Aselsan and FNSS Collaborate on New Self-Propelled Air Defence System
Work on the serial production phase of Turkey’s Self-Propelled Lao Altitude Air Defence Gun System (KORKUT) has begun; an agreement was inked in May 2016 by the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM) and Aselsan who, as prime contractor, signed a subcontract with FNSS on 2 December for delivery of the tracked platforms.
Both Weapon System (WSV) and Command and Control (C2) Vehicles (C2V) of the KORKUT system are based on the ACV-30 chassis, developed by FNSS for C2 and radar applications for gunfire support, artillery and air defence systems. ACV-30 is also used in the HISAR-A Low Altitude Air Defence Missile System. Its most remarkable feature – amphibious capability – sets KORKUT apart from other currently available medium calibre air defence gun systems.
The C2V mounts a 3D search radar that assigns threats to the WSV to be engaged by the twin 35mm cannon using fragmentation ammunition. One C2V and two WSVs were built by Aselsan and FNSS subsequent to their development agreement in June 2011 and final acceptance tests were concluded in October 2016.
The series production programme will deliver completed vehicles in the ratio of one C2V to three WSVs and FNSS plans to deliver the initial batch of ACV-30s to Aselsan in May 2018.
KORKUT will be the second air defence system for the Turkish Armed Forces to have been indigenously developed, the first being the PEDESTAL MOUNTED STINGER system.
