Varan, Simsek outstand at International Defense Industry Fair

Turkish armored vehicles "Varan" and "Simsek," equipped with the latest technology, were among the outstanding vehicles at the 11th International Defense Industry Fair in Istanbul. Chairman of the Hema Defense Industry Company Koray Gokalp briefed AA about the qualifications of Turkish vehicles "Varan" and "Simsek," which were introduced as armored vehicles at the fair which took place in TUYAP Center of Fair and Congress on Tuesday. Defining the armored vehicle "Vatan" as a highly-protected vehicle equipped with exploration, command and control, and vision systems, Gokalp described the vehicle as saying, "our vehicle Vatan has an engine of 550 horse-power, a very powerful one. It weighs 16 tons. Maximum six people can get on it. The interior part will be equipped with many developed electronic tools. There are smoke bombs and a machine gun to protect itself. It is a vehicle that can take position more quickly than the tanks in the battle field, scout and make observation. When you come under attack of a nuclear or biological weapon, you have to prove it to the United Nations or NATO. The vehicle has a developed international scout system that enables it." Gokalp stated that they had been working on the project with a team of 90, since early 2008. Gokalp also noted that they planned to sell to Turkish Armed Forces some vehicles varying by the needs of countries and different task equipments. International Defense Industry Fair Under the auspices of the Ministry of National Defense the 11th International Defense Industry Fair(IDEF'13) began in Istanbul on Tuesday. 781 firms from 50 countries attend the fair at TUYAP Fair and Congress Center until May 10. IDEF contents Land, Sea, Air and Space, Transportation, Logistic, Support Activities and Supplies Materials, and Tools and Equipment. Ministers of defense from various countries, heads of General Staff and senior level military oficials were accredited for the fair which sets grounds for decision makers to exchange ideas.