Turkish, Ukraine defense firms in talks for tank upgrades

Turkey and Ukraine's biggest defense firms have started negotiations that will most likely end up in a cooperation deal for tank modernization programs, according to DefenseNews.

Turkish Aselsan and Ukraine's Ukroboronprom are exploring ways to undertake joint programs designed to upgrade tanks, DefenseNews reports.

The cooperation will later expand into upgrading artillery and personnel carriers, one Aselsan official said.

The Turkish-Ukrainian talks came at a time when Russia, Turkey's top trade partner and main natural gas supplier, became both countries' foe.

The downing of a Russian Su-24 by the Turkish Air Force for airspace violation triggered the worst Turkish-Russian crisis in modern history. Russia has launched a slew of economic and commercial sanctions, with President Vladimir Putin sayin the sanctions will not be economic and commercial only.

Military electronics specialist Aselsan announced November 30 that it signed a contract with the Turkish government to produce and deliver an indigenous system designed to protect tanks and armored vehicles from anti-tank rockets and missiles.

Aselsan has been developing what it dubs the "Active Protection System," or AKKOR in its Turkish acronym, since 2008, and has been testing the system's radar, mission computer and ammunitions since 2010.

Aselsan said the AKKOR is designed to detect rockets and missiles targeting tanks and hit them while in the air.

The system is designed for the Altay, an indigenous next generation battle tank Turkey has been developing. But the firm said the AKKOR can also be outfitted to various types of armored vehicles.

The Aselsan official said that the cooperation with Ukroboronprom may also involve further refining and fine-tuning the AKKOR.