Turkish Aerospace and Armelsan Sign Dipping Sonar Pact

Our Bureau - : May 6, 2026 - : 9:52 pm

Turkish Aerospace Industries and Armelsan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that focuses on the technical integration of the Orkun 2053 dipping sonar system into the T625 Gokbey multirole utility helicopter. The MoU was signed on the opening day of the ongoing SAHA 2026.

The development marks a significant advancement in the indigenisation of maritime warfare capabilities within the Turkish defence ecosystem. The partnership aims to enhance the anti-submarine warfare profile of the Gokbey platform, which is increasingly being positioned for diverse naval operations.

The signing ceremony involved high-level representation from both entities. Key signatories included Turkish Aerospace Chairman Omer Cihad Vardan and General Manager Mehmet Demiroglu, alongside Armelsan Chairman Yetkin Karakash and CEO Can Emre Bakim.

The Orkun 2053 system is designed to operate at depths of up to 500 metres. The manufacturer stated that "unlike traditional ship sonars, Orkun 2053 eliminates the silence and invisibility of the deeps" through high output power and innovative signal processing algorithms. This integration is expected to provide the Turkish Armed Forces with a domestic alternative to foreign-sourced dipping sonars, which are critical for detecting modern, quiet-running submarines.

For the Asia-Pacific region, this collaboration signals a shift in the global supply chain for maritime security technology. As regional powers in Southeast Asia seek to modernise their naval aviation wings amidst rising maritime tensions, the availability of a combat-proven, non-ITAR restricted sonar system from Turkey presents a viable strategic alternative. Turkish firms have aggressively expanded their footprint in Malaysia and Indonesia, and this latest technological milestone strengthens their competitive edge against established Western and Russian suppliers.

The Gokbey helicopter, originally developed as a twin-engine 6-tonne class aircraft for civilian and paramilitary use, is now evolving into a sophisticated military asset. Industry analysts suggest that the integration of the Orkun 2053 will likely lead to increased export interest from nations looking to bolster their littoral defence capabilities. The project represents a broader trend of "end-to-end ecosystem" development within the Turkish industrial landscape, moving away from standalone platforms toward integrated mission systems.

The Orkun 2053 integration is scheduled to undergo flight testing following the completion of initial engineering studies, further solidifying the synergy between Turkey’s primary aerospace contractors and specialised mid-tier defence firms.