SITTENSEN - Anticipating the future boom in the Turkish Naval industry, AST Security Equipment GmbH, Germany has focused on Turkey, aiming for above average sales figures from the Turkish market.

Turkey’s shipbuilding industry has boosted its exports by 30 percent in the past year by focusing on high-value, made-to-order ships that are not available from larger-scale builders in China and South Korea.

Exports are expected to make up 80 percent of total revenue this year from 60 percent last year. Capacity has grown 400 percent over the last five years.

Having started its EU negotiations while depending on a thriving informal sector not also makes it internationally competitive but on the other hand it also creates a potent mixture.

The accession process to the EU is a double-edged sword because it means there are increased opportunities for trade and things look to be thriving in Turkey.

The strategic importance of Turkey with its presence in the European , MEA and Asian regions is becoming increasingly accentuated by the growing economic strength and development of self reliance in the Defence production sectors.

Till date, AST has produced more than 2000 sqm of Ship armour. These projects include Armored Protection System for Navy Corvettes and Armored Protection system for Rocket Launch Silos on Navy Frigates and Development of complete Armor for Frigates.

In the past, AST has undertaken quite a few Turkish ballistic protection projects including armoured protection of specialized areas on frigates supplied by the North Sea shipyards. It plans to further its participation in the Turkish market by increasing its presence and effect on the complete spectrum of the industry.

AST shall be exhibiting at IDEF 2009, Istanbul, Turkey, starting from April 27. It shall be showcasing its state of the art Ballistic solutions and patented attachments systems and subsystems which give it a niche above competitors in the market.

AST has completed many successful ballistic protection projects. Those include the conception, development and production of: Armoured protection system for mega yachts (customised to meet the threat scenarios of private owners), built by the North Sea shipyards

Armoured protection system for work and support barges built by the North Sea shipyards

Armoured protection for various frigates and corvettes (Germany, South Africa, Malaysia) in collaboration with the North Sea shipyards

Turkish naval anti-ballistic projects completed by AST on frigates supplied by the North Sea shipyards

Today AST is able to proudly offer Ballistic Protections Systems for Frigates, Corvettes, Aircraft/Helicopter Carriers, Coast Guard Vessels, Specialized Yachts. The Protection is described as a MIL specified and certified ballistic protection for surface vessels. Compared to steel amour, this system is 50 per cent lighter while achieving high levels of protection. It is certified by “Germanischen Lloyd”.

AST today has a specialized system of Light weight Ballistic protection system for Level III and Level IV. For Splinter Protection Level: STANAG 4569 Level IV (Artillery) it offers for 20 mm, 54 gram Splinter a system weight: approx. 67 kg/m2 and for Fragment protection as per STANAG 2920, for Cal. .50,54 gms a system weight of approx. 80 kg/m2.

AST has also developed a less than 60 kg solution for Level III. With a specially designed Fastening System incorporated with Impact Compensators / Dampeners it has a unique integration niche to offer to the Naval Armoring market..

With the determined effort of the Turkey to establish itself as a significant player in the MKU-AST sees a quickly developing market for up-armouring of Naval vessels and also other marine vessels in an increasingly concerted effort by keep maritime boundaries and sea passages secure.

AST as a registered NATO BALLISTIC PROTECTION SOLUTION SUPPLIER NCAGE C5175) finds itself in a unique position to be a part of the growth. (ANI)