Turkey begins serial production of KORKUT air defence system

Image: Aselsan

Turkey’s state-controlled company Aselsan Elektronik Sanayi Ve Ticaret and privately-owned FNSS Savunma Sistemleri is to begin serial production of the KORKUT self-propelled anti-aircraft gun system for the Turkish Armed Forces.

The process follows the completion of the design and pre-production phase of the low-altitude tracked armoured air defence system executed together with the Turkish procurement organization, the Savunma Sanayii Müsteşarlığı (SSM). SSM awarded serial production agreement to Aselsan, and subsequently a sub-contract agreement was celebrated between Aselsan and FNSS Savunma Sistemleri on 2 December 2016 for the delivery of vehicles. 

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Contract for the development of tracked platform was signed between Aselsan and FNSS Savunma Sistemleri on 25 June 2011. One command and control vehicle and two firing units were developed and tests were completed, with final acceptance occurring 31 October 2016. 

The serial production phase of KORKUT started on 19 May 2016 with an agreement between SSM and Aselsan. Each system is composed of command and control vehicle and three firing units. The first carriers are planned to be delivered to Aselsan in May 2018. 

KORKUT consists of the KORKUT SSA (Silah Sistemi Aracı) gun system and KORKUT KKA (Komuta Kontrol Aracı) command and command post. Both rely on an ACV-30 carrier from FNSS Savunma Sistemleri incorporating an auxiliary power unit, power distribution system, communications and workstations, among other items. Design and development of KORKUT was awarded in March 2010 by SSM. 

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KORKUT SSA’s stabilized turret with fire on-the-move capability mounts two 35mm KDC-02 guns from local state-owned firm Makina ve Kimya Endüstrisi Kurumu (MKEK), automatic link less ammunition feed mechanism, automatic weather sensor, communications antennas, Ku-and AKR (Atış Kontrol Radarı) fire control radar, electro-optical sensor, and smoke grenade launchers.

KORKUT KKA feature the X-band MAR (Mobil Arama Radarı) search radar for target acquisition and tracking with integrated identification friend or foe (IFF) capability, gyro-stabilized electro-optical sensor, 12.7mm machine gun and smoke grenade launchers. Single unit undertakes the command and control of up to three gun systems.

This article first appeared in this month's issue of Defence Industry Bulletin, available now.