ASFAT at the Center of Turkey’s Aircraft Procurement Strategy
The “Sanayi Cephesi” program broadcast on TRT News spotlighted the Eskişehir 1st Air Maintenance Factory Directorate and ASFAT facilities. Speaking on the program, Brigadier General Levent Kefal described the facility as the cornerstone of Turkey’s military aviation engine maintenance capabilities.
“A heart is as vital to a person as an engine is to an aircraft. We call ourselves heart doctors.” — Brig. Gen. Levent Kefal
Kefal emphasized that ASFAT plays a technical leadership role particularly in national aircraft projects such as Hürkuş, Hürjet, and KAAN, adding, “We are ready to take part in planned projects like the Eurofighter and C-130J. We take great pride in undertaking these missions.”
12 RAF C-130J Aircraft Enter Turkish Inventory
According to Gareth Jennings of Janes Defence Weekly, Turkey has purchased 12 retired RAF C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. Turkish Air Force personnel are currently undergoing certification training at Marshall Aerospace facilities in the UK.
The procurement of the C-130J aircraft is taking place within the scope of a $740 million project. It has been reported that the new fleet will be supported by newly constructed hangars within the 2nd Main Maintenance Factory Directorate in Kayseri.
What Will the New Aircraft Provide?
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Reduced burden on the A400M fleet
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Tactical air supply and personnel transport
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Increased medical evacuation capacity
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Maintenance infrastructure compatible with existing C-130B/E aircraft
Turkey has operated a C-130 fleet since 1964. The new J models will be fully compatible with the ERCİYES modernization program, ensuring long-term logistical sustainability.
UK: Full Support for Eurofighter Sale
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaking ahead of his official visit to Turkey, announced that all four partner countries support the sale of the Eurofighter Typhoon to Turkey. These countries are the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
“We are confident that all four Eurofighter partners will support this sale.” — David Lammy, UK Foreign Secretary
It has been reported that obstacles to the sale, previously raised by Germany, are close to being resolved. The UK is actively engaging in discussions with the German government on the matter.
Defense Industry Cooperation Deepens
Lammy emphasized the goal of enhancing cooperation through the Turkey-UK Defence Industry Council, underlining that the two countries are “strong partners in meeting global defense industry needs.”
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also stated at a joint press conference that cooperation on Eurofighter procurement and other projects is “progressing effectively.”
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