TR Industry, Science and Technology

[Bogeyman]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1810950361806483945

This is crazy. No one can compete with the Chinese in the market.

 

[Saithan]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1810950361806483945

This is crazy. No one can compete with the Chinese in the market.

But this kind of development will make

Robotic technology Diploma engineer​

Diplomingeniør i Robotteknologi - Læs om uddannelsen!

Drømmer du om at arbejde med den nyeste robotteknologi? Så er en Robotteknologiuddannelse måske noget for dig. Søg ind online!

www.sdu.dk

More necessary

I do not think Türkiye will get there anytime soon because cheap labour is very close and people are too greedy to make the necessary investment to reach new heights.

 

[Zafer]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1810950361806483945

This is crazy. No one can compete with the Chinese in the market.

What is even crazier is what happens when Apple iphone gets such a no touch production facility. This gives Xiaomi little advantage as they can tap into low cost workmanship already but gives iphone a huge advantage for production in the US. Imagine all US brands return home for production.

 

[Anastasius]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1810950361806483945

This is crazy. No one can compete with the Chinese in the market.

Is this more cost-efficient than hiring regular people though? Time will tell.

 

[neosinan]

Arçelik and Yongatek has been designing integrated curcuits Since april for Home appliance and small appliances.

Arçelik ve YongaTek'ten yerli çip tasarımı

Sanayi ve Teknoloji Bakanlığının Rekabet Öncesi İşbirliği Destek Programı kapsamında Arçelik ve YongaTek firması işbirliğiyle yerli çip tasarımına başlandı.

www.bloomberght.com

This is great project, I've been expecting/hoping it for some time. After designing military products this is natural step for Yongatek.

 

[Quasar]

I really really want to be optimistic about HIT 30 project

With the HIT-30 Program we are introducing today, we are directing a total of 30 billion dollars of resources consisting of tax incentives and grant supports to high technology investments. May the HIT-30 Program be beneficial for our country, our nation and our business world. With the program, we will provide qualified support to investments in over 30 topics that will develop semiconductors, mobility, green energy, advanced manufacturing, healthy living, digital technologies, communications, space and value chains in these areas. I would like to emphasize that the 6 calls we announced are the first calls we identified as priorities among our focus areas. In addition to these, we will soon share our calls with the public under 4 more topics: hyperscale data centers, biotechnological drugs, green hydrogen and industrial robotic systems. Comprehensive support will continue to be provided to investment projects under other titles announced in the coming period. I invite all investors to take part in the HIT-30 Program and become a partner in our country's technological breakthrough adventure. I congratulate all institutions that contributed to the preparation of the program.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1816874438614470775

 

[TheInsider]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1817543321343926585

22nm is important because it was the first node that was based on tri-gate (FinFET) transistors. Today's cutting-edge nodes still use FinFET transistors. In the near future, GAAFET transistors will replace FinFET transistors.

A facility that produces 22nm FinFET chips can also(theoretically) produce chips as small as 7nm class (TSMC first generation 7nm) with FinFET+DUV combo which can cover current and future "industrial chip" demand of the country. China has a 5nm node but they are exception.

5nm(exception China), 4nm ,3nm node requires EUV tools. 2nm and lower nodes require GAAFET transistor design.

https://www.intel.com.tr/content/dam/www/public/us/en/documents/presentation/revolutionary-22nm-transistor-technology-presentation.pdf

According to the Minister of Technology and Industry construction of the fab will start second half of this year. The fab will initially produce 110nm and later 65nm chips for EVs, household appliances, and renewable energy. This fab can theoretically produce chips as small as 28nm.
22nm production is probably related to phase 2 and another fab investment will be needed.

 

[No Name]

Turkey’s emerging and disruptive technologies capacity and NATO: Defense policy, prospects, and limitations​

By Can Kasapoğlu and Sine Özkaraşahin

Introduction​

The NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s Science and Technology Committee considers emerging and disruptive technologies (EDTs) capable of transforming future military capabilities and warfare through advanced tech applications. Today, official documents indicate that NATO’s EDT-generation efforts focus on nine areas: artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, quantum technologies, biotechnology and human enhancement technologies, space, hypersonic systems, novel materials and manufacturing, energy and propulsion, and next-generation communications networks.

This brief does not cover all of Turkey’s defense-technological capabilities but aims to outline Turkey’s growing focus on EDTs and high-tech advancements. Some signature programs reflect Turkey’s political-military approach and the trends in defense-technological and industrial policies. These programs hint at Ankara’s future military modernization efforts and smart assets. This paper highlights some of Turkey’s critical defense tech programs, focusing on AI, robotics, directed energy weapons, and future soldier/exoskeleton technologies to illustrate the comprehensive and integrated structure of the Turkish EDT ecosystem.

Emerging and disruptive technologies, the future of war, and NATO​

Breakthroughs in EDTs are essential for NATO’s future military strength. They will significantly impact defense economics and help shape NATO’s defense-technological and industrial priorities. These efforts involve not just state policies but also public-private partnerships and transatlantic cooperation for sustainable and comprehensive EDT initiatives.

NATO supports these projects through initiatives like the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic and the NATO-Private Sector Dialogues, which explore collaboration between NATO and private companies on technology and defense.

According to Greg Ulmer, currently president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, “the decisive edge in today and tomorrow’s missions will be determined by combining technologies to bring forward new capabilities.” This view is shared by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, demonstrating the importance of AI in Washington’s military modernization efforts to deter adversaries in a future confrontation. There seems to be a consensus in the Western policy community that integrating AI and machine learning into modern battle networks, perhaps the most critical contemporary EDT applications in defense, is essential to succeed in tomorrow’s wars. In an era of increasingly digital and transparent warfare, rapid technological adaptation is key to success.

Smart technologies are proliferating fast, and continuous innovation has become a strategic requirement in today’s geopolitical landscape. AI-augmented precision kill chains, hypersonic weapons within mixed-strike packages, and satellite internet-enabled command and control nodes are already changing warfare. The use of commercial satellite imagery and geospatial intelligence has revolutionized open-source intelligence. Facial recognition algorithms are now used in war crime investigations. Robotic warfare, drone-on-drone engagements, and manned-unmanned teaming are all changing the characteristics of war for better or worse.

Defense economics is also changing. Start-ups are becoming increasingly essential actors in military innovation. According to McKinsey & Company, the number of seed funding rounds in defense and dual-use technology (in the United States) almost doubled between 2011 and 2023, hinting at a rapid proliferation of start-ups in the high-tech defense industry. This trend is fostering new collaborations. NATO is leveraging the strengths of the start-up industry with a $1.1 billion Innovation Fund and is reportedly working with several European tech companies on robotic solutions, AI-driven systems, and semiconductors.

Keeping up with innovation is like boarding a fast-moving train, where getting a good seat ensures a strategic advantage over competitors. By investing in holistic, across-the-spectrum EDT-generation efforts, Turkish decision-makers seem to recognize this imperative.

Great expectations: Turkey in the high-technology battlespace​

Turkey has faced challenges with industrial advancements, lagging behind in the Industrial Revolution. For instance, the country’s first main battle tank is still not in service. Despite ambitions to operate its fifth-generation combat aircraft, Kaan, within a decade, Turkey has not ever produced third- or fourth-generation tactical military aircraft. This situation is striking given that Turkey excels in producing and exporting state-of-the-art drones but has struggled with other key conventional military assets.

According to Haluk Bayraktar, CEO of the prominent Turkish unmanned aerial systems manufacturer Baykar, missing out on the Industrial Revolution has slowed Turkey’s military modernization. However, it also pushed the country to leverage digital age technologies, building new strengths in intelligent assets and EDTs.

In recent decades, Turkey’s military-industrial sector has focused heavily on innovation and increasing research and development, driven by a desire for self-sufficiency and operational sovereignty. The country’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2021-2025 outlines these ambitions. Forming the central pillar of the government’s AI policy, the document “focuses on generating value on a global scale with an agile and sustainable AI ecosystem.” The strategy also lays out the strategic pillars of the effort, including strengthening international collaboration, encouraging innovation, and increasing the number of experts working on AI.

Similarly, the 2023-2027 Sectoral Strategy Document of the Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries outlines several focus areas for Turkey’s future EDT efforts. These include quantum computing, nanotechnology, and directed energy weapons. The document also highlights the importance of establishing a sustainable, resilient production and testing infrastructure for advanced aerial platforms and increasing the competitiveness of Turkey’s high-tech defense exports.

Selected military programs​

Kemankeş loitering munitions baseline​

Turkey’s aerial drone warfare capabilities first gained attention with medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) and high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) platforms such as the Bayraktar TB-2 MALE drone, Akıncı HALE unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and TUSAS’ Anka MALE drone baseline. Recently, Turkey’s has advanced further in this field, developing smart aerial assets such as the Kemankeş family.

The Kemankeş, introduced by Baykar in 2023, is a “mini-intelligent cruise missile” that combines features of loitering munitions and cruise missiles. It can carry a 6-kilogram payload, and operates autonomously with an AI-supported autopilot system, one-hour endurance, and a jet engine. The Kemankeş is designed for both striking targets and conducting intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance missions. It can be integrated with other aerial drones, making it a versatile tool in modern warfare.

The Kemankeş system offers advanced datalinks and sensors, providing real-time battle updates while targeting adversaries. The upgraded version, Kemankeş-2, boasts a range of over 200 kilometers and an AI-supported autopilot system for precise, autonomous flight. Baykar announced that Kemankeş-2 passed its system verification tests in June 2024.

Kemankeş-2 can operate day and night, in various weather conditions, and in environments where GPS is jammed. Its AI-supported optical guidance system demonstrates Turkey’s rapid advancements in robotic aerial technology.

Naval and ground robotic warfare capabilities​

Russia’s war on Ukraine and the ongoing turmoil in the Red Sea have highlighted the importance of kamikaze naval drones. In the Black Sea, Ukraine has used unmanned surface vehicles (USV) compensate for its lack of conventional naval capabilities. It has successfully eliminated about one-third of the Russian Black Sea Fleet with naval drones and other long-range capabilities such as the Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG air-launched cruise missiles and coastal defense missiles. Similarly, in the Red Sea, Iranian-backed Houthis have employed low-cost kamikaze USVs effective anti-access/area-denial assets, disrupting global maritime trade and limiting Western commercial activities in the region. Some assessments suggest that the United States should consider forming “hedge forces” consisting entirely of unmanned, low-cost systems to counter initial aggression from a peer opponent, such as in a scenario involving China invading Taiwan. This strategy would minimize harm to military personnel and the loss of valuable equipment.

Turkey has one of the largest USV programs within NATO, with about half a dozen ongoing projects. For example, Marlin, produced by the Turkish defense giant Aselsan and Sefine Shipyards, was the first Turkish naval drone to participate in NATO joint exercises, indicating potential for coalition warfare.

Turkey is also advancing its ground warfare capabilities, leveraging its expertise in robotics. Otokar’s Alpar is a recent example of an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) that can map the battlefield in 2D and 3D, navigate without a global navigation satellite system, identify friend or foe, and has Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, low thermal and acoustic signature, and autonomous patrol capability. It can also serve as a “mother tank” for smaller UGVs, enhancing mission capability. Alpar has been showcased at major international defense exhibitions, including the Eurosatory 2024 event held in Paris in June.

In addition to developing new robotic systems, Turkey is focusing on innovative concepts like Havelsan’s “digital troops,” which integrate manned and unmanned teams to act as force multipliers on the battlefield. These efforts across multiple domains demonstrate Turkey’s vision of becoming a leading player in a “Mad Max”-like battlespace that combines conventional and smart assets.

Laser precision: Turkey’s drive in directed energy weapon projects​

In Turkey’s expansion of EDTs, directed energy weapons and laser guns are gaining attention. The prominent Turkish arms maker Roketsan has introduced the Alka Directed Energy Weapon System, which has successfully completed live fire tests. The Alka system combines soft kill and hard kill capabilities, featuring both an electromagnetic jamming system and a laser destruction system.

Another key initiative is Aselsan’s Gökberk Mobile Laser Weapon System, first unveiled at the Turkish defense exhibition IDEF in 2023. Gökberk can search for, detect, and track UAVs using radar and electro-optical sensors, and then intercept these threats with an effective laser weapon. Additionally, Gökberk has soft kill capabilities, using its Kangal jammer subsystem to render UAVs dysfunctional. According to Aselsan, Gökberk can protect land and naval platforms, critical national infrastructure, and border outposts.

Turkish future soldier concepts​

Turkey is also advancing future soldier technologies as part of its efforts in EDTs. The concept, pioneered by the United Kingdom within NATO, aims to create a modernized force by 2030. Shifting the focus of warfighting from close to deep battles, the British program seeks to transform the army into a resilient and versatile force that can find and attack enemy targets at a greater distance and with higher accuracy.

Ankara’s efforts in this segment are not new. A few years ago, BITES, a leading defense technology and intelligent systems manufacturer owned by Aselsan, developed the Military Tactical Operation Kit ATOK. Equipped with portable and wearable integrated technology, the solution in question was designed to enhance the situational awareness of Turkish troops in a rapidly changing battlefield and maximize personnel security. In line with the future soldier concept, BITES also produced several solutions based on virtual/augmented reality to provide realistic simulation environments.

Aselsan’s “Military Exoskeleton” is another visionary initiative designed to assist troops during demanding battlefield conditions. The exoskeleton provides over 400 watts of leg support. The support is adaptive and AI-supported, meaning that it understands and responds to the needs of the soldier wearing the smart suit. It has an 8-kilometer operation range on a single charge and transfers the soldier’s weight to the ground during long missions, reducing physical strain and improving combat performance.

The way forward: Opportunities and restraints ​

Keeping up with industrial trends in a competitive environment is challenging, and Turkey’s defense industry faces several obstacles that limit its full potential.

First, the Turkish defense industry is monopolized. There are structural gaps in the collaboration between the public and private sectors. Unlike other tech-driven nations like the United States, Turkey’s defense ecosystem is not very friendly to start-ups, with established companies dominating the field.

Second, Turkey has a shortage of skilled human capital, largely due to issues in higher education. According to 2022 OECD data, Turkey’s Program for International Student Assessment test scores fell below the OECD average in mathematics, science, and reading comprehension. In addition, evidence shows that in Turkey, the proportion of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral or equivalent graduates in the field of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is among the lowest among OECD and partner countries.

For sustainable and resilient defense innovation, R&D, business, and a well-educated workforce must go hand in hand. A good example is Baykar, whose chief technology lead was educated at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, one of the United States’ leading engineering universities.

Third, high-technology goods comprise a relatively low share of Turkish exports. Despite a focus on high-tech products, over half of the gross value generated in the Turkish defense industry comes from low- and medium-technology products. In 2022, Turkey’s high-tech exports were approximately $7.5 billion, and in 2023, this figure exceeded $9 billion.

While Turkey’s strategic plans and defense industrial goals are ambitious, the abovementioned challenges could jeopardize its position as a leading EDT producer in the medium and long term. Addressing these issues is crucial not only for enhancing Turkey’s EDT edge but also for meeting NATO’s strategic needs.

 

[Quasar]

-Natural gas fired power plant turbine blade (Mil-Kanat), successfully passed 8000 hour performance
-64 movable and 51 fixed blades were tested in third stage of gas turbine in Istanbul Ambarlı power plant
-Main goal is to develop 100% turbine production

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1819698366940360755

 

[what]

Which got me thinking, if you get to develop a gas turbine from jet turbine, that could go both ways?
Very theoretical question, but wonder if a company such as Siemens for example could turn for jet propulsion in way economy mode with their existing turbines. @Nilgiri thought you might be able to answer these kinds of theoretical questions.

Gas Turbines

Siemens Energy develops state-of-the-art gas turbines. Discover our product range – heavy-duty, industrial and aeroderivative gas turbines, ranging up to 593 MW.

www.siemens-energy.com

 

[Nilgiri]

Which got me thinking, if you get to develop a gas turbine from jet turbine, that could go both ways?
Very theoretical question, but wonder if a company such as Siemens for example could turn for jet propulsion in way economy mode with their existing turbines. @Nilgiri thought you might be able to answer these kinds of theoretical questions.

Gas Turbines

Siemens Energy develops state-of-the-art gas turbines. Discover our product range – heavy-duty, industrial and aeroderivative gas turbines, ranging up to 593 MW.

www.siemens-energy.com

It would be too much for Siemens to take on without a huge capital investment over many years to attract and organise expertise for it.

Simply put larger (industrial) gas turbines operate on much more forgiving parameters when it comes to say power output vis a vis RPM. i.e things are volumetrically scaled and "de-intensified" from what we see in the propulsion realm (as the propulsion fundamentally has to stay within size/weight requirements given power/weight of working against gravity not only for the engine but the larger vehicle itself).

The expertise and RnD focus of both have diverged greatly by now for that reason. i.e the Hot section temperature for a jet engine is more pertinent for its apex research.....whereas not the case with industrial turbine that would see marginal returns compared to improving reliability in its (massive scaled) compressor....a heavy compressor size simply not found in jet engines.

The other way around (esp. turboshaft turned into a small captive gen etc) is much more straightforward as the size/weight is already baked in....you just have to decide if the capex and running costs for its new role are worth it compared to something else in same control volume and expected lifetime etc. It does not need such specialised companies generally, they can operate out of technical documents given by the OEM etc.

Hence why germany has agglomerated its jet propulsion IP into a company like MTU (which took over BMW aeroengines) rather than Siemens.

 

[Nilgiri]

A brief summary of the arc of BMW to today's MTU:

History - MTU Aero Engines

MTU no doubt had its origin in the aircraft engine factory founded in 1913 and until now has had many happenings in its history.

www.mtu.de

Compare and contrast with electrical heavy focus of Siemens:

Werner von Siemens - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

These are dominant inertias for many organisations, companies and even countries....my main meal is my main IP etc.

Acquiring/developing new IP is huge effort you need to commit to in decision making (in say the corporate or govt layers involved) and then commit huge funds for the relevant human resource to deploy, organise, measure and re-invest etc....

Some fields may stem from same theoretical and even original practical basis.....but have now separated sufficiently like languages in same language family. Its not exactly easy to learn and apply the other one without the commitment and immersion needed (takes time, is it worth the time compared to continuing on current stuff you have on plate and resources at hand for it).

 

[Strong AI]

An agreement regarding the development, integration and serial production of Avionic Suites to the air platforms has been signed between ASELSAN and TAI-Turkish Aerospace Industries. The contract value is USD 60.309.068-

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1825427634483835014

 

[Strong AI]

We recognize the strategic advantages that our country can gain by achieving simultaneous and equivalent advancements in quantum technologies domestically, in parallel with global developments. We see accelerating domestic development in quantum technologies and becoming globally competitive as a critical achievement.

In line with this vision, the Turkey Quantum Technologies Development Center, which was decided upon in the Defense Industry Executive Committee, will establish the necessary infrastructure for quantum technologies, train human resources, develop the domestic quantum technologies ecosystem and technological expertise, and focus on activities to increase national and international collaborations.

I hope that this center will lead to beneficial work and contributions for our nation and people.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1826178748170850771

 

[Strong AI]

We recognize the strategic advantages that our country can gain by achieving simultaneous and equivalent advancements in quantum technologies domestically, in parallel with global developments. We see accelerating domestic development in quantum technologies and becoming globally competitive as a critical achievement.

In line with this vision, the Turkey Quantum Technologies Development Center, which was decided upon in the Defense Industry Executive Committee, will establish the necessary infrastructure for quantum technologies, train human resources, develop the domestic quantum technologies ecosystem and technological expertise, and focus on activities to increase national and international collaborations.

I hope that this center will lead to beneficial work and contributions for our nation and people.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1826178748170850771

At the ASELSAN Quantum Technologies Research Laboratory KUANTAL, we will continue to provide the highest support to vision and the studies in our country with SMEs and universities.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1826236159845962055

 

[zio]

No detailed information about T-Link but its hardware is ready to go.USA is playing bad guy against us by delaying to give new cryption protocol for Link-16.They will never upon MDLS link to us,We are the on the right pathway for spreading domestic IFF hardwares alongside with NATO system to our platforms,I expect T-Link will follow the same.

 

[Quasar]

https://anova.com.tr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Anova_Brosur_RLCS_01-en.pdf

Radar Liquid Cooling System​

Designed for air platform radars. Performs liquid cooling by using platform's ECS or Ram air. Smart liquid cooling system measuring liquid's temperature, pressure and guantity and makes necessary warnings to the platform. Uses PAO as the liguid, provides cooling up to 4,5 kW.

Gerotor Hydraulic Pump is a compact and highly productive positive displacement pump developed for military aviation practices. The pump has a compact structure as it shares the same body with the self-propelled electric motor. Its export to South Korea began after successful completion of production, analysis and tests.

Initiated under the auspices of the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries as a Technology Development Liability Project, the Fuel Transfer Pump is a centrifugal pump that allows transfer of fuel to earlier elected part or directly to the motor fuel inlet port which can be compatible with JP-10 in high flow and low pressures. Following its mechanical design, computational fluid dynamics and structural analysis were completed and the production of pump began after the successful completion of environmental tests.

https://anova.com.tr/

 

[zio]

APG 83 liquid cooling,APG 84 liquid+air cooling,aselsan murad100 liquid +air cooling.South korea gave up to get APG-84 which was expensive.(1)
1-European defence journal article.

 

[Anmdt]

Well done, let's get a fresh MsC graduate from MKE's vice chairman position. He has helped a lot MKE to improve, so will definitely do well at SAGE.

TÜBİTAK SAGE’ye Kemal Topalömer, RMK Marine’e Özgün Utku Alanç atandı – Tolga Özbek

tolgaozbek.com

 

[Sanchez]

Well done, let's get a fresh MsC graduate from MKE's vice chairman position. He has helped a lot MKE to improve, so will definitely do well at SAGE.

TÜBİTAK SAGE’ye Kemal Topalömer, RMK Marine’e Özgün Utku Alanç atandı – Tolga Özbek

tolgaozbek.com

RMK basically transfering Ares' chief is interesting to me. What should we expect?