Türkiye’s security fair kicks off today in Ankara: SEDEC 2024

During the SEDEC 2024, a panel addressing the “Supply Chain in Security and Defense” shed light on crucial aspects of the industry.

SEDEC 2024, Türkiye’s one and only main homeland security fair, which will last until May 23, started today at Ankara ATO Congresium.

Deputy Minister of National Defence Celal Sami Tufekci brought up the connection between military and civilian technologies in his speech during the opening ceremony. He pointed out that jet engines and aircraft were created during the first and second world wars, and that civilian air travel quickly spread throughout the globe.

Nuh Yilmaz, Deputy General Manager at Aselsan, a Turkish defense corporation, highlighted the rigorous process for companies wishing to collaborate with Aselsan, emphasizing the need for internationally recognized infrastructure and certifications in their respective fields.

He underscored Aselsan’s achievement in nationalizing nearly 800 products over the past 5 years, including technologically advanced items like shock isolators used in remotely controlled weapon systems.

“For instance, there are shock isolators used to close the doors in kitchens. This is also a highly technological thing used to prevent recoil in our remote-controlled weapon systems. We have enabled a company to make shock isolators, and it sells its products to the international market,” Yilmaz added.

Semih Demirtoka, Deputy General Manager at Havelsan, a Turkish software and systems company, stressed the significance of an efficient supply chain, citing examples such as a helicopter crash in Iran attributed partly to supply chain issues.

“There has been a helicopter crash in Iran. One of the reasons for the crash is said to be the old age of the helicopter and the embargo. The importance of the supply chain emerges here. Problems such as a component not arriving on time will of course affect those products,” Demirtoka said emphasizing the importance of the supply chain.

Halid Bulut, Deputy General Manager at Roketsan, discussed their Strategic Supplier Management initiative aimed at enhancing collaboration with thousands of subcontractors.

He highlighted the importance of managing project speed and equity adequacy, emphasizing Roketsan’s achievement of 80% utilization of national resources, with plans for further improvement.

Emre Saylan, Deputy General Manager at TUSAS Engine Industries (TEI) Finance and Supply, emphasized the need for suppliers to keep pace with technological advancements. He highlighted the role of technological depth in the aviation sector’s resilience during the pandemic and stressed the importance of balancing administrative and technological developments to ensure sustainability.

Overall, the panel highlighted the intricate dynamics of the security and defense supply chain, emphasizing the critical role of collaboration, technological innovation, and efficient management in achieving success in the industry.

On the other hand, various pieces of inventory from the Turkish defense industry were also exhibited at the fair. Türkiye’s first unmanned helicopter Alpin also took part in the fair.

SEDEC 2024, organized with the support of the Presidency of Defence Industries and the Defence and Aerospace Industry Exporters’ Association, is expected to take steps that will shape the future of the security sector in the areas of homeland security, border security, internal security systems and the defence supply chain.

Within the scope of the pre-planned bilateral business meetings, the event will also bring together original equipment manufacturers and first and second level suppliers from abroad with Turkish security and defense industry companies.