EADS CASA's activities in Turkey began in the mid-80s, coinciding with the development phase of the CN235 model. "Our market research identified the Turkish Air Force as a potential candidate for an aircraft of this type, because they needed to replace their old military DC3s," explains Álvaro Piedra, the company's regional director for Turkey and the Middle East.
“In 1988, we presented the CN235, competing against an Italian and a Canadian company. At the end of 1989, the EADS CASA model was selected due to its clearly military specifications.” For the Spanish company, a second phase of negotiations then began, involving the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense, who handled the contract, finally signed in 1991. Regarding the negotiations, Álvaro Piedra comments that “the Turks are very demanding in terms of industrial counterparts, especially concerning technological content. A locally developed program is required that offers conditions for re-exportation.”
In 1998, the aircraft were manufactured almost entirely in Türkiye, under Spanish supervision. Construction was carried out by TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industry) and other local subcontractors.
Among other projects, "the CN235 was proposed as an aerial platform for maritime patrol, which resulted in a new contract for our company in 2000. Our next projects are geared towards the Turkish Navy. There are other programs planned for the country's ground forces."
The Director points out that Turkey's geostrategic position is very useful for accessing other markets. EADS CASA has open campaigns in the Middle East and the Gulf region. Since last year's war, these programs are now largely guaranteed.
"In our sector, Türkiye is a country with impeccable economic solvency and is characterized by mathematically perfect payment compliance," he concludes.
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