US to be approached for engines for Hürjet and Kaan aircraft

The S-400 crisis, which has long been a subject of debate between Turkey and the US, and Turkey's subsequent removal from the F-35 program, have once again moved to the top of the agenda. Most recently, according to claims in the Greek media, it was alleged that the US had conveyed a proposal to Turkey to deploy the S-400s to Incirlik Air Base.

Although it was stated that Turkey would be readmitted to the F-35 program with this proposal, Ankara denied these reports. Nevertheless, it is known that Turkey has faced difficulties even in the procurement of F-16s, yet continues to maintain its desire to return to the F-35 program. On the other hand, Russia's statement that it does not approve of Turkey's attempt to sell the S-400s to a third country also remains on the agenda.

Journalist Murat Yetkin, in his article evaluating the latest developments, drew attention to the problems in Turkey's defense industry. "We have to buy engines from the US company General Electric for both aircraft; we want F-110 engines for Kaan and F-404 engines for Hürjet, provided that Congress approves, of course. The only problem in the field of domestic and national defense industry is not just the S-400 and F-35. Foreign dependency in engine production is a major source of trouble," wrote Yetkin, emphasizing that the engines for Turkey's national combat aircraft projects, Kaan and Hürjet, must be supplied from the US.

'DOMESTIC AND NATIONAL DEFENSE INDUSTRY RHETORIC DOES NOT REFLECT REALITY'

Another issue Yetkin highlighted is the setbacks in the Altay Tank project. Reminding that the project began in 2000, Yetkin stated that the tank's engine still cannot be produced, that some progress has been made thanks to engines purchased from South Korea, but that serious problems persist regarding domestic engine production. He also stated that conflicts among capital groups close to the AKP have slowed down the project.

"The rhetoric of a domestic and national defense industry does not reflect reality," said Yetkin, who, while acknowledging that Turkey has achieved certain successes in unmanned aerial vehicles and naval forces, underscored that it remains dependent on foreign sources for engine production. Reminding that all engines used in warships produced under the MİLGEM project, in Atak helicopters, and in the BAYKAR Akıncı are purchased from foreign countries, Yetkin said, "No matter how advanced technology circuits you design, you cannot be fully domestic and national without getting rid of foreign dependency in engine production."

News Source: 12punto