Secretary of Turkish Defence Industries, Prof Dr Haluk Gorgun said by joining forces, Malaysia could gain access to cutting-edge technology and expertise, accelerating its own defence capabilities and fostering the growth of its indigenous defence industry.
In an email interview with Bernama in anticipation of the three-day Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (Natsec) Asia 2024 exhibitions (May 6 to 9) in Kuala Lumpur, Gorgun highlighted the reciprocal benefits of such a partnership.
"We are open to cooperating with Malaysia, a friendly and brotherly country, in development projects, including the 'KAAN' Project" which has already been initiated by Turkiye. We are also open to sharing the experience we gained from New Generation Basic Trainer Aircraft HURKUS and HURJET Jet Aircraft with Malaysia.
"Turkiye, on the other hand, could benefit from Malaysia's contributions in areas such as research and development, manufacturing capabilities, and regional knowledge," he said expressing optimism on the positive impact this cooperation would have on bilateral ties and regional security.
Gorgun noted Turkiye and Malaysia have successfully collaborated on direct procurement projects, co-production endeavors and Technology Transfer (ToT) activities across various platforms and subsystems.
This exceptional partnership is exemplified by land vehicle projects like ADNAN and Gempita, led by FNSS, as well as radar, weapon systems and command, and control initiatives guided by Aselsan, and armoured vehicle deliveries facilitated by NUROL.
Elaborating further, Gorgun pointed out as a multirole fighter jet, the 'KAAN' is adept at conducting diverse missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, reconnaissance and electronic warfare, providing Malaysia with versatile options to address various security challenges.
"The KAAN's interoperability with NATO systems and potential for technology transfer present opportunities for Malaysia to seamlessly integrate the aircraft into its defence infrastructure through collaboration with Turkiye.
"Overall, investing in the KAAN would significantly enhance Malaysia's air superiority, strengthen bilateral defence ties, and contribute to regional security and stability in Southeast Asia," he added.
On Feb 21, the 13-minute maiden test flight of Turkiye's first homegrown fifth-generation fighter jet 'KAAN' had made a splash among the worldwide media outlets.
Much of the international media reported that the successful completion of the maiden flight was "a major step forward for Turkiye's efforts to develop its fifth-generation fighter".
'KAAN' was also reported as the result of over a decade of effort from the Turkish Air Force and the country aims 'KAAN' to "eventually replace" the country's F-16 fleet.
Turkiye is one of only five countries in the world that can independently develop and produce fifth-generation fighter jets, joining the United States (US), Russia, China, and South Korea.
Meanwhile, on DSA and Natsec, Gorgun said the international gathering will be a great platform for mutual exchange of ideas between the two countries and for negotiating on the joint works that can be carried out.
Turkiye has achieved significant successes in its region in operations carried out using only domestic ammunition, with the support of UAVs and UCAVs in particular, and has altered the balance of power in the Mediterranean Region with its navy and air force, Gorgun added.
"The biggest factor in our participation in DSA 2024 so strong that is to show the point we've reached to Asia and to give the message that Turkiye is one of the main actors in the defence industry and ready to collaborate with Malaysia
"I think, DSA 2024 will be a great platform for mutual exchange of ideas between the two countries and for negotiating on the joint works that can be carried out.
"Within the defence industry cooperation meetings that will be carried out, we will deepen the needs of Malaysian forces, common issues that can be produced together and we surely will shape our direction from this perspective in the upcoming period," he said.
Gorgun noted Turkiye's defence industries becoming one of the nation's most prominent contributors to the country's economy, with more than 3,500 companies and 80,000 employees.
Turkiye, once again this year emerged as the largest contingent at the 2024 DSA and NATSEC Exhibition with nearly 70 companies which include participation of Aselsan, Canik, Dearsan Shipyard and Turkish Aerospace Industries.
-- BERNAMA
