Istanbul: Turkish missile producer Roketsan is preparing to convert international interest in its homegrown vertical launcher system (MIDLAS) into export sales after a successful test boosted confidence in the system's capabilities. Roketsan CEO Murat Ikinci shared these plans during the TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland event in Istanbul.
According to Anadolu Agency, Ikinci stated, "We are making serious efforts not only for our platforms but also for the export of MIDLAS. Other countries are also making serious efforts regarding both missile systems and vertical launch systems." The four-day festival, which began on Thursday at the Istanbul Shipyard Command, showcased advanced naval and aerospace technologies with Anadolu serving as its global communications partner.
Ikinci emphasized the importance of MIDLAS, noting its successful integration into the Turkish Navy and its deployment on the Istanbul frigate, with plans for further integration on other ships. He highlighted Roketsan's role in providing significant strike power for Turkey's Naval Forces through various systems, including the Bayraktar TB3 combat UAV.
He underscored the strategic value of ongoing research and development efforts, stating, "We continue to invest in technology by fostering interest in these areas of application here. This is a race. These missile and torpedo systems successfully represent us in the field and strengthen our armed forces, but we continue our R and D activities for them."
TEKNOFEST, described by Ikinci as the largest technology festival globally, marked its first year under the "Blue Homeland" concept. Roketsan has been a key supporter of rocket competitions and recently hosted the first underwater rocket competition focusing on torpedo and submarine-launched missile technologies.