TR Air Forces|News & Discussion

The Turkish Air Force’s Second Test Squadron: 403rd Squadron and Air-ARMERKOM Inaugurated

The 403rd Squadron, established as the second test squadron of the Turkish Air Force, and Air-ARMERKOM were inaugurated by the Commander of the Air Force, General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu.

In the statement made by the Air Force Command regarding the center, the following information was shared:

“To maximize the national aviation and defense industry capabilities of our country and the Turkish Air Force, to conduct R&D processes using scientific methods for the indigenous technologies needed in air and space systems, and to develop, test, and produce verified operational capabilities for our national fighter jets, the inauguration ceremony of Air-ARMERKOM and the 403rd Test Squadron Command was attended.”

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What is ARMERKOM?

Standing for “Research Center Command,” the concept of ARMERKOM was first initiated by the Turkish Naval Forces. Established in 1975, ARMERKOM has made significant contributions to engineering design and field experience in numerous projects, including ADVENT, GENESIS, MİLGEM, and ZAHA.

Efforts have been underway for some time to establish a similar structure for the Turkish Air Force. Located at the Mürted Air Base Command, Air-ARMERKOM will work primarily with TUSAŞ and other defense companies. It will play a key role in the faster integration of next-generation systems into the inventory and in planning future-oriented projects.

Enhancing Technological Capability

Two new structures have officially started operating to increase the technological capabilities of the Air Force Command, implement national solutions integrated with mission systems, and institutionalize the Air Force’s platform testing competence.

The Research Center Command aims to closely follow global technological developments and combat needs, contribute to scientific infrastructure shaping the future of air platforms through engineering and R&D efforts, and carry out prototype production and system testing.

Currently, the Turkish Air Force’s first test squadron, the 401st, operates under the 1st Main Jet Base Command.

Many munitions tests are conducted by the squadron in coordination with the Eskişehir Air Maintenance Factory Directorate.

Second Test Squadron

The 403rd Test Squadron Command will be tasked with development and certification flight tests—especially of new-generation national platforms like KAAN and HÜRJET developed by TUSAŞ—as well as performance, safety, and operational capability verification in coordination with manufacturers using expert personnel.

These two strategic units will enable the following capabilities:

• The Turkish Air Force will not only be a user but also a technical decision-making authority directly contributing to system development.
• Integration with the domestic defense industry, responsiveness to field requirements, and independence will be significantly strengthened.

Established with the vision that “The future is in the skies,” these structures will contribute greatly to the Turkish Air Force’s technological future, inspire confidence in our nation, assurance to our allies, and strength to our deterrence.