IDEF 2025 Series – Instalment 3 One of the more interesting announcements at IDEF 2025 wasn’t about a new missile or a shiny prototype—it was about branding. The transformation of the ULAQ unmanned surface vessel (USV) program into an independent company marks a notable, if somewhat predictable, shift in Turkey’s defense industry landscape. The ULAQ... Continue Reading →
Scoring at Sea: Koç Bilgi ve Savunma’s Underwater Precision Tech I must admit, I felt a twinge of nostalgia when I saw the Koç Bilgi ve Savunma booth at IDEF 2025. It’s been more than 15 years since I worked for the Koç Group, but the name still triggers memories—some fond, some mixed, as is... Continue Reading →
Held biennially in Istanbul, the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) has grown into one of the world's leading defence exhibitions—and a strategic stage for Turkey to showcase its expanding military-industrial capabilities. As the 2025 edition is now complete, I have the time to launch a multi-part series that takes a closer look at the things... Continue Reading →
This is the third and final part of my series examining Türkiye’s emerging ambition to build and operate nuclear-powered submarines. In Part 1, I explored why Türkiye wants this capability. Part 2 analyzed what it would take to achieve it. Now, I look at what it would cost—not just in monetary terms, but also politically... Continue Reading →
This is the second part of my series on Türkiye’s newly declared ambition to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. In Part 1, I discussed why Türkiye believes it needs this capability. In this instalment, I explore what it would take—from nuclear technology and shipbuilding infrastructure to international cooperation and human capital. Following the Turkish Navy’s newly stated... Continue Reading →
I recently conducted an interview with the Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu. The two-part interview is being published in Warship International Fleet Review Magazine. To read it in full, you'll need to access the magazine. One of the most significant revelations from the interview, in my view, is how the future... Continue Reading →
Today, Aselsan shared new information regarding the tests conducted with Gökberk mobile laser weapon system. Both Aselsan and Roketsan have significantly advanced laser weapon systems, enhancing defense capabilities against modern threats such as drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These systems, when fielded, will demonstrate the nation's commitment to integrating advanced technologies into its national... Continue Reading →
On 10 January 2025, Joseph H. Dempsey published a detailed analysis on the IISS Military Balance Blog, shedding light on North Korea’s latest naval development. Dempsey’s report highlights the construction of the country’s largest-ever warship, providing key insights into its design, potential capabilities, and strategic implications. This development aligns with the IISS's earlier assessment, confirming... Continue Reading →
Havelsan announced yesterday that it has successfully integrated its Advent Martı Command and Control System into the TCSG-553 aircraft of the Turkish Coast Guard Command. The TCSG-553 was originally equipped with Thales AMASCOS (Airborne Maritime Situation & Control System) and was commissioned under the Meltem II program in 2013. This program involved the integration of... Continue Reading →
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has many consequences. most are very apparent some are not so. The Royal Netherlands Navy is suffering from one of the disguised consequences of the war in the Black Sea. They cannot perform the acceptance trials of their latest combat support ship, HNLMS Den Helder, in the Black Sea as... Continue Reading →
