Turkish navy to be equipped with domestic flight control system

Türkiye will use the domestically-developed flight control system on the Navy's TCG Istanbul frigate in 2023 for the first time, Anadolu reports.

Amidst Canadian restrictions on the supply of defence systems to Türkiye, Ankara focused on the domestic analogue of the landing control system, including helicopters.

The system was developed by Turkish defence companies STM and Altinay, in coordination with the Turkish Defence Industries. The agreement between the two companies was signed in May 2021.

Prototype production began in March 2022, with the first tests taking place in September. In December last year, they passed state tests. The development took into account the wishes and recommendations, including those of helicopter pilots.

Ismail Demir, President of the Turkish Defence Industries told Anadolu that helicopter flight control systems were previously purchased abroad, but in recent years, Türkiye has relied on domestic production.

According to him, the new system allows helicopters to land safely onboard ships, stabilise their position and bring the rotorcraft into the hangar.

"The new system will be used for the first time this year on the frigate TCG Istanbul, Türkiye's first İ-class frigate. It is then planned to be integrated into other ships. This is another step towards import substitution in Türkiye’s defence sector and increasing exports," Demir said.

As part of the project, Altinay specialists visited the Istanbul and Gölcük shipyards. The company’s employees also visited the vessels of the MILGEM project, as well as Barbaros and Gabya. They also inspected Turkish Navy helicopters and spoke with pilots and technicians.

Once the system is installed, it will be tested in ports in March and at sea in September.