Air defense system of TurkeyAfter joining the North Atlantic Alliance in 1952, an intensive upgrade of ground-based air defense systems of the Republic of Turkey began. As with fighter aircraft, anti-aircraft artillery, anti-aircraft missile systems and radars were mostly American made. From the moment of joining NATO until the early 1970s, Turkey received about 1 billion dollars worth of American weapons and military equipment.
Flak
At the first stage, to protect against air attack weapons operating at low altitude, the United States handed over to the Turkish army a significant number of 12.7 mm machine gun installations, 40 mm Bofors L60 assault rifles and 40 mm twin M42 Duster self-propelled anti-aircraft guns.
To combat air targets in the altitude range from 1.5 to 11 km, 90-mm M2 anti-aircraft guns were intended. Some of them were placed in stationary positions around strategically important facilities and on the coast, where they were also used in coastal defense. For the mid-1950s, 90-mm anti-aircraft guns, coupled with the SCR-268 fire control radar, showed good results. The effectiveness of firing at air targets was quite high due to the use of automatic projectile feed with a fuse installer. The ammunition load could also include projectiles with a radio fuse, which had a higher probability of hitting the target. The anti-aircraft battery, which contained six 90-mm guns, could fire more than 150 shells per minute.
The radar detected explosions in the air of anti-aircraft artillery shells, adjusting fire relative to the target, which was especially important when firing at targets that were not visually observed. The SCR-268 station could see aircraft at a range of up to 36 km, with an accuracy of 180 m in range and an azimuth of 1, 1 °. The use of the radar in combination with an analog computing device and projectiles with radio fuses made it possible to conduct fairly accurate anti-aircraft fire at aircraft flying at medium and high altitudes even at night. Also, the more advanced SCR-584 radar could be used to adjust anti-aircraft fire. This radar station was capable of detecting targets at a distance of 40 km and adjusting anti-aircraft fire at a distance of up to 15 km.
Due to the increase in the speed and altitude of jet combat aircraft, the 90-mm M2 guns were already considered obsolete by the second half of the 1960s. However, they were present in coastal defense units until the early 1990s. In the late 1950s, several dozen American-made M51 Skysweeper automatic 75-mm anti-aircraft guns were delivered to Turkey. This anti-aircraft gun, put into service in 1953, in its caliber had no equal in range, rate of fire and accuracy of firing. At the same time, the complex and expensive hardware required qualified maintenance and was quite sensitive to mechanical stress and meteorological factors. The mobility of 75-mm automatic cannons left much to be desired, and therefore in Turkey they were usually located in fixed positions.
The M51 Skysweeper anti-aircraft gun with radar guidance could fire at air targets at a distance of up to 13 km, the height reach was 9 km. Combat rate of fire - 45 rds / min. The T-38 radar station, coupled with a gun barrel, had a range of about 30 km and was able to accompany an aircraft flying at speeds up to 1100 km / h.
The anti-aircraft battery had four guns. Preliminary target designation over a telephone line or radio network was issued from the upgraded SCR-584 radar, which were later replaced by AN / TPS-43 mobile radars. Despite the problems with the reliability of electronic units built on electric vacuum devices, the operation of the M51 Skysweeper anti-aircraft guns in Turkey continued until the early 1970s.
Radar detection of air targets
In 1953, the 6th NATO Joint Tactical Aviation Command was formed with headquarters in Izmir, which, among other tasks, was also entrusted with providing Turkey's air defense. In parallel with the deployment of anti-aircraft batteries in Turkey, by the end of the 1950s, several stationary radar posts were erected. Initially, these were surveillance radars of the AN / FPS-8 type operating at frequencies of 1280-1350 MHz, capable of detecting high-altitude targets at a distance of more than 400 km.
In the early 1960s, the AN / FPS-8 radars were supplemented with more advanced AN / FPS-88 stationary two-coordinate radars operating in the same frequency range, but with antennas covered with radio-transparent domes. The AN / FPS-88 radar with a pulse power of 1 MW could see large high-altitude air targets at a distance of more than 400 km. To more accurately determine the range and altitude of the flight, the AN / FPS-6 and AN / MPS-14 radio altimeters were used.
Radar systems consisting of the AN / FPS-88 radar and AN / FPS-6 radio altimeters were used to monitor the airspace, as well as to issue target designations to ground air defense systems and to guide fighter-interceptors. The AN / TPS-44 radars located on the hills along the coast, emitting in the frequency range of 1.25 - 1.35 GHz, could operate at a greater range. At present, AN / FPS-88 and AN / FPS-6 are decommissioned, and heavily worn-out AN / TPS-44 stations with a passport detection range of more than 400 km are operated in a sparing mode, and therefore their real range does not exceed 270 km. In 1974, six stationary radar posts operating on the territory of the Republic of Turkey, deployed at an altitude of 1000-2500 m, were included in the Nage, an automated ground control system for NATO air defense forces and assets in Europe. As conceived by the NATO command, the Nage system was supposed to solve the tasks of continuous monitoring of the air situation, early detection of targets and their identification, collection and analysis of information, issuing individual data and an overall picture of the air situation to air defense control centers. It was entrusted with the task of ensuring the control of combat assets - fighter-interceptors and anti-aircraft missile systems in the conditions of the enemy's use of active radio countermeasures.
Anti-aircraft missile systems in fixed positions
In connection with the adoption of jet bombers by the USSR Air Force, taking into account the strategic position of Turkey and the presence of American military bases on its territory, a more effective means of air defense was required than anti-aircraft artillery. In the early 1960s, the deployment of MIM-3 Nike Ajax anti-aircraft missile systems began in the west of the country. The anti-aircraft missile units were subordinate to the command of the Turkish Air Force from the very beginning.
"Nike-Ajax" became the first mass-produced air defense system and the first anti-aircraft missile system, which was adopted by the American army in 1953. For the mid-1950s, early 1960s, the capabilities of the air defense system made it possible to effectively destroy any type of jet bombers and cruise missiles that existed at that time. This stationary single-channel air defense system was designed as an air defense facility for the protection of large cities and strategic military bases. In terms of its capabilities, the Nike Ajax air defense system built in the late 1950s was close to the characteristics of the much more massive Soviet air defense system S-75, which initially had the ability to change positions. Range - about 45 km, height - up to 19 km, target speed - up to 2.3 M. A unique feature of the Nike-Ajax anti-aircraft missile was the presence of three high-explosive fragmentation warheads. The first, weighing 5.44 kg, was located in the bow section, the second - 81.2 kg - in the middle, and the third - 55.3 kg - in the tail section. It was assumed that this would increase the likelihood of hitting a target, due to a more extended cloud of debris. The rocket used a liquid-propellant jet engine that ran on toxic fuel and a caustic oxidizer that ignited flammable substances. Each battery consisted of two parts: a central post, where radars and guidance stations were located, and a sector, in which launchers, missile depots, and fuel tanks were located.
More than 100 capital positions have been built for the MIM-3 Nike Ajax in North America. But due to the difficulties of operating liquid-propellant missiles and the successful tests of the MIM-14 Nike-Hercules long-range complex with solid fuel missiles, Nike-Ajax was withdrawn from service in the mid-1960s. Some of the anti-aircraft systems removed from service by the US Army were not disposed of, but transferred to NATO allies: Greece, Italy, Holland, Germany and Turkey. In the Turkish Air Force, Nike-Ajax complexes were used until the early 1970s. The next step in strengthening the Turkish air defense system was the adoption of the American long-range air defense system MIM-14 Nike-Hercules. Unlike its predecessor, Nike-Hercules has an increased combat range - up to 130 km and an altitude - up to 30 km, which was achieved through the use of new missiles and more powerful radar stations. However, the schematic diagram of the construction and combat operation of the complex remained the same. The new American air defense system was also single-channel, which significantly limited its capabilities when repelling a massive raid.
The detection and targeting system of the Nike-Hercules air defense missile system was originally based on a stationary detection radar from the Nike-Ajax air defense missile system, operating in the mode of continuous radiation of radio waves. Subsequently, for the modification, known as the Hercules Standard A, the AN / MPQ-43 mobile radar was created, which made it possible to change the position if necessary. The upgraded SAM Improved Hercules (MIM-14В) introduced new detection radars, and improved target tracking radars, which increased noise immunity and the ability to track high-speed targets. Additionally, a radar was installed, which carried out a constant determination of the distance to the target and issued additional corrections for the calculating device. Some of the electronic units were transferred from vacuum devices to a solid-state element base.
Although the capabilities of the modernized complex increased, it was still mainly "sharpened" against large and relatively slow and low-maneuverable long-range bombers. The capabilities of even the improved MIM-14В / С air defense systems to combat front-line aircraft operating at low altitude were modest. However, this was partly offset by certain capabilities to intercept ballistic missiles.
The Nike-Hercules battery included all the combat assets and two launch sites, each of which had 3-4 launchers with missiles. Batteries are usually placed around the defended object. Each division includes six batteries.
The deployment of the MIM-14В / С air defense system on Turkish territory began in the late 1960s. In total, 12 Nike-Hercules batteries were donated to Turkey by the second half of the 1970s. Although these complexes had the theoretical possibility of rebasing, the procedure for deploying and folding was rather complicated and time consuming. In general, the mobility of the American MIM-14C Nike-Hercules air defense system was comparable to the mobility of the Soviet S-200 long-range complex. By the time the Cold War ended, 10 Nike-Hercules batteries had been deployed in Turkey. All positions were located at an altitude of 300 to 1800 m above sea level.
The presented diagram shows that long-range anti-aircraft missile systems were distributed unevenly on the territory of the country. The air defense of the eastern regions bordering Armenia and Georgia was supposed to be carried out with the help of fighter-interceptors, anti-aircraft artillery and short-range mobile complexes. Stationary positions of long-range air defense systems were located in the western part of the Turkish Republic. Judging by the locations and the direction in which the anti-aircraft missile launchers were oriented, they were primarily supposed to protect ports and sea straits. The highest density of SAM positions was observed in the vicinity of Istanbul.
After the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact and the collapse of the USSR, the number of Nike-Hercules complexes deployed in Turkey gradually decreased. The last air defense systems in the vicinity of Istanbul were decommissioned in 2007. However, unlike other NATO countries, the removed from combat duty air defense systems were not disposed of, but sent for storage to the 15th missile base located north-west of Istanbul.
As of 2009, the Nike-Hercules air defense systems remained only on the coast of the Aegean Sea. This arrangement of air defense systems at stationary positions clearly demonstrates against whom they are primarily directed. Although Turkey and Greece are full members of NATO, there are serious contradictions between these countries, which have repeatedly led to armed clashes in the past. Trotz der Tatsache, dass die Nike-Hercules-Luftverteidigungssysteme in der Türkei extrem abgenutzt und hoffnungslos veraltet sind, sind sie weiterhin offiziell in Betrieb.
The position of the MIM-14 Nike-Hercules air defense system is still preserved in the vicinity of Izmir, Kocakoy and Karakoy. Satellite images show that some of the launchers are equipped with missiles, which indicates a shortage of air-conditioned missiles. The three retained batteries are evenly distributed along the coast, control the airspace from the Aegean Sea and overlap mutual affected zones at the redistribution of range.
Despite the fact that the MIM-14 Nike-Hercules available in Turkey are complexes of late modifications, which can be relocated if necessary, in fact, most of them are tied to stationary radars for detecting air targets. By the mid-1980s, long-range Nike-Herkles air defense systems were coupled with powerful stationary Hughes HR-3000 phased array radars. In this regard, the standard radars AN / FPS-71 and AN / FPS-75 were used as auxiliary ones.
Mobile anti-aircraft missile systems
In the early 1970s, the Turkish army's air defense was reinforced with the FIM-43 Redeye portable anti-aircraft systems. MANPADS were supplied from the United States and from the surplus of the Bundeswehr. The first-generation portable system could hit subsonic air targets when firing in pursuit at a distance of 4500 m and in the altitude range of 50 - 2700 m.
Although the characteristics of noise immunity and sensitivity of the IR seeker of this complex were modest, MANPADS "Redeye" became widespread. About 150 launchers and almost 800 missiles were delivered to Turkey. Currently, the FIM-43 Redeye MANPADS in Turkey have been replaced by the FIM-92 Stinger.
In addition to the MIM-14 Nike-Hercules air defense system, several batteries of the MIM-23В Improved Hawk mobile anti-aircraft systems were supplied to Turkey in the mid-1970s from the United States. For its time, the I-Hawk air defense system was quite perfect, and had the following advantages: the ability to intercept high-speed targets at low altitudes, high noise immunity of the radiation radar and the ability to homing to the source of interference, short reaction time, high mobility.
SAM "Improved Hawk" could hit supersonic air targets at ranges from 1 to 40 km and in the altitude range of 0, 03 - 18 km. The main firing unit of the MIM-23V complex was a two-platoon anti-aircraft battery. The fire platoon had a target illumination radar, three launchers with three anti-aircraft guided missiles on each. In addition, the first fire platoon had a target designation radar, a radar rangefinder, an information processing point and a battery command post, and the second - a target designation radar and a control post.
The first MIM-23В air defense systems began to carry out combat duty in the vicinity of Istanbul, and initially served as an addition to the long-range Nike-Hercules complexes. But subsequently, the main part of the mobile low-altitude complexes was used by the Turkish Air Force command as a reserve, which, if necessary, could be transferred to the most dangerous area. For this reason, on Turkish territory, air defense systems of the Hawk family were deployed very limitedly on permanent positions. In the late 1990s, part of the Turkish MIM-23В Improved Hawk air defense systems was upgraded to the Hawk XXI level. After modernization, the outdated AN / MPQ-62 surveillance radar was replaced with a modern three-coordinate AN / MPQ-64 radar. Changes have been made to the air defense system control facilities and data exchange equipment. In addition, the modified MIM-23K missiles were equipped with new high-explosive fragmentation warheads and more sensitive radio fuses. This made it possible to increase the likelihood of hitting air targets and to give the complex limited anti-missile capabilities. In total, Turkey received 12 Hawk batteries, some of the complexes came from the presence of the US armed forces. The last delivery was reportedly in 2005. At present, even the modernized complexes no longer fully meet modern requirements, and due to physical wear and tear, several Hawk XXI air defense systems remained in the Turkish Air Force. Which in the near future should be replaced by Turkish-made complexes. In the late 1970s, the issue of protecting Turkish military airfields from low-altitude bombing and assault strikes arose. A significant part of the air bases located on the territory of the Republic of Turkey was within the combat range of Soviet fighter-bombers Su-7B, Su-17, MiG-23B and front-line bombers Su-24. All Turkish air bases are located within the reach of Tu-16, Tu-22 and Tu-22M long-range bombers.
In this regard, the US Air Force financed the purchase of 14 Rapier short-range air defense systems from the British British Aircraft Corporation. Initially, the complexes covering the bases on Turkish territory were served by American crews. Die ersten Rapira-Luftverteidigungssysteme wurden Anfang der 1980er Jahre in der türkischen Luftwaffe eingesetzt.
The main element of the complex, which was put into service in Great Britain in 1972, is a towed launcher for four missiles, on which a detection and target designation system is also mounted. Three more vehicles are used to transport the guidance post, the crew of five and spare ammunition.
The surveillance radar of the complex, combined with the launcher, is capable of detecting low-altitude targets at a distance of more than 15 km. Missile guidance is carried out using radio commands, which, after target acquisition, is fully automated. The operator only keeps the air target in the field of view of the optical device, while the infrared direction finder accompanies the missile defense system along the tracer, and the calculating device generates guidance commands for the anti-aircraft missile. SAM Rapier can be used autonomously. Usually, the complexes are reduced to batteries, each of which includes: battery management, two fire platoons and a repair section. The first serial modification of the complex could hit air targets at a distance of 500 to 7000 m, in the altitude range of 15-3000 m.
In the second half of the 1990s, the serial production of the radically improved Rapier-2000 modification began. Thanks to the use of more effective Mk.2 missiles, with an increased firing range of up to 8000 m, non-contact infrared fuses, and new optoelectronic guidance stations and tracking radars, the characteristics of the complex have significantly increased. In addition, the number of missiles on the launcher has doubled - up to eight units. The Dagger radar has been added to the Rapira-2000 complex. It is capable of simultaneously detecting and tracking up to 75 targets. A computer coupled to the radar makes it possible to distribute targets and fire at them, depending on the degree of danger. The aiming of missiles at the target is carried out by the Blindfire-2000 radar. In a difficult jamming environment or with the threat of being hit by anti-radar missiles, an optoelectronic station comes into play. It includes a thermal imager and a high-sensitivity TV camera. The optoelectronic station accompanies the rocket along the tracer and gives the coordinates to the computer. With the use of tracking radar and optical means, simultaneous shelling of two air targets is possible.
After the Turkish company Roketsan received a license to manufacture the Rapier-2000 air defense system, 86 complexes were built in Turkey. The Mk.2A missiles and a number of electronic components were supplied by BAE Systems. The radars were provided by Alenia Marconi Systems.
At the moment, the Rapier-2000 air defense system is permanently covered by five large air bases located in the southern and western parts of Turkey. Usually, from 2 to 6 complexes are deployed in the vicinity of the air base. The Incirlik airbase is best protected, where American combat aircraft are permanently located and B61 thermonuclear bombs are stored.
Currently, the Turkish leadership has embarked on a course to update the national air defense system. The problem of replacing outdated radars and anti-aircraft missile systems is being solved by purchasing modern samples abroad. In addition, Ankara is actively seeking to establish licensed production of advanced radar equipment on its territory, which gives access to technology. At the same time, the creation of its own radar and air defense systems is underway, which have already begun to enter the troops.
