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STM and Gürbağ Savunma ve Teknoloji will integrate hydrogen energy and propulsion solutions into surface and underwater platforms as part of their cooperation for the localization of high-tech products.

Turkey's defence industry is preparing to bring critical technologies to the country on its way to complete maritime independence.

According to information obtained by the AA correspondent, STM Defense Technologies Engineering and Trade Inc. and Gürbağ Savunma ve Teknoloji have formed a strategic partnership to leverage their respective capabilities.

The agreements on "Hydrogen Energy and Propulsion Solutions" and "Stabilized Pan-Tilt and Laser Communication Solutions" were signed by STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz and GÜRBAĞ Chairman of the Board Halil Bağıban.

Thus, for the first time in Turkey's history, a strategic cooperation agreement in this field was signed. STM and GÜRBAĞ will collaborate on research and development, productization, and field applications in areas of mutual interest.

To the navy, "future energy"

Hydrogen energy is generated through the treatment and conversion of hydrogen gas. Hydrogen, which is easily converted to heat, electrical, and mechanical energy, is advantageous due to its fast flame speed, flammability, and low ignition energy requirement. Hydrogen is dubbed the "future energy."

While hydrogen technology is beneficial in a variety of fields, it is considered a difficult technology to commercialize due to its complexity in terms of technology and cost.

Its objective is to develop alternative solutions that make more active use of hydrogen in existing structures in hydrogen-powered propulsion systems.

STM and GÜRBAĞ are collaborating on the development of a hydrogen reactor and the safe use of hydrogen. To begin, the two companies intend to conduct research aimed at increasing the efficiency of existing energy systems through the use of hydrogen. This collaboration aims to increase the efficiency of hydrogen energy in energy units and propulsion systems in the near future.

STM, Turkey's largest military maritime company, is collaborating with GÜRBAĞ to improve power system efficiency by integrating hydrogen energy and propulsion solutions into surface and underwater platforms.

Laser communication provides secure communication.

On the other hand, stabilized pan-tilt systems regulate environmental imbalances (sea waves) on sea, air, and land platforms. As a result, the payload attached to the pan-tilt maintains its stability. This enables much more effective operation of equipment such as radar, imaging, and weapon systems.

Laser communication enables naval systems to communicate without being detected by hostile elements. This is a critical issue when it comes to communication on naval platforms.

STM and GÜRBAĞ aim to provide secure communication between submarines, surface ships, and air platforms using non-audible, non-predictable, and non-confusing laser communication technology. To begin, a laser communication solution will be proposed in this context via a stabilized pan-tilt system for naval platforms.

The platforms will communicate via a laser system that is not dependent on radio frequency. The work in this area aims to develop a communication solution that platforms can use while cruising. Additionally, research and development will be conducted to ensure communication in this area from sea to land and from land to sea. It is intended to expand laser communication for land platforms in the future.

In 2022, at least one solution will be commercially available.

As part of the collaboration, Özgür Güleryüz, General Manager of STM, stated that they will invest in future technologies while also localizing high-tech products purchased from abroad using their national engineering capabilities.

Güleryüz emphasized that the solutions that will emerge will enhance the capabilities of the platforms on which they are used and will also lay the groundwork for the technologies that the Turkish defence industry will develop in this area.

"Within the scope of our collaboration," Güleryüz stated, "we intend to have at least one solution in the field by the end of this year."

Halil Bağıban, Chairman of the Board of Directors of GÜRBAĞ Group, stated that this collaboration between the two companies will significantly benefit Turkey's technology sector. Bağıban declared, "The innovative and national systems we intend to develop in collaboration will enhance our country's strategic and economic value. We strive to complete our work within the timeframe specified. With our domestic and national products, we want to have a voice in our country and on the global market."