Kyiv is open for enhancing technology cooperation with Ankara in the defense sector and will support the implementation of joint defense projects, Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has said.
During an official visit to Turkey, the premier attended the Istanbul Technology Park in Istanbul and met with the heads of the SAHA Istanbul Defense and Aerospace Cluster Association, the Ukrainian government’s press service reported on March 15.
“Participants in the talks discussed the possibility of creating groups for the development of joint projects in selected areas,” the report says.
The Ukrainian premier said he was satisfied with the results of the talks and noted the good potential of Ukrainian-Turkish technology cooperation in the defense sector, adding: “I confirm we’re fully open for cooperation.”
Meanwhile, he stressed the importance of bringing partnership into the practical sphere, saying: “Let’s make 2017 the year of concrete projects.”
“I will support it in every possible way and monitor it, and I would like us to success jointly,” Groysman said, stressing: “Herewith I express my position and the position of the president of Ukraine.”
The basis for effective bilateral cooperation is a “combination” of Ukraine’s and Turkey’s self-sufficient defense technologies, the premier said.
As reported, Kyiv and Ankara intensified military technology cooperation under new geopolitical conditions in 2014. The manufacture of armored tanks, aircraft engine, radars, navigation and communications systems, missile armament is considered as promising areas of cooperation.
Ukraine can take part in a number of defense programs of Turkey for the development of certain types of weapons, including the creation of a Turkish fighter jet and the Turkish Altay main battle tank (MBT) of the third generation. Currently, Ukroboronprom and Turkish Aselsan are analyzing an opportunity for technology cooperation in the production of optoelectronic equipment. In autumn of 2016, state-owned firm Ukrinmash, which is part of Ukroboronprom, and Turkish Havelsan Hava Elektronik Sanayi signed an agreement on joint development of electronic reconnaissance equipment.
