Undersecretariat for Defence Industries

Undersecretariat for Defence Industries
Name	Undersecretariat for Defence Industries
Native name	Savunma Sanayii Başkanlığı
Formation	1985
Headquarters	Ankara, Turkey
Leader title	President
Leader name	Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün
Parent organization	Presidency of the Republic of Turkey

Undersecretariat for Defence Industries The Undersecretariat for Defence Industries is a Turkish state institution responsible for coordinating procurement, research, and industrial policy for defense-related platforms and systems. It interacts with ministries and agencies such as the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey, Ministry of National Defence (Turkey), Turkish Armed Forces, and state-owned enterprises including TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries), ROKETSAN, and ASELSAN. The office plays a central role in shaping relationships with NATO allies such as United States Department of Defense, Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom), and regional partners like Qatar Emiri Air Force, Pakistan Armed Forces, and Azerbaijan Ministry of Defence.

Overview

The agency operates from headquarters in Ankara and implements policy across procurement, research and development, industrial participation, and export control frameworks. It engages with key defense primes such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Airbus, Raytheon Technologies, Thales Group, and regional firms including BMC (Turkey), STM (company), and Havelsan. The institution coordinates multinational programs linked to organizations like NATO, European Defence Agency, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and partners with academic institutions such as Middle East Technical University, Istanbul Technical University, and Bilkent University.

History

Established in 1985 during the administration of Turgut Özal, the office evolved alongside Turkish procurement reforms and industrialization drives. Key historical interactions include procurement episodes with Sikorsky Aircraft, General Dynamics, and license-production agreements with FN Herstal and OTAN-aligned suppliers. The post-2000 era saw intensified domestic development exemplified by projects with Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Council (TÜBİTAK), collaboration with European Defence Agency initiatives, and export negotiations involving Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.

Organization and Leadership

The leadership reports to the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey and liaises with cabinet-level actors such as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and ministers including Minister of National Defence (Turkey). Senior executives maintain relations with CEOs of ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries), Baykar Makina, and STM (company). The organizational structure includes directorates focused on procurement, R&D, industrialization, exports, and finance, interacting with public bodies like SAVRONIK-linked units, Turkish Exporters Assembly, and chambers such as Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey.

Responsibilities and Functions

Primary functions encompass acquisition programs for platforms like TAI T129 ATAK, Bayraktar TB2, Altay tank, and naval projects with Sedef Shipyard and Turkish Naval Forces Command. The office oversees offsets, technology transfer, and licensing with entities such as Siemens, MTU Aero Engines, and Pratt & Whitney. It administers industrial policy instruments involving Türk Traktor, Eti Maden, and defense research partnerships with TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center and ASELSAN Research Center.

Major Programs and Projects

Major projects administered include the indigenous Altay (tank), MİLGEM (Ada-class corvette), TF-X (MMU) fighter development with TRMotor and TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries), the Anka MALE UAS series, and missile programs with ROKETSAN such as the Cirit and SOM cruise missile. Naval collaborations include work with STM (company) on frigates and amphibious platforms, and the modernization of systems procured from Germany, Italy, and United States suppliers.

Domestic Defence Industry and Procurement

The agency advances localization through policies favoring consortiums that include ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries), Baykar Makina, BMC (Turkey), FNSS Savunma Sistemleri and SME networks tied to Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization (KOSGEB). Procurement frameworks align with legislation such as Public Procurement Law (Turkey), and coordination occurs with financial institutions like Turkish Export Credit Agency (Türk Eximbank) and development bodies including Kalkınma Bakanlığı.

International Cooperation and Export Controls

The office negotiates offset and co-production agreements with states and firms including United States, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan. It administers export licensing regimes related to multilateral regimes like the Wassenaar Arrangement and engages with European Union actors on dual-use controls. Notable export deals involved partners such as Ukraine, Libya, and Qatar, and interactions with companies like MBDA, Kongsberg, and Saab shaped technology transfers.

Criticisms and Controversies

The agency has faced scrutiny from domestic opposition parties such as Republican People's Party, Peoples' Democratic Party (Turkey), and Good Party over procurement transparency, offset audits, and export approvals. Internationally, disputes arose concerning transfers linked to Libya Crisis (2011–present), allegations examined in contexts involving European Parliament discussions and United Nations monitoring. Procurement controversies included debates over contracts with firms like BMC (Turkey), STM (company), and alleged circumvention of embargoes involving states such as Syria and Iraq.

Category:Defence industry organizations in Turkey