fatman17
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World air forces, Turkey
Date Posted: 14-Jul-2010
Jane's World Air Forces
Turkey - Air Force
Summary
Assessment
Deployments, tasks and operations
Role and Deployment
Recent and Current Operations
Command and control
Organisation
Order of Battle
Operational Art and Tactical Doctrine
Bases
Training
Training Areas
Air force procurement
Combat
Transport
Utility
C4ISR
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Air Defence
Missiles and Weapon Systems
Trainer
Modernisation
Equipment in service
Fixed Wing
Rotary Wing
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Missiles
Turkey - Air Force
Summary
STRENGTH
60,100
COMBAT AIRCRAFT
F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-4E Phantom II, RF-4E Phantom II
TRANSPORT
C-130 Hercules, Transall C.160D, Airbus Military CN-235M
TANKER-TRANSPORT
KC-135R Stratotanker
Assessment
The Turkish Air Force (Türk Hava Kuvvetleri - THK) is a major operator of the F-16. Procurement of 240 examples concluded in 2000. Another 30 form the subject of purchasing plans revealed in 2007, while many of the older machines are to be upgraded to the latest configuration by 2016. Pilots and other personnel are trained to a high standard and have considerable expertise in operation of the F-16, to the stage where tuition in flying the aircraft is provided to personnel from outside Turkey.
To support the F-16 fleet, Turkey embarked on two major programmes to upgrade other aircraft. One programme, completed in 2003, involved modernising 54 F-4E Phantoms, while the other entailed the upgrade of nearly 70 ageing F-5s for use as lead-in fighter trainers.
Advanced Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) capability was due to be added from 2009 with the delivery of four Boeing 737 AEW&C aircraft that were ordered in 2003. However, these have been subject to delay and delivery of the first aircraft to the operating unit at Konya (131 Squadron) is not now expected until 2010 at the earliest.
Turkey's air arm has been moving steadily towards its strategic goal of establishing and sustaining air superiority over Turkey, while simultaneously developing the capability to operate deep inside enemy territory by deploying F-16s supported by tanker aircraft and advanced reconnaissance systems. In recent years, Turkey has acquired advanced missile armament, such as the air-to-air AIM-120B AMRAAM and air-to-surface AGM-84K SLAM-ER.
Looking to the future, Turkey is committed to the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) programme as a Level 3 participant, with the F-35 destined to begin replacing older examples of the F-16 Fighting Falcon from around 2015.
Of the current personnel strength of around 60,000, over half (31,500) are conscripts.
Deployments, tasks and operations
Role and Deployment
The mission of the THK is the general air defence of Turkey. It is also tasked with the support of land forces and performing necessary duties in the NATO context.
The THK Command replaced its 'Turkish Armed Forces Air Concept' with the new 'Aerospace and Missile Defence Concept' in March 2002 as part of its plans to establish a National Space Board (NSB). The latter agency will constitute the legal framework for the acceleration of Turkey's efforts to acquire costly anti-ballistic missile systems. Under the new concept, the THK has responsibility for overall air defence of the country.
Diyarbakir is the main administrative city for Turkey's troubled south-eastern region and combat aircraft from this air base were employed against Partiya Karker Kurdistan (PKK - Kurdistan Worker's Party) guerrillas during the period when major insurgency operations were in progress. F-16 Fighting Falcons and F-4 Phantoms, as well as army AH-1 HueyCobra and SuperCobra gunships were used to bombard PKK positions as a prelude to land operations by Turkish Army troops.
Recent and Current Operations
Turkey deployed a squadron of 18 F-16 Fighting Falcons to Ghedi, Italy, as part of the NATO forces taking part in Operation 'Deny Flight', which focused on Former Yugoslavia. The THK has also been involved with the International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, which was commanded by Turkey for six months from February 2002, and for another six months from February 2005. Turkey also contributed a C-130 transport to NATO's support for the Africa Union mission in Darfur.
Turkish F-16 fighter aircraft equipped with the Lockheed Martin Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) pods, as well as F-4E 2020 Phantom multirole fighters, have been bombing PKK targets in northern Iraq since December 2007. This became possible when the US began supplying Turkey with real-time intelligence - via MQ-1 Predator UAVs, satellites and U-2 reconnaissance aircraft - that has contributed significantly to pinpointing PKK targets.
Command and control
Commander of Air Force: General Hasan Aksay
Chief of the General Staff: General Ìlker Basbug
Higher Levels of Command for the Turkish Air Force
0554872
Organisation
THK headquarters at Ankara maintain overall control of two tactical air force commands, as well as Air Training Command, Air Logistics Command and a sizeable transport force. The Tactical Air Force Commands (at Eskisehir in the west and Diyarbakir in the east) constitute the primary combat power of the THK. They control a dozen combat squadrons with an attack or air defence role, distributed between seven air bases and deploying F-16 Fighting Falcons and F-4E Phantoms. In addition, one reconnaissance squadron is equipped with the RF-4E Phantom. Other elements include a tactics training squadron with examples of both the F-4 and F-16 and a Lead-In Fighter Training (LIFT) unit with the F-5.
The THK operates a fleet of upgraded F-4E-2020 Phantoms
Transport resources are divided between Etimesgut and Erkilet/Kayseri; the former has one CN-235 light transport squadron and a VIP unit, while the latter has single squadrons equipped with the Transall and C-130 Hercules, as well as a training squadron with the CN-235. Airlift capability can be augmented by the KC-135R Stratotanker, which equips one squadron at Incirlik, although this is primarily concerned with aerial refuelling.
Air Training Command has five dedicated training squadrons as well as a range of other units, including the Air Force Academy, Air Corps School and Technical Training Centre, Air Language School and Airmen Training Brigade Command. Aircraft employed by this command include the T-37, T-38, T-41 and SF-260.
In terms of ground-based air defence, the THK deploys four squadrons with Nike Hercules Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) and two squadrons of Rapier SAMs.
Order of Battle
1 TAKTIK HAVA KUVVETI KOMUTANLIGI, Eskisehir
Unit Base Type Role
201 Squadron1 Eskisehir CN-235M Communications
201 Squadron1 Eskisehir Cougar Search and Rescue
1 Main Jet Base Eskisehir
111 Squadron Eskisehir F-4E 2020 Attack
112 Squadron Eskisehir F-4E Air Defence
113 Squadron Eskisehir RF-4E Reconnaissance
3 Main Jet Base Konya
131 Squadron Konya Boeing 7372 Airborne Early Warning & Control
132 Squadron Konya F-4E 2020 Tactical Training
132 Squadron Konya F-16C Tactical Training
132 Squadron Konya F-16D Tactical Training
133 Squadron Konya F-5A 2000 Lead-In Fighter Training
133 Squadron Konya NF-5A 2000 Lead-In Fighter Training
133 Squadron Konya F-5B 2000 Lead-In Fighter Training
133 Squadron Konya NF-5B 2000 Lead-In Fighter Training
134 Akrotim Squadron Konya NF-5A 2000 Display Team
134 Akrotim Squadron Konya NF-5B 2000 Display Team
Search-and-Rescue Flight Konya Cougar Search and Rescue / Communications
4 Main Jet Base Akinci
141 Squadron Akinci F-16C Multirole Fighter
141 Squadron Akinci F-16D Continuation Training
142 Squadron Akinci F-16C OCU
142 Squadron Akinci F-16D OCU
143 Squadron Akinci F-16C Conversion Training
143 Squadron Akinci F-16D Conversion Training
6 Main Jet Base Bandirma
161 Squadron Bandirma F-16C Attack
161 Squadron Bandirma F-16D Continuation Training
162 Squadron Bandirma F-16C Multirole Fighter
162 Squadron Bandirma F-16D Continuation Training
Search-and-Rescue Flight Bandirma Cougar Search and Rescue / Communications
9 Main Jet Base Balikesir
191 Squadron Balikesir F-16C Multirole Fighter
191 Squadron Balikesir F-16D Continuation Training
192 Squadron Balikesir F-16C Multirole Fighter
192 Squadron Balikesir F-16D Continuation Training
Notes:
Supports both 1 Main Jet Base and co-located 1 Tactical Air Force Command headquarters.
Not presently equipped; delivery anticipated in 2010.
2 TAKTIK HAVA KUVVETI KOMUTANLIGI, Diyarbakir
Unit Base Type Role
202 Squadron1 Diyarbakir CN-235M Communications
202 Squadron1 Diyarbakir Cougar Search and Rescue
5 Main Jet Base Merzifon
151 Squadron Merzifon F-16C SEAD
151 Squadron Merzifon F-16D Continuation Training
152 Squadron Merzifon F-16C Air Defence
152 Squadron Merzifon F-16D Continuation Training
Search-and-Rescue Flight Merzifon Cougar Search and Rescue / Communications
7 Main Jet Base Malatya-Erhaç
171 Squadron Malatya-Erhaç F-4E 2020 Attack
173 Squadron Malatya-Erhaç RF-4E2 OCU
Search and Rescue Flight Malatya-Erhaç Cougar Search and Rescue / Communications
8 Main Jet Base Diyarbakir
181 Squadron Diyarbakir F-16C Attack
181 Squadron Diyarbakir F-16D Continuation Training
182 Squadron Diyarbakir F-16C Multirole Fighter
182 Squadron Diyarbakir F-16D Continuation Training
10 Tanker Base Command Incirlik
101 Squadron Incirlik KC-135R Tanker / Transport
Note:
Supports both 8 Main Jet Base and 2 Tactical Air Force Command headquarters.
To relinquish RF-4E and acquire unmanned aerial vehicles in the near future.
Turkish Air Force Lockheed Martin F-16D Fighting Falcon (THK)
DIRECT REPORTING UNITS (to Air Force Headquarters)
Unit Base Type Role
11 Main Transport Base Command Ankara-Etimesgut
211 Squadron Ankara-Etimesgut CN-235M Transport
212 Squadron Ankara-Etimesgut Citation II VIP Transport
212 Squadron Ankara-Etimesgut Citation VII VIP Transport
212 Squadron Ankara-Etimesgut Gulfstream IV VIP Transport
212 Squadron Ankara-Etimesgut Gulfstream G550 VIP Transport
212 Squadron Ankara-Etimesgut CN-235M VIP Transport
212 Squadron Ankara-Etimesgut UH-1H VIP Transport
12 Main Transport Base Command Erkilet/Kayseri
221 Squadron Erkilet/Kayseri C.160D Transport
222 Squadron Erkilet/Kayseri C-130B Transport
222 Squadron Erkilet/Kayseri C-130E Transport
223 Flying Training Squadron Erkilet/Kayseri CN-235 Training
HAVA EGITIM KOMUTANLIGI, Izmir-Adnan Menderes
Unit Base Type Role
203 Search and Rescue Squadron Izmir-Adnan Menderes CN-235M Communications / Search and Rescue
Air Force Academy Yesilkoy (Istanbul/Ataturk IAP)
Search-and-Rescue Flight Yesilkoy (Istanbul/Ataturk IAP) UH-1H Search and Rescue / Communications
Sparrow Flight Yesilkoy (Istanbul/Ataturk IAP) T-41D Primary Training1
Gliding Unit Yalova SZD-50-3 Puchacz Gliding
2 Main Jet Training Base Izmir-Cigli
121 Squadron Izmir-Cigli T-38A Training
122 Squadron Izmir-Cigli T-37B Training
122 Squadron Izmir-Cigli T-37C Training
123 Squadron Izmir-Kakliç SF-260D Training
124 Squadron Izmir-Cigli (Loan from 121-123 Squadron) Instructor Training
125 Squadron Izmir-Cigli Cougar Training
125 Squadron Izmir-Cigli UH-1H Training
Note:
Also uses civil-registered Slingsby Firefly trainers.
Operational Art and Tactical Doctrine
Turkey's membership of NATO and its close contacts with the West (and with the US in particular) mean that all aspects of tactics and doctrine reflect those of the West.
Turkey's geostrategic position in a volatile region has also influenced tactics and doctrine. There is particular emphasis on the air-to-air role, deriving largely from differences with Greece over unresolved sovereignty claims in the Aegean. Dogfight confrontations, stopping short of actual combat, have been common between Turkish and Greek combat aircraft over the Aegean. Turkey also believes strongly in deterrence, this being reflected by the large number of combat aircraft in the THK inventory.
Turkey's air arm has developed a longer reach through the acquisition of tanker aircraft, increasing the range of the fighter fleet and enhancing the THK's capability to operate deep inside enemy territory for the purpose of carrying out strikes against targets such as mobile missile launchers or WMD sites.
Turkey has persistently shown its determination to achieve air superiority in the skies over Cyprus, where it maintains troops in the northern part of the island.
Bases
Akinci (40° 05' 00" N; 32° 34' 00" E)
Ankara-Etimesgut (39° 57' 19" N; 32° 40' 56" E)
Balikesir (39° 37' 05" N; 27° 55' 33" E)
Bandirma (40° 19' 04" N; 27° 58' 39" E)
Diyarbakir (37° 54' 00" N; 40° 12' 00" E)
Erkilet/Kayseri (38° 46' 20" N; 35° 29' 31" E)
Eskisehir (39° 47' 00" N; 30° 35' 00" E)
Incirlik (37° 00' 06" N; 35° 25' 29" E)
Izmir-Adnan Menderes (38° 17' 36" N; 27° 09' 15" E)
Izmir-Cigli (38° 30' 06" N; 27° 00' 40" E)
Izmir-Kakliç (38° 30' 20" N; 26° 58' 35" E)
Konya (37° 58' 56" N; 32° 33' 37" E)
Malatya-Erhaç (38° 26' 08" N; 38° 05' 29" E)
Merzifon (40° 49' 47" N; 35° 31' 12" E)
Yalova (40° 41' 04" N; 29° 22' 49" E)
Yesilkoy (Istanbul/Ataturk IAP) (40° 58' 04" N; 28° 49' 51" E)
There are reserve air bases at the following locations. Normally unoccupied, several of these do feature hardened aircraft shelters and revetments and could be employed in the event of force dispersal becoming necessary:
Afyon (38° 43' 35" N; 30° 36' 04" E)
Akhisar (38° 48' 32" N; 27° 50' 01" E)
Batman (37° 55' 44" N; 41° 06' 59" E)
Corlu (41° 08' 17" N; 27° 55' 08" E)
Erzincan (39° 42' 36" N; 39° 31' 37" E)
Erzurum (39° 57' 23" N; 41° 10' 12" E)
Sivas (39° 48' 49" N; 36° 54' 12" E)
Sivrihisar (39° 27' 05" N; 31° 21' 55" E)
Yenisehir (40° 15' 18" N; 29° 33' 45" E)
The THK also has the use of facilities at Marneuli air base in neighbouring Georgia, situated about 40 km (25 miles) from the capital Tbilisi, the base having been modernised by Turkish military personnel. Turkey also provides training for pilots of the Georgian air arm.
Training
Candidates who wish to become cadets undergo a number of psychomotor and other tests. If successful in passing these, they enter Student Selection Flight (SSF), where they are given initial training on propeller aircraft. Those who complete this phase enter Basic Military Training and are then sent as Cadets to the Air Force Academy for a four-year course covering a range of subjects including flight discipline, flight safety and briefing procedures. The course at the Academy in Istanbul provides an education culminating in a bachelor of science degree in one of a number of engineering specialities such as electronics, computers or aerospace. On graduating with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant Pilot Candidate, students then move on to complete 14 months of flight training at Cigli, initially on the SF-260 and progressing via the T-37 to the T-38.
In January 2002, the THK initiated a training programme on the F-16 for pilots of the United Arab Emirates Air Force as part of a plan to offer training support and services to other F-16 operators. Amman has also expressed interest in a similar agreement with Turkey for the training of Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) F-16 pilots, while Chile concluded just such an agreement in April 2004.
Training Areas
In June 2001, Turkey opened a regional combat-readiness centre covering an area of about 200 km² (75 square miles) near Konya fighter aircraft are able to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training operations. The centre is now fully operational, following the installation of systems including simulated surface-to-air missile batteries, threat generators and tactical firing areas and is available for use by NATO member states and other allied air arms.
Air force procurement
Combat
F-16
The THK has already taken delivery of 240 F-16 Fighting Falcons, the majority of which were the subject of co-production in Turkey. Procurement of additional aircraft continues, with the Turkish government having secured the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of another 30 F-16 Block 50 aircraft. The US Defense Security Co-operation Agency (DSCA) formally notified the US Congress of this request in September 2006. With an estimated cost of USD1.78 billion, the DSCA notification covers 14 F-16Cs and 16 F-16Ds as well as engines, avionics and associated weapon systems.
A contract for these aircraft was finally concluded in February 2009, nearly two years after the signing of the letter of offer and acceptance in May 2007. Negotiations over possible offsets, production line issues and the lifting of a ban on Turkish aircraft flying over disputed areas of Cyprus were required before the contract could be completed. As before, final assembly will be entrusted to the Tusas Aerospace Industries facility in Ankara, with delivery to be completed during 2011-13. Probably associated with this acquisition is the planned sale of 30 examples of each of the AN/AAQ-33 Sniper targeting pod and AN/AAQ-13 LANTIRN extended range navigation pod at a cost of around USD200 million.
F-35
Looking much further ahead, Turkey signed the Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development (PSFD) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for participation in the next stage of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) programme in January 2007. A Level 3 participant in the project since 2002, Turkey is expected to buy 100 F-35s at a cost of around USD10 billion. Current plans indicate that F-35 procurement will begin in 2012 and continue until 2021, initially at a rate of 10 aircraft per year for the first three years, followed by 12 per year during 2015-16 and reverting to 10 per year in 2017-20, with the final six to be funded in 2021. Deliveries are to be accomplished during 2014-23.
Turkish companies including Aselsan, Tusas Aerospace Industries and the privately owned KaleKalip had acquired about USD5.5 billion worth of work on the JSF programme as of April 2009. As part of this, Northrop Grumman and TAI of Turkey signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) in February 2007 for F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter work that could be worth up to USD3 billion over the next 20 years. This will see TAI become a second source production centre for a minimum of 400 centre fuselage sections, with manufacture starting during the low-rate initial production phase of the F-35 programme. To that end, TAI opened a new advanced composites manufacturing facility in Ankara during November 2008. Turkish content in the F-35 project overall is now expected to be worth around USD5-6 billion.
Transport
A400M
Looking to the long-term and anticipating the need to replace ageing C-130 and C.160 transports, Turkey has joined the Future Large Aircraft (FLA) project and signed an MoU in 2001 for 10 Airbus Military A400Ms. The A400M is primarily intended for carriage of military personnel and outsize cargo such as helicopters, armoured fighting vehicles and trucks.
The seven core partner nations of the delayed programme agreed to extend negotiations with EADS in July 2009, following a meeting of the countries' defence ministers in Le Castellet, southern France. Prime contractor EADS said it "welcomes the ministers' statement that the A400M is still their preferred choice for future air transport and their agreement to enter into detailed negotiations". All the countries have concerns over a potential capability gap.
On 5 March 2010 EADS announced it had reached an agreement in principle with the partner nations to save the troubled programme, through which the countries underpinning the programme have mostly left their orders unchanged while agreeing to increase the price of the contract by EUR2 billion (USD2.7 billion); waive all liquidated damages relating to current delays; provide an additional sum of EUR1.5 billion in exchange for a participation in future export sales; and accelerate pre-delivery payments in the period 2010-14. EADS loss provision relating to the programme would increase to EUR1.8 billion (before tax) and be booked against its 2009 figures. As a result, it recorded a loss for 2009.
The first flight was initially scheduled for 2008, but finally occurred at the end of 2009. The project has been repeatedly delayed, mainly due to engine integration problems relating to the full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system on the aircraft's Europrop TP400-D6 turboprop engines.
Heavy-Lift Helicopters
Turkey's plans to acquire heavy-lift helicopters have been a turbulent affair with the programme cancelled in the past. However, a Request for Proposals (RfP) was released in January 2007, with candidates including Sikorsky's CH-53, Boeing's CH-47F Chinook and Mil's Mi-26. Reports from Turkey in May 2008 citing defence procurement officials stated that the country had requested the sale of 10 Boeing CH-47F Chinook heavy lift transport helicopters from the US. This was confirmed in April 2009, when the head of the Turkish Defence Industries Undersecretariat (SSM), Murad Bayar told Jane's that SSM was "working in co-ordination with the US government and Boeing for the procurement of CH-47F helicopters, expected to be in service around 2012-13." It is likely that these will be operated by the army.
Utility
Utility helicopters were to be procured under a large cross service programme involving a total of 52 machines: six for the air force, with the remainder being distributed between the army (20), navy (6) and the Directorate General of Forestry (20). Competitors initially included the NHIndustries NH90 as well as variants of the Eurocopter AS 532 Cougar and Sikorsky S-70A, both of which are already in service with branches of the Turkish Armed Forces with procurement of a mixture of European and American platforms possible in order to maintain balanced relations with both.
However, Turkish National Defence Minister Vecdi Gönül subsequently confirmed that the tender had been cancelled. Talks have since continued with individual companies, specifically Sikorsky and AgustaWestland. The requirement currently outlined by Turkey's Defence Industries Undersecretariat (SSM) for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Programme (TUHP) is for a first tranche of 109 helicopters, the bulk of which will be supplied to the army and air force, with the navy, coast guard and police also receiving some helicopters. It stipulates that Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) will be the prime contractor for the programme, with the company assuming responsibility for manufacturing after the 78th platform is produced. Proposals were due to be submitted for assessment before the end of May 2009 but no further details have been released since.
C4ISR
A project for the acquisition of two Command and Control (C2) aircraft was approved in December 2006 with a Request for Proposals (RfP) being issued in April 2007. However, since the Turkish Air Force has four airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) variants of the 737 on order, it would appear logical to obtain additional examples of the same basic type to serve as a platform. The Turkish Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM) confirmed in May 2007 that the requirement will be contested by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, EADS, Bombadier Inc. and Boeing. The C2 aircraft are to be equipped with a communications suite comprising secure VHF/UHF/ HF systems. There has been no further information about this programme.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Israel delivered two Heron unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems (each comprising three UAVs) to Turkey in February 2010. Delivery of a third system (comprising four UAVs) remains scheduled for mid-2010, despite a crisis in bilateral Turkish-Israeli relations following Israel's late May 2010 raid on a Turkish-flagged aid vessel. Delivery of the Herons has been delayed for almost two and a half years because the Aselsan-made electro-optical payload (Aselflir 300T), which is now installed on the platforms, had not been completed. Turkey signed a USD183 million contract with Israel's IUP consortium (then Israel Aircraft Industries and Elbit Systems) in 2005 for the delivery of 10 Heron UAVs.
Turkey had not accepted the first two Heron systems due to problems encountered by the electro-optical payloads, which are heavier than other similar payloads. The additional weight of the payloads, manufactured by Turkish company Aselsan, meant that more powerful engines would be required. In May 2008, Turkey's Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated that it had given Israel until the end of July 2009 to solve technical problems with the UAVs, indicating that it would cancel the project if the difficulties were not resolved by then. Subsequently, Murad Bayar told reporters in May 2009 that Israel had informed the SSM that it would be able to deliver the Herons, with a new engine to be fitted on the UAVs by August 2009.
The deadline was extended a second time after Turkish National Defence Minister Vecdi Gönül said in November 2009 that Turkey had set a 50-day deadline to deliver the 10 Heron UAVs. Gönül denied media reports that the tender had been cancelled, but said this would happen if Israel failed to fulfil its obligations within the new deadline.
Subsequently, in February 2010, Murad Bayar, Undersecretary for the Turkish Defence Industries Undersecretariat (SSM), told Turkish media that a three-week period of testing had been completed and that the system has met all Turkish requirements. This appears to put an end to the contract dispute.
Israel is subject to a compensation claim worth around USD12 million because of delays in delivering the drones, Bayar said, adding that Turkey will receive Heron spare parts in lieu of compensation. Israel will also provide Turkey with enhanced training on Herons as a means to cover the compensation, Jane's has learned. Jane's also learned that, under a revision made in the contract terms, Turkey reduced the minimum endurance it expects from the systems to slightly less than the 24 hours originally specified.
Turkey made a formal request late in December 2008 to purchase two unmanned systems - one armed and one unarmed - from the US through the FMS programme. Following approval by the US Congress, six examples of the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc MQ-9 Reaper and four examples of the MQ-1 Predator will be used to plug the UAV gap in Turkey's operations against the PKK.
Air Defence
737 AEW&C
In May 2003 the Turkish government signed a USD1.5 billion deal for the supply of four Boeing 737 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft and ground support elements under the project name Peace Eagle. It was subsequently announced that Boeing had awarded Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector a contract worth USD160 million to deliver four Multirole Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar systems for installation on the aircraft. Delivery of the first MESA was scheduled for 2005, with the first fully integrated 737 AEW&C due to be handed over to Turkey in 2009. That date was not met, with Boeing having informed Turkey in November 2006 of a 26-month programme slippage arising from delays caused by software and equipment integration problems. Tusas Aerospace Industries officials, who are partners to the project, have stated that the aircraft will now enter service in 2010 at the earliest. Boeing will be subject to a penalty because of the delay once it starts delivering the aircraft.
Boeing announced in September 2007 that it had conducted a successful first test flight of the aircraft and further announced in December 2007 that a successful first mission system flight test had been completed. Subsequently, in June 2008, the company announced that Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) had completed the first in-country modification of a Boeing 737-700 into an AEW&C platform; this aircraft made a successful maiden flight from Ankara on 16 July 2008.
In February 2010 Boeing announced it had finished phase two of the programme on time - committing USD21 million more than the USD270 million required - and said it is "on track" to fulfil its remaining obligations. Phase one was completed in 2006.
Missile Defence
Planning to obtain new missile-defence systems dates back to mid-1999, with consideration being given to various candidates including the Israeli Arrow-2 and Russian S-300 systems, although the latter was probably never a serious contender because of concerns over the question of compatibility with NATO equipment. Eventually, in March 2007, the SSM released a Request for Information (RfI) for the acquisition of four Long-Range Air- and Missile-Defence Systems (T-LORAMIDS). A few weeks later, in mid-April 2007, it released the names of 13 companies that declared their intention to respond. These include: Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon of the US, who have reportedly teamed to offer the Patriot PAC-3 to meet the Turkish requirement; CPMIEC of Taiwan; Israel Aerospace Industries; and local companies including Aselsan, FNSS and Roketsan.
Murad Bayar told Jane's in April 2009 that a request for proposals (RfP) would be issued shortly for the direct purchase of the T-LORAMIDS air defence systems. Turkey now envisages the purchase of about 12 systems for approximately USD4 billion and Bayar said Turkey planned to announce the winner of the project by the end of 2009, although a decision was still awaited at the beginning of July 2010.
Missiles and Weapon Systems
Air-to-Air Missiles
In 2004 Turkey was pursuing moves to purchase 225 Raytheon AIM-9X Sidewinder heat-seeking air-to-air missiles through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system.
Air-to-Ground Missiles
In September 2005, the US Defense Security Co-operation Agency notified the US Congress of a possible foreign military sale to Turkey of Raytheon AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOWs) as well as associated equipment and services. It was stated that Turkey had requested 50 AGM-154A-1 JSOW with BLU-111 and 54 AGM-154C JSOW; in April 2006, the contract was confirmed, with Raytheon stating that it was the first international sale of JSOW.
It also emerged in 2006 that Turkey had requested delivery of the Boeing AGM-84K Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) for use by the F-16. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified the US Congress in April 2006 of a possible sale at a total value of around USD162 million. The proposed deal proved controversial, with Armenian and Greek Cypriot lobbies in the US unsuccessfully seeking to prevent the sale, for which a firm order for 50 missiles was placed before the end of 2006.
Trainer
In August 2007, the Turkish Defence Industries Undersecretariat and South Korea's Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) signed an agreement for 40 basic trainer aircraft to replace the long-serving Cessna T-37. The improved aircraft, modelled on KAI's KT-1 Woong-Bee trainer aircraft and designated KT-1T, will be jointly manufactured by KAI and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). Under the programme, which is worth about USD400 million (excluding an option for a further 15 KT-1Ts), the first five aircraft will be manufactured in South Korea, with the remainder to be built in Turkey. TAI officials said at the time that the first aircraft was due to be delivered in 2009 and the last within the following two years. As it transpired, the first KT-1T did not emerge from KAI's Sacheon factory until 21 October 2009 and deliveries had yet to begin as of mid-2010. KAI officials have revealed that the deal will be worth USD500 million if all options are exercised.
Prior to this, in September 2005, the SSM signed a Design and Development Protocol with TAI for an indigenous Primary Trainer Aircraft to be known as the Hurkus. The original protocol was superseded by a new one in March 2006, in which the project was re-titled the Primary and Basic Trainer Aircraft Development Programme. It envisages a single-turboprop aircraft with tandem seating, zero/zero ejection seats, pressurised cockpits, anti-g and oxygen systems, and the ability to perform screening and primary training functions presently undertaken by the SF-260. A first flight is expected in 2010, with deliveries to follow from 2011.
Modernisation
F-16 Peace Onyx III Upgrades
Current planning envisages a total of 216 existing Turkish F-16s being upgraded and brought to a common avionics configuration under the Peace Onyx III programme by February 2016, although attrition is likely to result in a slight decrease in this number. At present, 37 Block 30, 103 Block 40 and 76 Block 50 aircraft are earmarked for upgrade under this programme, which is broadly similar in scope to the US's Common Configuration Implementation Program (CCIP) and includes provision of compatibility with smart munitions such as standoff weapons.
The F-16s will be equipped with the latest AN/AG-68(V)9 multimode radar; colour cockpit displays and recorders; new core-avionics processors; the Joint-Helmet-Mounted Cueing System and AN/ANVS-9 night-vision goggles; a Link 16 secure datalink; advanced Identification, Friend or Foe (IFF) interrogator/transponder; integrated precision navigation and an electronic warfare system; and will be given compatibility with a number of weapons and targeting systems.
According to reports in January 2008, Turkey Aselsan's ASELPOD advanced targeting pod was selected for integration with Turkish Air Force F-16 and F-4 fighter aircraft. The pod is currently under development to replace the Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infra-Red for Night (LANTIRN) system, which is currently in use.
The Turkish Air Force also ordered a package of Lockheed Martin targeting and navigation pods to improve the all-weather precision strike capability of its F-16 Falcon fleet. Lockheed Martin did not confirm the exact number of AN/AAQ-13 Sniper ATP (Advanced Targeting Pod) and AN/AAQ-33 LANTIRN ER (Enhanced Range) pods that were to be provided under the USD118 million deal, citing customer confidentiality, but it is understood that the air force had a requirement for 30 of each. The deal was announced in January 2010.
According to the company, the new pods will be fitted to Block 40 and Block 50 Peace Onyx aircraft, which make up the bulk of the air force's F-16 inventory, though initial plans agreed in 2005 covered the Peace Onyx III upgrade of 37 Block 30 aircraft. The pods are essentially plug-and-play through standard hardpoint mountings and will require minimal integration work.
The air force has long been a user of basic LANTIRN pods, but has decided to upgrade to the new standard and become the 11th export customer for the enhanced ATP-variant Sniper. As well as the long-range target identification and designation capacity (even in urban settings, according to Lockheed Martin) of the latter, Sniper ATP also helps convert the F-16 carrying it into a 'non-traditional' intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platform, able to record and transmit high-resolution real-time video to ground forces equipped with ROVER terminals. For its part, LANTIRN ER nearly doubles the target designation altitude of the original LANTIRN pod (up from a ceiling of 25,000 ft to 40,000 ft), as well as introducing the same MWIR InSb, staring-array forward looking infrared (FLIR) camera as the Sniper (to double the ER pod's reconnaissance range) and an improved continuous-zoom daylight camera. According to the manufacturer the newer version also increases reliability and reduces support costs.
F-16 Electronic Countermeasures
Turkey signed a contract in early 2003 for the production of Electronic Warfare (EW) equipment for the F-16C Block 50 fighter aircraft. Turkey's Defence Industries Undersecretariat concluded the USD190.4 million contract in January 2003 with prime contractor Aselsan-Mikes, in co-ordination with industry partner BAE Systems North America.
The system chosen was the AN/ALQ-178(V)5+ Self-Protection Electronic Warfare System II (SPEWS II). It was announced in June 2004 that BAE Systems, as key sub-contractor on the project, would develop hardware and related software for the AN/ALQ-178(V)5+ in 2004-08, with design and development taking place primarily at BAE Systems Information & Electronic Warfare Systems (IEWS) in Nashua, New Hampshire.
Aselsan-Mikes previously installed the AN/ALQ-178(V)3 electronic countermeasures system on surviving examples of 160 Block 30 and Block 40 F-16s co-produced by Tusas Aerospace Industries (TAI) and Lockheed Martin.
The Turkish Air Force Command has decided to equip the recently ordered batch of 30 Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 50 aircraft with ITT's Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite (AIDEWS). This decision has resolved a dispute with the Turkish Defence Industries Undersecretariat, which had insisted on a locally-made system, specifically the AN/ALQ-178(V)5+ SPEWS II.The 30 AIDEWS systems are estimated to cost around USD120 million and ITT will provide offsets of USD60 million.
RF-4E Upgrades
The Turkish Air Force Command (TAFC) announced in January 2009 that 12 of its McDonnell Douglas RF-4E will be upgraded with new electro-optic IMINT payloads. Elta Systems and Elbit Systems Electro-Optics-Elop, subsidiaries of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elbit Systems respectively, will supply IMINT systems over a four-year period under the USD165 million contract; Turkey's Aselsan will act as systems integrator. Although the payloads have not been disclosed, Elta Systems' EL/M-2060P synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) system and Elbit Systems Electro-Optics-Elop's Condor 2 electro-optic/infrared LOng-Range Oblique Photograph (EO/IR LOROP) reconnaissance system meet the requirements set out; the latter is certified for RF-4 and F-16 aircraft. It therefore appears likely that, if the RF-4E 'Isik' modernisation project is successful, the same system will also be installed on some F-16s.
C-130 Upgrade
The first Turkish Air Force C-130 transport aircraft to undergo the Erciyes avionics modernisation upgrade arrived at Turkish Aerospace Industries in December 2007 to be fitted with a new 'glass cockpit' configuration as part of a 30-month prototype phase. The entire programme, which will involve six C-130Bs and seven C-130Es, is expected to be completed in mid-2012.
The Turkish government awarded Tusas Aerospace Industries (TAI) a contract with a not-to-exceed value of USD119 million to develop and implement an indigenous C-130 avionics upgrade programme. A total of 17 new avionics systems will be integrated and five existing ones will benefit from being upgraded. Key new systems being designed and integrated indigenously are the central mission computer, radar, Multi-Function Displays (MFD), Controls and Display Unit (CDU), Air Data Computer (ADC), radios, Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF). Upgrades will apply to communication and navigation systems as well as some antennas, with the LN-260 fibre-optic gyro inertial navigation system amongst the equipment that has been selected.
The timescale of the C-130 modernisation project indicates that this programme may be as much about developing a capability for export as extending the life of the C-130. This looks more compelling as, according to TAI, the programme does not feature any structural enhancements. Given the age of the aircraft and known issues with centre wing-box fatigue with older C-130 models in service with other nations, it is highly likely the Turkish aircraft will be very close to the end of their service lives by the time the upgrade is completed. In this context, the award of the contract to TAI is symptomatic of Turkey's desire to develop its domestic defence industrial capability and move away from being reliant on imported technology. This can also be seen in the rigorous technology-transfer conditions attached to recent procurement programmes for attack helicopters and multirole fighter aircraft as Turkey looks to a long term future as an exporter of high-technology avionics, offering an alternative to existing suppliers. TAI will modernise the first two C-130 aircraft, with the remaining 11 to be completed by the Turkish Air Force's maintenance centre at Kayseri/Erkilet.
Equipment in service
Fixed Wing
Type Manufacturer Role Original Total In Service First Delivery
F-16C Fighting Falcon Lockheed Martin Fighter - Multirole 2101 170 1987
F-16D Fighting Falcon Lockheed Martin Fighter - Multirole 602 41 1987
F-4E Phantom II McDonnell Douglas Fighter - Multirole 182 40 1973
F-4E 2020 Phantom II McDonnell Douglas Fighter - Multirole 543 48 2002
RF-4E Phantom II McDonnell Douglas Reconnaissance / Surveillance 54 224 1977
CN-235M Airbus Electronic Intelligence 2 25 n/a
C.160D Transall Transport 20 16 1971
C-130B Hercules Lockheed Martin Transport 6 6 1991
C-130E Hercules Lockheed Martin Transport 8 7 1964
CN-235M Airbus Transport 48 46 1991
KC-135R Stratotanker Boeing Tanker / Transport 7 7 1995
550 Citation II Cessna Utility 2 2 1985
650 Citation VII Cessna Utility 2 2 1993
G-1159C Gulfstream IV Gulfstream Aerospace VIP / Transport 2 2 1988
G550 Gulfstream Aerospace VIP / Transport 2 2 2009
F-5A 2000 Northrop Trainer 226 12 1965
NF-5A 2000 Canadair Trainer 23 21 1989
F-5B 2000 Northrop Trainer 8 6 1965
NF-5B 2000 Canadair Trainer 14 10 1989
SF-260D Aermacchi Trainer 40 35 1990
T-41D Mescalero Cessna Trainer 30 20 1972
T-37B Cessna Trainer 27 20 1963
T-37C Cessna Trainer 50 28 1963
T-38A Talon Northrop Trainer 74 59 1979
SZD-50-3 Puchacz PZL Bielsko Glider 8 6 n/a
Notes:
Total includes 14 on order for delivery 2011-13.
Total includes 16 on order for delivery 2011-13.
Conversions of the above.
Original quantity of eight RF-4E delivered 1977; 46 former Luftwaffe aircraft acquired 1992-94 included some as spares source; 12 aircraft presently being upgraded with new reconnaissance systems.
Recent replacements for EC-47; CN-235M may still not be fully fitted out for electronic intelligence missions.
Figures quoted are only for those aircraft upgraded to F-5 2000 configuration; more than 180 F-5 and NF-5 originally received by Turkey.
Rotary Wing
Type Manufacturer Role Original Total In Service First Delivery
UH-1H Iroquois Bell Utility 60 20 1969
AS 532AL Cougar Eurocopter Utility 6 6 2000
AS 532UL Cougar Eurocopter Utility 14 14 2000
Eurocopter Cougar in Turkish Service (THK 2002)
0067849
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Type Manufacturer Role Original Total In Service First Delivery
MQ-1 Predator General Atomics Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance / Attack 61 n/a 2010
MQ-9 Reaper General Atomics Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance / Attack 41 n/a 2010
Harpy IAI Attack 108 100 n/a
Heron IAI Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance 10 10 2010
Gnat 750 General Atomics Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance 1 1 n/a
On order for delivery in 2010-11.
Missiles
Type Manufacturer Role
Shafrir 2 Rafael Air-to-Air
AIM-7E Sparrow Raytheon Air-to-Air
AIM-9S Sidewinder Raytheon Air-to-Air
AIM-120A AMRAAM Raytheon Air-to-Air
AIM-120B AMRAAM Raytheon Air-to-Air
AGM-65A Maverick Raytheon Air-to-Surface
AGM-65G Maverick Raytheon Air-to-Surface
AGM-154A JSOW Raytheon Air-to-Surface
AGM-154C JSOW Raytheon Air-to-Surface
Popeye Rafael Air-to-Surface
AGM-84K SLAM-ER Boeing Air-to-Surface
AGM-88A HARM Raytheon Air-to-Surface
UPDATED
Date Posted: 14-Jul-2010
Jane's World Air Forces
Turkey - Air Force
Summary
Assessment
Deployments, tasks and operations
Role and Deployment
Recent and Current Operations
Command and control
Organisation
Order of Battle
Operational Art and Tactical Doctrine
Bases
Training
Training Areas
Air force procurement
Combat
Transport
Utility
C4ISR
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Air Defence
Missiles and Weapon Systems
Trainer
Modernisation
Equipment in service
Fixed Wing
Rotary Wing
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Missiles
Turkey - Air Force
Summary
STRENGTH
60,100
COMBAT AIRCRAFT
F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-4E Phantom II, RF-4E Phantom II
TRANSPORT
C-130 Hercules, Transall C.160D, Airbus Military CN-235M
TANKER-TRANSPORT
KC-135R Stratotanker
Assessment
The Turkish Air Force (Türk Hava Kuvvetleri - THK) is a major operator of the F-16. Procurement of 240 examples concluded in 2000. Another 30 form the subject of purchasing plans revealed in 2007, while many of the older machines are to be upgraded to the latest configuration by 2016. Pilots and other personnel are trained to a high standard and have considerable expertise in operation of the F-16, to the stage where tuition in flying the aircraft is provided to personnel from outside Turkey.
To support the F-16 fleet, Turkey embarked on two major programmes to upgrade other aircraft. One programme, completed in 2003, involved modernising 54 F-4E Phantoms, while the other entailed the upgrade of nearly 70 ageing F-5s for use as lead-in fighter trainers.
Advanced Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) capability was due to be added from 2009 with the delivery of four Boeing 737 AEW&C aircraft that were ordered in 2003. However, these have been subject to delay and delivery of the first aircraft to the operating unit at Konya (131 Squadron) is not now expected until 2010 at the earliest.
Turkey's air arm has been moving steadily towards its strategic goal of establishing and sustaining air superiority over Turkey, while simultaneously developing the capability to operate deep inside enemy territory by deploying F-16s supported by tanker aircraft and advanced reconnaissance systems. In recent years, Turkey has acquired advanced missile armament, such as the air-to-air AIM-120B AMRAAM and air-to-surface AGM-84K SLAM-ER.
Looking to the future, Turkey is committed to the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) programme as a Level 3 participant, with the F-35 destined to begin replacing older examples of the F-16 Fighting Falcon from around 2015.
Of the current personnel strength of around 60,000, over half (31,500) are conscripts.
Deployments, tasks and operations
Role and Deployment
The mission of the THK is the general air defence of Turkey. It is also tasked with the support of land forces and performing necessary duties in the NATO context.
The THK Command replaced its 'Turkish Armed Forces Air Concept' with the new 'Aerospace and Missile Defence Concept' in March 2002 as part of its plans to establish a National Space Board (NSB). The latter agency will constitute the legal framework for the acceleration of Turkey's efforts to acquire costly anti-ballistic missile systems. Under the new concept, the THK has responsibility for overall air defence of the country.
Diyarbakir is the main administrative city for Turkey's troubled south-eastern region and combat aircraft from this air base were employed against Partiya Karker Kurdistan (PKK - Kurdistan Worker's Party) guerrillas during the period when major insurgency operations were in progress. F-16 Fighting Falcons and F-4 Phantoms, as well as army AH-1 HueyCobra and SuperCobra gunships were used to bombard PKK positions as a prelude to land operations by Turkish Army troops.
Recent and Current Operations
Turkey deployed a squadron of 18 F-16 Fighting Falcons to Ghedi, Italy, as part of the NATO forces taking part in Operation 'Deny Flight', which focused on Former Yugoslavia. The THK has also been involved with the International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, which was commanded by Turkey for six months from February 2002, and for another six months from February 2005. Turkey also contributed a C-130 transport to NATO's support for the Africa Union mission in Darfur.
Turkish F-16 fighter aircraft equipped with the Lockheed Martin Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) pods, as well as F-4E 2020 Phantom multirole fighters, have been bombing PKK targets in northern Iraq since December 2007. This became possible when the US began supplying Turkey with real-time intelligence - via MQ-1 Predator UAVs, satellites and U-2 reconnaissance aircraft - that has contributed significantly to pinpointing PKK targets.
Command and control
Commander of Air Force: General Hasan Aksay
Chief of the General Staff: General Ìlker Basbug
Higher Levels of Command for the Turkish Air Force
0554872
Organisation
THK headquarters at Ankara maintain overall control of two tactical air force commands, as well as Air Training Command, Air Logistics Command and a sizeable transport force. The Tactical Air Force Commands (at Eskisehir in the west and Diyarbakir in the east) constitute the primary combat power of the THK. They control a dozen combat squadrons with an attack or air defence role, distributed between seven air bases and deploying F-16 Fighting Falcons and F-4E Phantoms. In addition, one reconnaissance squadron is equipped with the RF-4E Phantom. Other elements include a tactics training squadron with examples of both the F-4 and F-16 and a Lead-In Fighter Training (LIFT) unit with the F-5.
The THK operates a fleet of upgraded F-4E-2020 Phantoms
Transport resources are divided between Etimesgut and Erkilet/Kayseri; the former has one CN-235 light transport squadron and a VIP unit, while the latter has single squadrons equipped with the Transall and C-130 Hercules, as well as a training squadron with the CN-235. Airlift capability can be augmented by the KC-135R Stratotanker, which equips one squadron at Incirlik, although this is primarily concerned with aerial refuelling.
Air Training Command has five dedicated training squadrons as well as a range of other units, including the Air Force Academy, Air Corps School and Technical Training Centre, Air Language School and Airmen Training Brigade Command. Aircraft employed by this command include the T-37, T-38, T-41 and SF-260.
In terms of ground-based air defence, the THK deploys four squadrons with Nike Hercules Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) and two squadrons of Rapier SAMs.
Order of Battle
1 TAKTIK HAVA KUVVETI KOMUTANLIGI, Eskisehir
Unit Base Type Role
201 Squadron1 Eskisehir CN-235M Communications
201 Squadron1 Eskisehir Cougar Search and Rescue
1 Main Jet Base Eskisehir
111 Squadron Eskisehir F-4E 2020 Attack
112 Squadron Eskisehir F-4E Air Defence
113 Squadron Eskisehir RF-4E Reconnaissance
3 Main Jet Base Konya
131 Squadron Konya Boeing 7372 Airborne Early Warning & Control
132 Squadron Konya F-4E 2020 Tactical Training
132 Squadron Konya F-16C Tactical Training
132 Squadron Konya F-16D Tactical Training
133 Squadron Konya F-5A 2000 Lead-In Fighter Training
133 Squadron Konya NF-5A 2000 Lead-In Fighter Training
133 Squadron Konya F-5B 2000 Lead-In Fighter Training
133 Squadron Konya NF-5B 2000 Lead-In Fighter Training
134 Akrotim Squadron Konya NF-5A 2000 Display Team
134 Akrotim Squadron Konya NF-5B 2000 Display Team
Search-and-Rescue Flight Konya Cougar Search and Rescue / Communications
4 Main Jet Base Akinci
141 Squadron Akinci F-16C Multirole Fighter
141 Squadron Akinci F-16D Continuation Training
142 Squadron Akinci F-16C OCU
142 Squadron Akinci F-16D OCU
143 Squadron Akinci F-16C Conversion Training
143 Squadron Akinci F-16D Conversion Training
6 Main Jet Base Bandirma
161 Squadron Bandirma F-16C Attack
161 Squadron Bandirma F-16D Continuation Training
162 Squadron Bandirma F-16C Multirole Fighter
162 Squadron Bandirma F-16D Continuation Training
Search-and-Rescue Flight Bandirma Cougar Search and Rescue / Communications
9 Main Jet Base Balikesir
191 Squadron Balikesir F-16C Multirole Fighter
191 Squadron Balikesir F-16D Continuation Training
192 Squadron Balikesir F-16C Multirole Fighter
192 Squadron Balikesir F-16D Continuation Training
Notes:
Supports both 1 Main Jet Base and co-located 1 Tactical Air Force Command headquarters.
Not presently equipped; delivery anticipated in 2010.
2 TAKTIK HAVA KUVVETI KOMUTANLIGI, Diyarbakir
Unit Base Type Role
202 Squadron1 Diyarbakir CN-235M Communications
202 Squadron1 Diyarbakir Cougar Search and Rescue
5 Main Jet Base Merzifon
151 Squadron Merzifon F-16C SEAD
151 Squadron Merzifon F-16D Continuation Training
152 Squadron Merzifon F-16C Air Defence
152 Squadron Merzifon F-16D Continuation Training
Search-and-Rescue Flight Merzifon Cougar Search and Rescue / Communications
7 Main Jet Base Malatya-Erhaç
171 Squadron Malatya-Erhaç F-4E 2020 Attack
173 Squadron Malatya-Erhaç RF-4E2 OCU
Search and Rescue Flight Malatya-Erhaç Cougar Search and Rescue / Communications
8 Main Jet Base Diyarbakir
181 Squadron Diyarbakir F-16C Attack
181 Squadron Diyarbakir F-16D Continuation Training
182 Squadron Diyarbakir F-16C Multirole Fighter
182 Squadron Diyarbakir F-16D Continuation Training
10 Tanker Base Command Incirlik
101 Squadron Incirlik KC-135R Tanker / Transport
Note:
Supports both 8 Main Jet Base and 2 Tactical Air Force Command headquarters.
To relinquish RF-4E and acquire unmanned aerial vehicles in the near future.
Turkish Air Force Lockheed Martin F-16D Fighting Falcon (THK)
DIRECT REPORTING UNITS (to Air Force Headquarters)
Unit Base Type Role
11 Main Transport Base Command Ankara-Etimesgut
211 Squadron Ankara-Etimesgut CN-235M Transport
212 Squadron Ankara-Etimesgut Citation II VIP Transport
212 Squadron Ankara-Etimesgut Citation VII VIP Transport
212 Squadron Ankara-Etimesgut Gulfstream IV VIP Transport
212 Squadron Ankara-Etimesgut Gulfstream G550 VIP Transport
212 Squadron Ankara-Etimesgut CN-235M VIP Transport
212 Squadron Ankara-Etimesgut UH-1H VIP Transport
12 Main Transport Base Command Erkilet/Kayseri
221 Squadron Erkilet/Kayseri C.160D Transport
222 Squadron Erkilet/Kayseri C-130B Transport
222 Squadron Erkilet/Kayseri C-130E Transport
223 Flying Training Squadron Erkilet/Kayseri CN-235 Training
HAVA EGITIM KOMUTANLIGI, Izmir-Adnan Menderes
Unit Base Type Role
203 Search and Rescue Squadron Izmir-Adnan Menderes CN-235M Communications / Search and Rescue
Air Force Academy Yesilkoy (Istanbul/Ataturk IAP)
Search-and-Rescue Flight Yesilkoy (Istanbul/Ataturk IAP) UH-1H Search and Rescue / Communications
Sparrow Flight Yesilkoy (Istanbul/Ataturk IAP) T-41D Primary Training1
Gliding Unit Yalova SZD-50-3 Puchacz Gliding
2 Main Jet Training Base Izmir-Cigli
121 Squadron Izmir-Cigli T-38A Training
122 Squadron Izmir-Cigli T-37B Training
122 Squadron Izmir-Cigli T-37C Training
123 Squadron Izmir-Kakliç SF-260D Training
124 Squadron Izmir-Cigli (Loan from 121-123 Squadron) Instructor Training
125 Squadron Izmir-Cigli Cougar Training
125 Squadron Izmir-Cigli UH-1H Training
Note:
Also uses civil-registered Slingsby Firefly trainers.
Operational Art and Tactical Doctrine
Turkey's membership of NATO and its close contacts with the West (and with the US in particular) mean that all aspects of tactics and doctrine reflect those of the West.
Turkey's geostrategic position in a volatile region has also influenced tactics and doctrine. There is particular emphasis on the air-to-air role, deriving largely from differences with Greece over unresolved sovereignty claims in the Aegean. Dogfight confrontations, stopping short of actual combat, have been common between Turkish and Greek combat aircraft over the Aegean. Turkey also believes strongly in deterrence, this being reflected by the large number of combat aircraft in the THK inventory.
Turkey's air arm has developed a longer reach through the acquisition of tanker aircraft, increasing the range of the fighter fleet and enhancing the THK's capability to operate deep inside enemy territory for the purpose of carrying out strikes against targets such as mobile missile launchers or WMD sites.
Turkey has persistently shown its determination to achieve air superiority in the skies over Cyprus, where it maintains troops in the northern part of the island.
Bases
Akinci (40° 05' 00" N; 32° 34' 00" E)
Ankara-Etimesgut (39° 57' 19" N; 32° 40' 56" E)
Balikesir (39° 37' 05" N; 27° 55' 33" E)
Bandirma (40° 19' 04" N; 27° 58' 39" E)
Diyarbakir (37° 54' 00" N; 40° 12' 00" E)
Erkilet/Kayseri (38° 46' 20" N; 35° 29' 31" E)
Eskisehir (39° 47' 00" N; 30° 35' 00" E)
Incirlik (37° 00' 06" N; 35° 25' 29" E)
Izmir-Adnan Menderes (38° 17' 36" N; 27° 09' 15" E)
Izmir-Cigli (38° 30' 06" N; 27° 00' 40" E)
Izmir-Kakliç (38° 30' 20" N; 26° 58' 35" E)
Konya (37° 58' 56" N; 32° 33' 37" E)
Malatya-Erhaç (38° 26' 08" N; 38° 05' 29" E)
Merzifon (40° 49' 47" N; 35° 31' 12" E)
Yalova (40° 41' 04" N; 29° 22' 49" E)
Yesilkoy (Istanbul/Ataturk IAP) (40° 58' 04" N; 28° 49' 51" E)
There are reserve air bases at the following locations. Normally unoccupied, several of these do feature hardened aircraft shelters and revetments and could be employed in the event of force dispersal becoming necessary:
Afyon (38° 43' 35" N; 30° 36' 04" E)
Akhisar (38° 48' 32" N; 27° 50' 01" E)
Batman (37° 55' 44" N; 41° 06' 59" E)
Corlu (41° 08' 17" N; 27° 55' 08" E)
Erzincan (39° 42' 36" N; 39° 31' 37" E)
Erzurum (39° 57' 23" N; 41° 10' 12" E)
Sivas (39° 48' 49" N; 36° 54' 12" E)
Sivrihisar (39° 27' 05" N; 31° 21' 55" E)
Yenisehir (40° 15' 18" N; 29° 33' 45" E)
The THK also has the use of facilities at Marneuli air base in neighbouring Georgia, situated about 40 km (25 miles) from the capital Tbilisi, the base having been modernised by Turkish military personnel. Turkey also provides training for pilots of the Georgian air arm.
Training
Candidates who wish to become cadets undergo a number of psychomotor and other tests. If successful in passing these, they enter Student Selection Flight (SSF), where they are given initial training on propeller aircraft. Those who complete this phase enter Basic Military Training and are then sent as Cadets to the Air Force Academy for a four-year course covering a range of subjects including flight discipline, flight safety and briefing procedures. The course at the Academy in Istanbul provides an education culminating in a bachelor of science degree in one of a number of engineering specialities such as electronics, computers or aerospace. On graduating with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant Pilot Candidate, students then move on to complete 14 months of flight training at Cigli, initially on the SF-260 and progressing via the T-37 to the T-38.
In January 2002, the THK initiated a training programme on the F-16 for pilots of the United Arab Emirates Air Force as part of a plan to offer training support and services to other F-16 operators. Amman has also expressed interest in a similar agreement with Turkey for the training of Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) F-16 pilots, while Chile concluded just such an agreement in April 2004.
Training Areas
In June 2001, Turkey opened a regional combat-readiness centre covering an area of about 200 km² (75 square miles) near Konya fighter aircraft are able to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training operations. The centre is now fully operational, following the installation of systems including simulated surface-to-air missile batteries, threat generators and tactical firing areas and is available for use by NATO member states and other allied air arms.
Air force procurement
Combat
F-16
The THK has already taken delivery of 240 F-16 Fighting Falcons, the majority of which were the subject of co-production in Turkey. Procurement of additional aircraft continues, with the Turkish government having secured the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of another 30 F-16 Block 50 aircraft. The US Defense Security Co-operation Agency (DSCA) formally notified the US Congress of this request in September 2006. With an estimated cost of USD1.78 billion, the DSCA notification covers 14 F-16Cs and 16 F-16Ds as well as engines, avionics and associated weapon systems.
A contract for these aircraft was finally concluded in February 2009, nearly two years after the signing of the letter of offer and acceptance in May 2007. Negotiations over possible offsets, production line issues and the lifting of a ban on Turkish aircraft flying over disputed areas of Cyprus were required before the contract could be completed. As before, final assembly will be entrusted to the Tusas Aerospace Industries facility in Ankara, with delivery to be completed during 2011-13. Probably associated with this acquisition is the planned sale of 30 examples of each of the AN/AAQ-33 Sniper targeting pod and AN/AAQ-13 LANTIRN extended range navigation pod at a cost of around USD200 million.
F-35
Looking much further ahead, Turkey signed the Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development (PSFD) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for participation in the next stage of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) programme in January 2007. A Level 3 participant in the project since 2002, Turkey is expected to buy 100 F-35s at a cost of around USD10 billion. Current plans indicate that F-35 procurement will begin in 2012 and continue until 2021, initially at a rate of 10 aircraft per year for the first three years, followed by 12 per year during 2015-16 and reverting to 10 per year in 2017-20, with the final six to be funded in 2021. Deliveries are to be accomplished during 2014-23.
Turkish companies including Aselsan, Tusas Aerospace Industries and the privately owned KaleKalip had acquired about USD5.5 billion worth of work on the JSF programme as of April 2009. As part of this, Northrop Grumman and TAI of Turkey signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) in February 2007 for F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter work that could be worth up to USD3 billion over the next 20 years. This will see TAI become a second source production centre for a minimum of 400 centre fuselage sections, with manufacture starting during the low-rate initial production phase of the F-35 programme. To that end, TAI opened a new advanced composites manufacturing facility in Ankara during November 2008. Turkish content in the F-35 project overall is now expected to be worth around USD5-6 billion.
Transport
A400M
Looking to the long-term and anticipating the need to replace ageing C-130 and C.160 transports, Turkey has joined the Future Large Aircraft (FLA) project and signed an MoU in 2001 for 10 Airbus Military A400Ms. The A400M is primarily intended for carriage of military personnel and outsize cargo such as helicopters, armoured fighting vehicles and trucks.
The seven core partner nations of the delayed programme agreed to extend negotiations with EADS in July 2009, following a meeting of the countries' defence ministers in Le Castellet, southern France. Prime contractor EADS said it "welcomes the ministers' statement that the A400M is still their preferred choice for future air transport and their agreement to enter into detailed negotiations". All the countries have concerns over a potential capability gap.
On 5 March 2010 EADS announced it had reached an agreement in principle with the partner nations to save the troubled programme, through which the countries underpinning the programme have mostly left their orders unchanged while agreeing to increase the price of the contract by EUR2 billion (USD2.7 billion); waive all liquidated damages relating to current delays; provide an additional sum of EUR1.5 billion in exchange for a participation in future export sales; and accelerate pre-delivery payments in the period 2010-14. EADS loss provision relating to the programme would increase to EUR1.8 billion (before tax) and be booked against its 2009 figures. As a result, it recorded a loss for 2009.
The first flight was initially scheduled for 2008, but finally occurred at the end of 2009. The project has been repeatedly delayed, mainly due to engine integration problems relating to the full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system on the aircraft's Europrop TP400-D6 turboprop engines.
Heavy-Lift Helicopters
Turkey's plans to acquire heavy-lift helicopters have been a turbulent affair with the programme cancelled in the past. However, a Request for Proposals (RfP) was released in January 2007, with candidates including Sikorsky's CH-53, Boeing's CH-47F Chinook and Mil's Mi-26. Reports from Turkey in May 2008 citing defence procurement officials stated that the country had requested the sale of 10 Boeing CH-47F Chinook heavy lift transport helicopters from the US. This was confirmed in April 2009, when the head of the Turkish Defence Industries Undersecretariat (SSM), Murad Bayar told Jane's that SSM was "working in co-ordination with the US government and Boeing for the procurement of CH-47F helicopters, expected to be in service around 2012-13." It is likely that these will be operated by the army.
Utility
Utility helicopters were to be procured under a large cross service programme involving a total of 52 machines: six for the air force, with the remainder being distributed between the army (20), navy (6) and the Directorate General of Forestry (20). Competitors initially included the NHIndustries NH90 as well as variants of the Eurocopter AS 532 Cougar and Sikorsky S-70A, both of which are already in service with branches of the Turkish Armed Forces with procurement of a mixture of European and American platforms possible in order to maintain balanced relations with both.
However, Turkish National Defence Minister Vecdi Gönül subsequently confirmed that the tender had been cancelled. Talks have since continued with individual companies, specifically Sikorsky and AgustaWestland. The requirement currently outlined by Turkey's Defence Industries Undersecretariat (SSM) for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Programme (TUHP) is for a first tranche of 109 helicopters, the bulk of which will be supplied to the army and air force, with the navy, coast guard and police also receiving some helicopters. It stipulates that Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) will be the prime contractor for the programme, with the company assuming responsibility for manufacturing after the 78th platform is produced. Proposals were due to be submitted for assessment before the end of May 2009 but no further details have been released since.
C4ISR
A project for the acquisition of two Command and Control (C2) aircraft was approved in December 2006 with a Request for Proposals (RfP) being issued in April 2007. However, since the Turkish Air Force has four airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) variants of the 737 on order, it would appear logical to obtain additional examples of the same basic type to serve as a platform. The Turkish Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM) confirmed in May 2007 that the requirement will be contested by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, EADS, Bombadier Inc. and Boeing. The C2 aircraft are to be equipped with a communications suite comprising secure VHF/UHF/ HF systems. There has been no further information about this programme.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Israel delivered two Heron unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems (each comprising three UAVs) to Turkey in February 2010. Delivery of a third system (comprising four UAVs) remains scheduled for mid-2010, despite a crisis in bilateral Turkish-Israeli relations following Israel's late May 2010 raid on a Turkish-flagged aid vessel. Delivery of the Herons has been delayed for almost two and a half years because the Aselsan-made electro-optical payload (Aselflir 300T), which is now installed on the platforms, had not been completed. Turkey signed a USD183 million contract with Israel's IUP consortium (then Israel Aircraft Industries and Elbit Systems) in 2005 for the delivery of 10 Heron UAVs.
Turkey had not accepted the first two Heron systems due to problems encountered by the electro-optical payloads, which are heavier than other similar payloads. The additional weight of the payloads, manufactured by Turkish company Aselsan, meant that more powerful engines would be required. In May 2008, Turkey's Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated that it had given Israel until the end of July 2009 to solve technical problems with the UAVs, indicating that it would cancel the project if the difficulties were not resolved by then. Subsequently, Murad Bayar told reporters in May 2009 that Israel had informed the SSM that it would be able to deliver the Herons, with a new engine to be fitted on the UAVs by August 2009.
The deadline was extended a second time after Turkish National Defence Minister Vecdi Gönül said in November 2009 that Turkey had set a 50-day deadline to deliver the 10 Heron UAVs. Gönül denied media reports that the tender had been cancelled, but said this would happen if Israel failed to fulfil its obligations within the new deadline.
Subsequently, in February 2010, Murad Bayar, Undersecretary for the Turkish Defence Industries Undersecretariat (SSM), told Turkish media that a three-week period of testing had been completed and that the system has met all Turkish requirements. This appears to put an end to the contract dispute.
Israel is subject to a compensation claim worth around USD12 million because of delays in delivering the drones, Bayar said, adding that Turkey will receive Heron spare parts in lieu of compensation. Israel will also provide Turkey with enhanced training on Herons as a means to cover the compensation, Jane's has learned. Jane's also learned that, under a revision made in the contract terms, Turkey reduced the minimum endurance it expects from the systems to slightly less than the 24 hours originally specified.
Turkey made a formal request late in December 2008 to purchase two unmanned systems - one armed and one unarmed - from the US through the FMS programme. Following approval by the US Congress, six examples of the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc MQ-9 Reaper and four examples of the MQ-1 Predator will be used to plug the UAV gap in Turkey's operations against the PKK.
Air Defence
737 AEW&C
In May 2003 the Turkish government signed a USD1.5 billion deal for the supply of four Boeing 737 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft and ground support elements under the project name Peace Eagle. It was subsequently announced that Boeing had awarded Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector a contract worth USD160 million to deliver four Multirole Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar systems for installation on the aircraft. Delivery of the first MESA was scheduled for 2005, with the first fully integrated 737 AEW&C due to be handed over to Turkey in 2009. That date was not met, with Boeing having informed Turkey in November 2006 of a 26-month programme slippage arising from delays caused by software and equipment integration problems. Tusas Aerospace Industries officials, who are partners to the project, have stated that the aircraft will now enter service in 2010 at the earliest. Boeing will be subject to a penalty because of the delay once it starts delivering the aircraft.
Boeing announced in September 2007 that it had conducted a successful first test flight of the aircraft and further announced in December 2007 that a successful first mission system flight test had been completed. Subsequently, in June 2008, the company announced that Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) had completed the first in-country modification of a Boeing 737-700 into an AEW&C platform; this aircraft made a successful maiden flight from Ankara on 16 July 2008.
In February 2010 Boeing announced it had finished phase two of the programme on time - committing USD21 million more than the USD270 million required - and said it is "on track" to fulfil its remaining obligations. Phase one was completed in 2006.
Missile Defence
Planning to obtain new missile-defence systems dates back to mid-1999, with consideration being given to various candidates including the Israeli Arrow-2 and Russian S-300 systems, although the latter was probably never a serious contender because of concerns over the question of compatibility with NATO equipment. Eventually, in March 2007, the SSM released a Request for Information (RfI) for the acquisition of four Long-Range Air- and Missile-Defence Systems (T-LORAMIDS). A few weeks later, in mid-April 2007, it released the names of 13 companies that declared their intention to respond. These include: Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon of the US, who have reportedly teamed to offer the Patriot PAC-3 to meet the Turkish requirement; CPMIEC of Taiwan; Israel Aerospace Industries; and local companies including Aselsan, FNSS and Roketsan.
Murad Bayar told Jane's in April 2009 that a request for proposals (RfP) would be issued shortly for the direct purchase of the T-LORAMIDS air defence systems. Turkey now envisages the purchase of about 12 systems for approximately USD4 billion and Bayar said Turkey planned to announce the winner of the project by the end of 2009, although a decision was still awaited at the beginning of July 2010.
Missiles and Weapon Systems
Air-to-Air Missiles
In 2004 Turkey was pursuing moves to purchase 225 Raytheon AIM-9X Sidewinder heat-seeking air-to-air missiles through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system.
Air-to-Ground Missiles
In September 2005, the US Defense Security Co-operation Agency notified the US Congress of a possible foreign military sale to Turkey of Raytheon AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOWs) as well as associated equipment and services. It was stated that Turkey had requested 50 AGM-154A-1 JSOW with BLU-111 and 54 AGM-154C JSOW; in April 2006, the contract was confirmed, with Raytheon stating that it was the first international sale of JSOW.
It also emerged in 2006 that Turkey had requested delivery of the Boeing AGM-84K Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) for use by the F-16. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified the US Congress in April 2006 of a possible sale at a total value of around USD162 million. The proposed deal proved controversial, with Armenian and Greek Cypriot lobbies in the US unsuccessfully seeking to prevent the sale, for which a firm order for 50 missiles was placed before the end of 2006.
Trainer
In August 2007, the Turkish Defence Industries Undersecretariat and South Korea's Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) signed an agreement for 40 basic trainer aircraft to replace the long-serving Cessna T-37. The improved aircraft, modelled on KAI's KT-1 Woong-Bee trainer aircraft and designated KT-1T, will be jointly manufactured by KAI and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). Under the programme, which is worth about USD400 million (excluding an option for a further 15 KT-1Ts), the first five aircraft will be manufactured in South Korea, with the remainder to be built in Turkey. TAI officials said at the time that the first aircraft was due to be delivered in 2009 and the last within the following two years. As it transpired, the first KT-1T did not emerge from KAI's Sacheon factory until 21 October 2009 and deliveries had yet to begin as of mid-2010. KAI officials have revealed that the deal will be worth USD500 million if all options are exercised.
Prior to this, in September 2005, the SSM signed a Design and Development Protocol with TAI for an indigenous Primary Trainer Aircraft to be known as the Hurkus. The original protocol was superseded by a new one in March 2006, in which the project was re-titled the Primary and Basic Trainer Aircraft Development Programme. It envisages a single-turboprop aircraft with tandem seating, zero/zero ejection seats, pressurised cockpits, anti-g and oxygen systems, and the ability to perform screening and primary training functions presently undertaken by the SF-260. A first flight is expected in 2010, with deliveries to follow from 2011.
Modernisation
F-16 Peace Onyx III Upgrades
Current planning envisages a total of 216 existing Turkish F-16s being upgraded and brought to a common avionics configuration under the Peace Onyx III programme by February 2016, although attrition is likely to result in a slight decrease in this number. At present, 37 Block 30, 103 Block 40 and 76 Block 50 aircraft are earmarked for upgrade under this programme, which is broadly similar in scope to the US's Common Configuration Implementation Program (CCIP) and includes provision of compatibility with smart munitions such as standoff weapons.
The F-16s will be equipped with the latest AN/AG-68(V)9 multimode radar; colour cockpit displays and recorders; new core-avionics processors; the Joint-Helmet-Mounted Cueing System and AN/ANVS-9 night-vision goggles; a Link 16 secure datalink; advanced Identification, Friend or Foe (IFF) interrogator/transponder; integrated precision navigation and an electronic warfare system; and will be given compatibility with a number of weapons and targeting systems.
According to reports in January 2008, Turkey Aselsan's ASELPOD advanced targeting pod was selected for integration with Turkish Air Force F-16 and F-4 fighter aircraft. The pod is currently under development to replace the Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infra-Red for Night (LANTIRN) system, which is currently in use.
The Turkish Air Force also ordered a package of Lockheed Martin targeting and navigation pods to improve the all-weather precision strike capability of its F-16 Falcon fleet. Lockheed Martin did not confirm the exact number of AN/AAQ-13 Sniper ATP (Advanced Targeting Pod) and AN/AAQ-33 LANTIRN ER (Enhanced Range) pods that were to be provided under the USD118 million deal, citing customer confidentiality, but it is understood that the air force had a requirement for 30 of each. The deal was announced in January 2010.
According to the company, the new pods will be fitted to Block 40 and Block 50 Peace Onyx aircraft, which make up the bulk of the air force's F-16 inventory, though initial plans agreed in 2005 covered the Peace Onyx III upgrade of 37 Block 30 aircraft. The pods are essentially plug-and-play through standard hardpoint mountings and will require minimal integration work.
The air force has long been a user of basic LANTIRN pods, but has decided to upgrade to the new standard and become the 11th export customer for the enhanced ATP-variant Sniper. As well as the long-range target identification and designation capacity (even in urban settings, according to Lockheed Martin) of the latter, Sniper ATP also helps convert the F-16 carrying it into a 'non-traditional' intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platform, able to record and transmit high-resolution real-time video to ground forces equipped with ROVER terminals. For its part, LANTIRN ER nearly doubles the target designation altitude of the original LANTIRN pod (up from a ceiling of 25,000 ft to 40,000 ft), as well as introducing the same MWIR InSb, staring-array forward looking infrared (FLIR) camera as the Sniper (to double the ER pod's reconnaissance range) and an improved continuous-zoom daylight camera. According to the manufacturer the newer version also increases reliability and reduces support costs.
F-16 Electronic Countermeasures
Turkey signed a contract in early 2003 for the production of Electronic Warfare (EW) equipment for the F-16C Block 50 fighter aircraft. Turkey's Defence Industries Undersecretariat concluded the USD190.4 million contract in January 2003 with prime contractor Aselsan-Mikes, in co-ordination with industry partner BAE Systems North America.
The system chosen was the AN/ALQ-178(V)5+ Self-Protection Electronic Warfare System II (SPEWS II). It was announced in June 2004 that BAE Systems, as key sub-contractor on the project, would develop hardware and related software for the AN/ALQ-178(V)5+ in 2004-08, with design and development taking place primarily at BAE Systems Information & Electronic Warfare Systems (IEWS) in Nashua, New Hampshire.
Aselsan-Mikes previously installed the AN/ALQ-178(V)3 electronic countermeasures system on surviving examples of 160 Block 30 and Block 40 F-16s co-produced by Tusas Aerospace Industries (TAI) and Lockheed Martin.
The Turkish Air Force Command has decided to equip the recently ordered batch of 30 Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 50 aircraft with ITT's Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite (AIDEWS). This decision has resolved a dispute with the Turkish Defence Industries Undersecretariat, which had insisted on a locally-made system, specifically the AN/ALQ-178(V)5+ SPEWS II.The 30 AIDEWS systems are estimated to cost around USD120 million and ITT will provide offsets of USD60 million.
RF-4E Upgrades
The Turkish Air Force Command (TAFC) announced in January 2009 that 12 of its McDonnell Douglas RF-4E will be upgraded with new electro-optic IMINT payloads. Elta Systems and Elbit Systems Electro-Optics-Elop, subsidiaries of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elbit Systems respectively, will supply IMINT systems over a four-year period under the USD165 million contract; Turkey's Aselsan will act as systems integrator. Although the payloads have not been disclosed, Elta Systems' EL/M-2060P synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) system and Elbit Systems Electro-Optics-Elop's Condor 2 electro-optic/infrared LOng-Range Oblique Photograph (EO/IR LOROP) reconnaissance system meet the requirements set out; the latter is certified for RF-4 and F-16 aircraft. It therefore appears likely that, if the RF-4E 'Isik' modernisation project is successful, the same system will also be installed on some F-16s.
C-130 Upgrade
The first Turkish Air Force C-130 transport aircraft to undergo the Erciyes avionics modernisation upgrade arrived at Turkish Aerospace Industries in December 2007 to be fitted with a new 'glass cockpit' configuration as part of a 30-month prototype phase. The entire programme, which will involve six C-130Bs and seven C-130Es, is expected to be completed in mid-2012.
The Turkish government awarded Tusas Aerospace Industries (TAI) a contract with a not-to-exceed value of USD119 million to develop and implement an indigenous C-130 avionics upgrade programme. A total of 17 new avionics systems will be integrated and five existing ones will benefit from being upgraded. Key new systems being designed and integrated indigenously are the central mission computer, radar, Multi-Function Displays (MFD), Controls and Display Unit (CDU), Air Data Computer (ADC), radios, Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF). Upgrades will apply to communication and navigation systems as well as some antennas, with the LN-260 fibre-optic gyro inertial navigation system amongst the equipment that has been selected.
The timescale of the C-130 modernisation project indicates that this programme may be as much about developing a capability for export as extending the life of the C-130. This looks more compelling as, according to TAI, the programme does not feature any structural enhancements. Given the age of the aircraft and known issues with centre wing-box fatigue with older C-130 models in service with other nations, it is highly likely the Turkish aircraft will be very close to the end of their service lives by the time the upgrade is completed. In this context, the award of the contract to TAI is symptomatic of Turkey's desire to develop its domestic defence industrial capability and move away from being reliant on imported technology. This can also be seen in the rigorous technology-transfer conditions attached to recent procurement programmes for attack helicopters and multirole fighter aircraft as Turkey looks to a long term future as an exporter of high-technology avionics, offering an alternative to existing suppliers. TAI will modernise the first two C-130 aircraft, with the remaining 11 to be completed by the Turkish Air Force's maintenance centre at Kayseri/Erkilet.
Equipment in service
Fixed Wing
Type Manufacturer Role Original Total In Service First Delivery
F-16C Fighting Falcon Lockheed Martin Fighter - Multirole 2101 170 1987
F-16D Fighting Falcon Lockheed Martin Fighter - Multirole 602 41 1987
F-4E Phantom II McDonnell Douglas Fighter - Multirole 182 40 1973
F-4E 2020 Phantom II McDonnell Douglas Fighter - Multirole 543 48 2002
RF-4E Phantom II McDonnell Douglas Reconnaissance / Surveillance 54 224 1977
CN-235M Airbus Electronic Intelligence 2 25 n/a
C.160D Transall Transport 20 16 1971
C-130B Hercules Lockheed Martin Transport 6 6 1991
C-130E Hercules Lockheed Martin Transport 8 7 1964
CN-235M Airbus Transport 48 46 1991
KC-135R Stratotanker Boeing Tanker / Transport 7 7 1995
550 Citation II Cessna Utility 2 2 1985
650 Citation VII Cessna Utility 2 2 1993
G-1159C Gulfstream IV Gulfstream Aerospace VIP / Transport 2 2 1988
G550 Gulfstream Aerospace VIP / Transport 2 2 2009
F-5A 2000 Northrop Trainer 226 12 1965
NF-5A 2000 Canadair Trainer 23 21 1989
F-5B 2000 Northrop Trainer 8 6 1965
NF-5B 2000 Canadair Trainer 14 10 1989
SF-260D Aermacchi Trainer 40 35 1990
T-41D Mescalero Cessna Trainer 30 20 1972
T-37B Cessna Trainer 27 20 1963
T-37C Cessna Trainer 50 28 1963
T-38A Talon Northrop Trainer 74 59 1979
SZD-50-3 Puchacz PZL Bielsko Glider 8 6 n/a
Notes:
Total includes 14 on order for delivery 2011-13.
Total includes 16 on order for delivery 2011-13.
Conversions of the above.
Original quantity of eight RF-4E delivered 1977; 46 former Luftwaffe aircraft acquired 1992-94 included some as spares source; 12 aircraft presently being upgraded with new reconnaissance systems.
Recent replacements for EC-47; CN-235M may still not be fully fitted out for electronic intelligence missions.
Figures quoted are only for those aircraft upgraded to F-5 2000 configuration; more than 180 F-5 and NF-5 originally received by Turkey.
Rotary Wing
Type Manufacturer Role Original Total In Service First Delivery
UH-1H Iroquois Bell Utility 60 20 1969
AS 532AL Cougar Eurocopter Utility 6 6 2000
AS 532UL Cougar Eurocopter Utility 14 14 2000
Eurocopter Cougar in Turkish Service (THK 2002)
0067849
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Type Manufacturer Role Original Total In Service First Delivery
MQ-1 Predator General Atomics Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance / Attack 61 n/a 2010
MQ-9 Reaper General Atomics Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance / Attack 41 n/a 2010
Harpy IAI Attack 108 100 n/a
Heron IAI Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance 10 10 2010
Gnat 750 General Atomics Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance 1 1 n/a
On order for delivery in 2010-11.
Missiles
Type Manufacturer Role
Shafrir 2 Rafael Air-to-Air
AIM-7E Sparrow Raytheon Air-to-Air
AIM-9S Sidewinder Raytheon Air-to-Air
AIM-120A AMRAAM Raytheon Air-to-Air
AIM-120B AMRAAM Raytheon Air-to-Air
AGM-65A Maverick Raytheon Air-to-Surface
AGM-65G Maverick Raytheon Air-to-Surface
AGM-154A JSOW Raytheon Air-to-Surface
AGM-154C JSOW Raytheon Air-to-Surface
Popeye Rafael Air-to-Surface
AGM-84K SLAM-ER Boeing Air-to-Surface
AGM-88A HARM Raytheon Air-to-Surface
UPDATED
