Astrium delivers comms terminal to Turkish Navy
The project was a clear sign of confidence in Astrium as it is a repeat of an identical contract awarded in 2005 and forms part of a relationship with this customer that stretches back over a decade.
The Turkish Navy’s TCG Hasan Pasa and TCG Mehmet Sokullu ships have not changed much in the last six years. At least that’s what the Astrium team discovered when they surveyed these vessels prior to installation: even the cabling and ancillary boxes were still there from the first fit, with only the antennas and rack missing. Martin Curtis, the sales lead on the contract said: “It was like going into a time warp.”
Martin Curtis said: “This re-lease deal is based on the success of the first.” However, despite having experience on their side, the team knew that they were working to a tight deadline. Martin explained: “We had to refurbish the equipment, mobilise the installation team, expedite export licences, carry out testing at sea and in harbour – all on a very short timescale.” The team made it and the ship is now underway as part of NATO operations.
This project comes within the context of Astrium’s long-standing relationship with the Turkish Navy, which also includes contracts under the Turkish Military Satellite Communications System (TMSCS) programme. Astrium was approached directly for the SCOT terminal re-leasing contract thanks to their tried and trusted track record, which sees them as one of the Navy’s preferred suppliers. Martin said: “Astrium is known as a role model for doing business in Turkey, not least because we also transfer our know-how to Turkish companies.”
