced systems but also contribute to the development of local expertise and production capabilities. This approach not only strengthens bilateral defence relations but also supports the long-term goal of achieving greater self-sufficiency in defence production.
The recent opening of an Aselsan office in Poland underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in Europe. Discussions with Polish companies have focused on areas such as radio-electronic warfare, unmanned systems, and surveillance technologies. The potential for cooperation extends beyond supplying equipment to the Polish Armed Forces, with the possibility of jointly developing solutions for third-party customers, further enhancing the strategic partnership between Turkey and Poland.
Future Directions and Emerging Technologies
The technologies showcased at SAHA EXPO 2024 highlight the ongoing evolution of modern warfare and the need for adaptable, multi-layered defence solutions. Aselsan’s focus on developing integrated systems that combine fire control, active protection, air defence, and electronic warfare capabilities reflects the changing nature of threats on the battlefield. The increasing use of drones, the need for cost-effective air defence, and the importance of protecting armored vehicles from advanced anti-tank weapons are all driving the development of new technologies and concepts.
The “Steel Dome” concept, which integrates various air defence and electronic warfare systems into a cohesive network, represents a significant step forward in airspace control and protection. By providing multiple layers of defence, the Steel Dome aims to address a wide range of threats, from traditional aircraft and missiles to the more recent challenges posed by drone swarms and kamikaze drones. The integration of early warning radars, communication jammers, and kinetic effectors ensures that the system can respond effectively to both conventional and asymmetric threats.
Aselsan’s continued investment in research and development is also evident in its work on new capabilities for the Akkor active protection system. The ability to protect armored vehicles from top-attack munitions and FPV drones is becoming increasingly important as adversaries develop more sophisticated anti-tank weapons. The announcement of new capabilities for Akkor, aimed at providing full protection against these emerging threats, underscores Aselsan’s commitment to staying at the forefront of defence technology.
In conclusion, the SAHA EXPO 2024 International Defence & Aerospace Exhibition showcased a wide array of advanced technologies that are shaping the future of defence. From the Altay Main Battle Tank’s Volkan-II fire control and Akkor protection systems to the Korkut air defence system and the Hisar multi-layered air defence network, Aselsan’s innovations are providing critical capabilities for modern militaries. The emphasis on multinational collaboration, technology transfer, and the development of integrated solutions reflects the evolving nature of defence requirements and the need for adaptable, cost-effective systems that can address a wide range of threats.
The technologies presented at SAHA EXPO 2024 highlight the importance of a multi-faceted approach to defence, combining kinetic and electronic solutions to protect against both conventional and asymmetric threats. Aselsan’s role as a leading developer of these technologies positions it as a key player in the global defence industry, offering solutions that enhance the capabilities of armed forces around the world.
Copyright of debuglies.com
Even partial reproduction of the contents is not permitted without prior authorization – Reproduction reserved
