ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Turkey’s Defense Industry Directorate (SSB) and weapons manufacturer ROKETSAN signed an agreement for the mass production of naval cruise ship missiles.
SSB announced the ATMACA-led project on Friday. It was signed between SSB President Ismail Demir and ROKETSAN.
It will "increase the deterrence in our seas," stated SSB.
Representatives from ASELAN (the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation company) and the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) were also present.
The ATMACA Project is aimed at improving the Turkish Navy's missile program. It is a radar-guided anti-ship cruise missile with a range of 120 miles (193 kilometers), according to Defense News.
SSB detailed the contract includes the "mass production" of missiles by ROKETSAN, and manufacturing of fire control systems, necessary equipment and spare parts by ASELAN.
The systems will be integrated into Turkey's Class I MILGEM platform or Ada class that includes patrol and anti-submarine crafts including corvettes and frigates.
Turkey has sought to nationalize projects in a bid to reduce dependency on NATO members and Russia.
Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency announced on Friday that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will pay a state visit to France on November 10-11.
He will meet with President Emmanuel Macron and attend 100th anniversary Armistice Day commemorations to mark the end of World War I.
Around 80 world leaders including Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will also be in Paris for the events.
