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The article reports on the contract awarded by the Turkish defense ministry to Telespazio to design, build and launch a submetric optical-imaging spacecraft. The satellite itself, to be launched by the end of 2011 and commissioned early the following year, will be built by Thales Alenia Space, which is also part of the Space Alliance. Telespazio will also supply the entire ground segment, including satellite control and data acquisition/processing facilities, along with a satellite integration and test center.

The article deals with the design changes introduced by AgustaWestland for its 8-metric-ton-class AW149 troop transport helicopter The aggressive pace of activity has been prompted by the need for the company to secure a possible $2-billion launch order for the rotorcraft in Turkey. According to AgustaWestland Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Giuseppe Orsi, the compony is offering the AW149 configuration for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Program (TUHP) as a codevelopment with Turkish industry.

The article reports that the Turkish defense ministry and Alenia Aeronautica SpA are aiming to sign a contract before year-end for the acquisition of 10 military variants of the ATR 72. The ministry announced that it had selected the ATR 72 to meet its maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) requirement. Turkey would be the launch customer for the aircraft in the ASW configuration, which will be fitted with a Thales mission system suite. Alenia faced competition from EADS offering a variant of the CASA C-295, and Bombardier's maritime version of the Dash 8. The aircraft will be fitted with the Thales Amascos mission system suite that Turkey has already ordered.

The article considers the aerospace and defense industries in Turkey. Turkey's increased purchases of military equipment from domestic companies in those industries is discussed, as is an increase in exports by both industries in 2009-2010. Development of turboprop trainer planes and military helicopters by the company Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. is among the examples cited.

The article looks at the T129 ATAK attack helicopter developed by the company Turkish Aerospace Industries used by the Turkish Armed Forces. Topics include Pakistani interest in the helicopters, and additional features including the Cyryt 70-mm rocket and the anti-tank Umtas long-range missile.

The article discusses the military aeronautics ambitions of Turkey, as of May 2011. The Turkish Aerospace Industries firm was conducting a feasibility study, on behalf of the government, investigating whether the country could develop its own fighter jet program, or would be better served by purchasing an existing product. Plans for military satellites are also described.

The article deals with the scheduled initial flight of Turkey's T-129 demonstrator attack helicopter in the summer of 2009. The helicopter is an AgustaWestland derivative of its AW129, featuring Turkish modifications, that is manufactured in part with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). Turkey's Army plans to acquire 50 of the attack helicopters, with an option for another 41.

The article discusses the efforts of the Turkish government to modernize its defense capabilities and strengthen its defense industry. The modernization drive is being pushed in large part by the Turkish defense ministry's undersecretariat for defense industry (SSM). SSM chief Murad Bayar states that the goal is to push domestic content in Turkish procurements to 50% by 2010 from the 25% level in 2003.

The article reports on the funding of the Production Sustainment and Follow-on Development (PSFD) phase of the U.S. Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, which involves appropriations from the governments of Italy, Great Britain and Turkey. Italian defense sources suggest their country will invest around $1 billion over the 40-year PSFD period. Great Britain and Turkey are expected to allocate sizable budget for the U.S. project.

The article reports that Turkey expects to decide on a new trainer aircraft this year. The Turkish program is specifying a tandem-seat configuration and single turboprop propulsion system. At first, there were discussions between Turkey and the U.S. about a foreign military sales purchase of the Raytheon T-6A Texan II, which the Pentagon is buying under its Joint Primary Aircraft Training System project. In the long run it is anticipated that Turkey will buy an advanced jet trainer for which the Korea Aircraft Industries/Lockheed Martin T-50 and the Italian M346 trainer are seen as strong candidates.

This article reports that Turkey is being offered full partnership in the Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft program. With a Greek deal to purchase the Typhoon near moribund, Eurofighter is turning its attention to Athens' Aegean neighbor as it seeks export sales. Irrespective of Ankara's recent $1.1-billion investment in a Lockheed Martin F-16 upgrade program and Turkey's interest in the F-35, industry executives involved with the Typhoon believe there is an opportunity for the aircraft. The tactic is to position the Typhoon as a complement, rather than a competitor, to the Joint Strike Fighter. In addition to the technology transfer, Turkey would be given source-code software for the Typhoon's avionics and combat systems.

The article discusses highlights at the biennial International Defense (IDEF) exhibition which was held in Istanbul, Turkey in May 2011. Data from the defense industry secretariat showed that domestic military equipment amounted to 25 percent of the country's procurement in 2003, 42 percent in 2008 and 52 percent in 2010. The event witnessed the debut of Claw, a remotely operated weapon station (ROWS).