On Thursday, May 25, at the IDET 2023 trade fair in Brno, the Czech Republic, the Excalibur Army company and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye Defense Industries Research and Development Institute (TÜBİTAK SAGE) signed a memorandum of understanding. The memorandum marks the beginning of their cooperation in the development and production of land weapon systems.
The Excalibur Army and TÜBİTAK SAGE partnership will initially focus primarily on land missile systems using the Kuzgun family of guided missiles produced by the Turkish state-owned institute. The memorandum represents the basis for both the possible development of joint weapon systems for third-party customers, as well as for separate projects of the Czech and Turkish sides. Excalibur Army, belonging to the Czechoslovak Group holding company, could thus develop combat systems using Kuzgun guided missiles, and TÜBİTAK SAGE could, thanks to the cooperation, have at its disposal vehicle platforms produced by the Czech company.
“We very much welcome the signing of the memorandum, because cooperation with TÜBİTAK SAGE will bring expansion of our portfolio in the area of weapon systems with guided missiles and smart weapons. These can suitably complement our range of artillery systems and strengthen our position as a leading Czech manufacturer of land combat vehicles. At the same time, we can offer to the Turkish partner vehicles with high standards in terms of performance, driving characteristics, as well as ballistic and anti-mine protection,” explained Jaroslav Skála, Chief Executive Head of Excalibur Army.
Tunca Selbes, Business Development and Marketing Manager of TÜBİTAK SAGE, said at the signing of the memorandum: “We are very proud to have established a connection with Excalibur Army. Our Kuzgun missiles are among the world’s best and in combination with Excalibur Army vehicle platforms can form very effective weapon systems. We hope that the memorandum is the beginning of long cooperation with Excalibur Army and other Czech companies.”
The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye Defense Industries Research and Development Institute (TÜBİTAK SAGE) was founded in 1972 in Ankara to meet the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces and the national defence industry organizations. TÜBİTAK SAGE conducts research and development studies, collaborates with national and foreign foundations, and provides services through analysis, measurement, and consultancy projects to fulfill the requirements of Turkish Armed Forces and national defence industries organizations.
The company Excalibur Army, belonging to the Czechoslovak Group holding company, is a Czech manufacturer and seller of heavy military vehicles, spare parts, weapons, ammunition and other military equipment. It focuses on the development and production of modern military vehicles, service, overhaul and modernization, including major upgrades of mostly land military systems. The company has customers all over the world and cooperates with renowned global producers of military technologies, such as General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), Elbit, Rafael, Nexter, John Cockerill or Pindad.
Source: CZ Defence
