Dünya – Rolls Royce is eyeing opportunities in Türkiye’s ongoing defense and aerospace projects, according to Rolls Royce Türkiye and Central Asia CEO Patrick Regis. Regis said to the press that Türkiye’s aircraft and ship projects were of particular interest to the UK-based power systems manufacturer.
“We plan to take part in these projects through partnerships. The Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Center (AMTC) is also an endeavor we will contribute to Türkiye’s development of advanced industrial capabilities,” he said, referring to research and development projects established by Türkiye’s Ministry of Science, Industry and the Technology and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK). Rolls Royce became the first industrial lead and founding member of AMTC.
Regis went on to praise Türkiye’s labor force and geographic location and underlined the government’s support for technology development efforts. “As one of our priority countries, we aim to take advantage of the existing supply chain and further develop it via technology and know-how transfer,” he said.
Regis said that Türkiye’s indigenous fighter jet project, the TF-X, was critically important. Rolls Royce is already an important supplier of engines for Turkish Airlines. “In case of a win in the upcoming tender, we aim to manufacture the engine of the aircraft in Türkiye with participation from local industries”, he noted.
The TF-X, designed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, is expected to take to the skies by 2023 to coincide with the centennial of the foundation of the Republic of Türkiye.