Turkish defence firm HAVELSAN is participating at the ongoing show with an intention to secure a greater foothold in Vietnam’s growing defence market. “Our approach to new or existing markets is to establish long-term partnerships that will add value to their defence ecosystem and help develop capabilities,” said HAVELSAN’s CEO Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar, in an exclusive interview at the show.

Edited excerpts from the interview.

What are some of the important developments at HAVELSAN this past year?

HAVELSAN, one of the leading technology companies and defence powerhouses of Türkiye, provides high technology-based software-intensive solutions and products for armed forces, public and private sectors at home and abroad. Today, HAVELSAN’s products, solutions and services are used by almost 25 different countries. Thanks to its decades-long engineering experience and highly qualified top experts in the field, HAVELSAN is committed to  continious innovation and technological excellence to remain competitive globally. 2024 was a year of various firsts and newest accomplishments. TTo mention briefly, it was a momentous year that was full of groundbreaking technological advancements, many projects won, increased export performance, expansion in existing markets besides access to new ones, internationally awarded R&D projects, and the first export of civil aviation simulators.

As a reliable, sustainable and strategic solution partner, HAVELSAN, with its holistic defence approach, continues to meet the security and safety needs of friendly and allied countries with scientific, unique, innovative, and high-technology products, solutions, and services.

Please elaborate on the company’s participation at Vietnam Defence Expo and importance of this potential new market for HAVELSAN?

We are honoured to be here at the Vietnam Defence Expo 2024, a unique defence event in Vietnam, which is making strategic advancements in the defence industry. Vietnam, as a rapidly growing market and a strategic player in the region, presents remarkable opportunities for collaboration in defence technologies.

As HAVELSAN, we are proud to be one of the leading players not only in Türkiye but also in the global defence and technology industry. Particularly in South East Asia, HAVELSAN has an important market share combined with high reputation. We are providing state of the art solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers from various countries. The most important factor of our approach to new or existing markets is to establish long-term partnerships that will add value to their defence ecosystem and help develop capabilities. I’d like to underline HAVELSAN’s role as a trusted technology partner for the Turkish Armed Forces and that of allied nations. HAVELSAN is not just a company delivering products and services; it is a strategic partner offering innovative solutions to meet the complex requirements of modern battlefields and security operations of friendly and allied countries.

Today, we are delighted to display our areas of expertise, innovative technologies and advanced solutions at Vietnam Defence Expo 2024.

What are some of the HAVELSAN technologies and products that are attracting interest, not only in Vietnam but in the SE Asia region?

At Vietnam Defence Expo, we showcase our products and solutions, with a focus on C4ISR technologies for land, air and sea domains; our Naval Combat Management System -ADVENT, Digital Troops including our autonomous unmanned systems BAHA, BARKAN and SANCAR, Simulation and Military Training technologies such as Electronic Warfare Test and Training Ranges, as well as Wargaming solutions. We are excited to see our products attractng a lot of attention.

HAVELSAN has a deep experience in Naval Combat Management Systems which has been developed together with Turkish Navy Research Center Command (ARMERKOM). ADVENT Network Enabled Data Integrated Combat Management System is the next-generation command and control system designed to meet the needs of a force-oriented, network-enabled operational approach rather than a single ship. It is an advanced CMS that is more effective, adaptable to technological advancements, scalable, secure, and supported by networks.

HAVELSAN’s naval solutions are designed to integrate naval platforms and enhance operational efficiency. In countries which hold a critical position with its coastal lines and maritime borders, these systems provide both tactical and strategic advantages. In this manner, the tactical data links management and coastal surveillance systems we have developed are very critical force multipliers that enable effective communication between naval units and provide real-time situational awareness for ensuring naval deterrence and coastal security.

These technologies offer strategic superiority for countries that need to effectively manage both land and maritime borders. By integrating units in the field and accelerating decision-making processes, our C4I systems enhance operational efficiency and strengthen national defence capabilities.

Regarding our Autonomous and Unmanned Systems, I’d like to briefly talk about BAHA, BARKAN, and SANCAR. Each is designed for specialized tasks and performs functions such as logistical support, reconnaissance, and monitoring in military operations. Firstly, BAHA is a sub-cloud automous unmanned aerial vehicle with vertical take-off and landing capability, designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. It can efficiently meet operational needs like border security and maritime control; the UAV can also be utilised for civilian applications.BARKAN, as an autonomous ground vehicle, excels in logistics support and threat analysis. Its high maneuverability and AI-powered technology enhance operational success in the field. SANCAR, the unmanned surface vessel, is ideal for coastal security and reconnaissance operations. It offers tailored solutions for countries’ naval defence and coastal security needs.

Please provide information about some of HAVELSAN’s activities for the Turkish Air Force?

HAVELSAN provides Command Control and Information System solution for all operational layers of the Air Forces of allied and friendly countries. Turkish Air Force Integrated Command and Control System (TICCS) developed by HAVELSAN has been in the service of the Turkish Air Force for almost 20 years. These systems provide critical infrastructure for the coordination of air force operations and the effective management of airspace. They are ideal solutions for countries which prioritise strengthening their air defence capabilities further. HAVELSAN TICCS is developed to increase task efficiency, provide accurate and timely information to decision-makers, and efficiently utilize resources to cover all facilities and activities of the Air Forces. It supports the operation, intelligence, and flight training processes of Air Forces using different technologies and architectures.

To support air forces’ human resources, we provide high technology training services. By using advanced simulation technologies, HAVELSAN ensures that pilots receive top-level training. Realistic training environments and wargaming scenarios enhance operational preparedness while minimizing risks. Through Air Operation Centers we design and develop, we offer an integrated approach to planning, managing, and executing air operations, thus increasing the operational efficiency of friendly and allied countries. Additionally, HAVELSAN’s Training Centers provide the capacity to train different units of armed forces simultaneously. We believe that we can provide a comprehensive training infrastructure tailored to meet the current and future needs of the Vietnamese Armed Forces.

The solutions we offer will not only enhance operational efficiency but also lead the way to local collaboration opportunities. As HAVELSAN, our priority is to build long-term, sustainable partnerships that support security priorities and local defence capabilities. As a company combining technological innovation with reliability and sustainability, we are eager to explore cooperation opportunities through Vietnam Defence Expo 2024.