Improving the Short-Range Air Defence Capabilities of the Turkish Army

Aselsan recently announced successful conclusion of development programmes for the KORKUT Self Propelled Air Defence Gun System, the Air Defence Fire Control System (FCS) and 35mm Modernised Towed Gun. Qualification tests for the 35mm airburst ammunition developed for the Next-Generation Air Defence Gun were also completed, according to the company.

Aselsan’s air defence systems have been developed under a contract concluded with the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM) in 2010 and have proven their effectiveness against modern air launched weapons and UAVs, with firing trials conducted in 2015. Systems delivered in 2016 are significantly improving the Turkish Army’s short-range air defence capabilities.

The KORKUT self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) project covers the procurement of 42 Weapon System Vehicle (SSA, to replace existing aged M-42A1/A2 DUSTER WALKER systems) and 14 C2 Vehicle (KKA), all based on the FNSS ACV-30 Armoured Combat Vehicle chassis. On 25 June 2011, Aselsan, main contractor for the SPAAG programme, awarded a tracked carrier vehicle development contract to FNSS for the design, development and production of one KKA and two SSA chassis within two years. After delivery and successful qualification of the initial systems, a series production contract for KORKUT was signed between SSM and Aselsan in May 2016.

Aselsan’s proposal for the serial production of the FCS, the 35mm Modernised Towed Gun and the associated airburst ammunition has been submitted to SSM and contracts are expected to be signed in the first half of 2017. FCS is designed for effective low-altitude air defence of military bases and critical assets, controlling 35mm towed air defence guns – also modernised by Aselsan – and the Low Altitude Air Defence Missile Launching System being developed by Aselsan under the HISAR programme.