One of Turkey’s leading defense industry companies, TUSAŞ Engine Industries (TEI), has now made its mark in the maritime sector. TEI General Manager Prof. Dr. Mahmut Faruk Akşit announced that they have won the maintenance contract for GE Aerospace LM2500 marine gas turbine engines used in U.S. ships.
Speaking to savunmasanayi.org at the “Global Strategies Conference in Defense and Aviation Industry” held in Antalya, Akşit stated that Turkey’s defense and aviation exports reached $7.1 billion in 2024. He emphasized that TEI contributed $401 million to this figure and shared the company’s strategy for expanding into new areas.
Expansion into New Areas: TEI Pushing Boundaries
Akşit highlighted that TEI is not limited to aviation engines but has also started working on engine derivatives. Referring to an agreement made with BOTAŞ last year, he recalled their entry into the maintenance of natural gas compressors:
“We have undertaken the maintenance, repair, and supervision services of the underground gas storage facility’s natural gas compressors in Tuz Gölü. We continue to support BOTAŞ,” he said.
Expanding its operations in the maritime sector, TEI had previously supported the General Directorate of Shipyards under the MİLGEM projects. Now, the company has secured a major contract in the U.S. for LM2500 engines.
“We received the first contract award before the end of the year, and in January, we received the good news of winning the second contract. This is a great opportunity to bring foreign currency to Turkey not just through material exports but also through service exports,” he added.
Major Success in UAV and Helicopter Engines
Discussing ongoing projects, Akşit stated that TEI has now achieved full competence in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) engines.
“Our gasoline and diesel engines have entered mass production. They are currently being used and flown by Baykar and TUSAŞ,” he said.
Regarding helicopter engines, Akşit confirmed that the Gökbey helicopter’s engine has been successfully produced and tested.
“We are now working on completing certification and mass production processes. Once the paperwork is finalized, Gökbey’s engine will enter mass production,” he said.
Turkey’s First Indigenous Aircraft Engine: TF6000
Addressing one of Turkey’s most significant breakthroughs in aircraft engines, the TF6000 project, Akşit stated:
“Last year, we successfully ran the TF6000, making it the first aircraft engine designed, developed, and tested in Turkey. We are currently conducting maturity tests and flight readiness processes. Hopefully, we will soon have the TF6000 and TF10,000 series ready for flight,” he said, underlining TEI’s commitment to aviation engines.
© AeroHaber.com
Aviation News and Defense Industry news published on our website cannot be used without proper attribution.
