New arms on exhibit at defense event IDEF in Istanbul

A number of new defense technologies have been rolled off at the 13th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF), which kicked off in Istanbul on May 9, with indigenous projects putting their mark on the event.  
    
Among the attractions are two Turkey-made missiles, Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan. 

Developed by the Defense Industries Research and Development Institute (SAGE) of TÜBİTAK, the country's science body, the Gökdoğan is a short-range weapon with high maneuvering capability and infrared monitoring system. The Bozdoğan, in contrast, is a long-range missile that an active radar system.

Both can be used on F-16 fighter jets, which constitute the backbone of the Turkish Air Force. 

Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım visited the stand where the missiles were exhibited before inspecting the aerial Hürkuş and Atak vehicles, which are produced by the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). 

The Hürkuş is a tandem two-seat, low-wing, single-engine, turboprop aircraft being developed by TAI as a new basic trainer and ground attack aircraft for the Turkish Armed Forces. 

The Atak program is an ongoing project that was begun to meet the Turkish Armed Forces' requirements for an attack and tactical reconnaissance helicopter. The program is being produced by both TAI and U.K.-based AgustaWestland. 

Yıldırım also visited the stands of Baykar Makina, the domestic unmanned aerial vehicle producer, where he inspected a gunned model, as well as other improved technologies at Roketsan, Havelsan and Aselsan, the major suppliers of the Turkish Armed Forces. 

FNSS, a Turkish joint venture company owned 51 percent by Nurol Holding and 49 percent by BAE Systems, showcased a prototype of its mid-weight tank Kaplan MT, a project...