MSI-Interview with Ambassador Moore

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H.E. Richard Peter Moore, Ambassador of United Kingdom to Turkey:

Partner, not a Market” Turkey and the United Kingdom have deep relations, which are also strong in defence and aerospace sectors. In the eve of DSEI 2015, we had the opportunity to talk with H.E. Richard Peter Moore, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Turkey, about the cooperation in defence and aerospace between Turkey and the United Kingdom.

Prepared by: Birol TEKİNCE btekince@milscint.com Birol TEKİNCE: The first Ambassador appointed by the UK to the Ottoman Empire, William Harborne, assumed his duties in Istanbul in 1583. Since then, you have had deep relations with Turkey. As the current Ambassador, what would you like to say about the relations of UK and Turkey first, and about the relations specifically on defence, then?

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Richard Peter MOORE: Look, as you illustrate the relationship between the UK and Turkey is deep and broad and rooted in a long shared history. We have always mattered to each other. And we matter to each other today more than ever. NATO Allies, we work closely together against ISIL, we coordinate closely on multiple issues from Libya to Somalia. Our cultural links are immensely strong. And a belief in free trade underpins our shared world view. Mr Harbonne came to Turkey to open up trade with the Ottoman Empire. I am delighted to report that four and a half centuries on, trade is thriving.

Birol TEKİNCE: Could you please tell us about the relations between both armed forces?

Richard Peter MOORE: They are very intimate. Turkey has highly effective and professional armed forces held in high esteem by their British counterparts. As NATO Allies, British and Turkish officers are used to working and training together on the full range of defence issues. They understand the need for interoperable equipment which meets those NATO needs. Senior officers consult frequently.

The new Chief of General Staff General Hulusi Akar had a notably successful visit to the UK as Land Forces Commander.

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A MERLIN helicopter of Royal Navy firing a torpedo.

And, again, the links go back a long way. When our First Sea Lord hosted dinner for the Turkish Chief of Navy Admiral Bülent Bostanoğlu on Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory, I noted that the great British hero’s uniform sported a medal awarded by the Sultan in 1797!

Birol TEKİNCE: FNSS has a successful joint venture between Nurol Holding and BAE Systems. Do you think the number of such joint ventures that involve British and Turkish companies should increase? If so, on which fields such joint ventures can be set up?

Richard Peter MOORE: Yes, and it is beginning to happen. It is really important that UK and Turkish companies create joint ventures and industrial partnerships; this is the key to future success across all sectors. I don't see the need to restrict such cooperation to one or two sectors only. The UK is a full spectrum defence industrial power -second only to the US- and Turkey has great ambitions for its own defence industry. FNSS shows what UK and Turkish companies can do to conquer third country markets together. Turkey and the UK have both got strong brands. But their combined brand is unbeatable. I would also encourage Turkish companies to look at the UK as a market, preferably again working with UK partner companies. There are no barriers for Turkish companies to supply to the UK armed forces and I encourage Turkish companies to look at the UK Ministry of Defence website www.contracts.mod.uk which gives advice on the procedures Turkish companies should adopt.

Birol TEKİNCE: A few years ago, the UK was actively promoting Type 26 Global Combat Ship in Turkey, but later this effort faded. What would you like to say about the cooperation opportunities on naval systems between the UK and Turkey?

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Richard Peter MOORE: You are being diplomatic – I thought that was my job!

Look, we made a mess of the GCS issue.

But we've learnt our lesson. The UK companies, in collaboration with Turkish companies are seeking opportunities not only in Turkey but in the 3rd markets.

BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce are looking to develop strategic partnerships through Turkish indigenous programs; MBDA, Ultra Electronics, Thales UK, Qinetiq, Selex, Airbus, UTC and other UK companies are working closely with both Turkish Armed Forces Foundation (TAFF) and private companies looking for partnership opportunities. Some enjoyed significant success in the recent years. Again industrial engagement is the way forward here. The UK maritime industry is a world leader in innovation and technology working on some of the most sophisticated and modern ships in the world.

The Turkish maritime industry is also highly regarded and respected. I would encourage much closer co-operation not just to supply UK and Turkish navies but also to win export orders with other navies around the world.

Full Support of UK for TF-X Birol TEKİNCE: Turkey aims to develop its indigenous fighter aircraft, with first flight planned for 2023. In this endeavour, Turkey seeks the help of a foreign company and BAE Systems may be a candidate. Do you see a potential in such cooperation?

Richard Peter MOORE: The TF-X programme is a very exciting venture and has the UK’s full support. It is definitely the right way for Turkey to go. BAE Systems is a candidate partner and I think they are supremely well-qualified to help

Turkey achieve its aims. BAE Systems have an excellent heritage in aircraft design and have produced Typhoon for the Royal Air Force; they also have a good record of working with other countries on the development of indigenous aircraft.

Clearly Turkish industry will want to lead the project but I am confident that both BAE Systems and other UK companies in the aerospace sector can offer advice and support and share the experiences they have had in involvement in Turkish partnerships such as FNSS and other programmes around the world.

Birol TEKİNCE: The engine of that aircraft is also in selection process and EUROJET is among the bidding firms.

How the UK support this bid?

Richard Peter MOORE: The UK fully supports all the partnership companies in the EUROJET consortium. The engine is a global leader and I am sure Turkish companies would welcome the opportunity of working with the European team.

EUROJET have had many successes and their reputation for availability and maintainability is excellent; essential criteria for a programme as important as this.

Birol TEKİNCE: Turkey is seeking a lead-in trainer for her air force and BAE Systems’ Hawk is among the possible candidates. What are the advantages of BAE Systems’ Hawk in such a competition?

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Richard Peter MOORE: The Hawk is regarded as the best trainer in the world and the Royal Air Force have used it for many years to help train our front line pilots; it is proven in many countries and offers a good value for money option for Turkey. It is a platform, not an aircraft, and is continually updated so it remains at the leading edge of trainer solutions.

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BAE Systems has positively invested in Turkey and created successful partnerships such as FNSS and the UK believes that this requirement offers a further opportunity to create synergies between the requirements of our two air forces.

Birol TEKİNCE: British firms are very active in commercial aviation and they provide systems, subsystems and components for prime contractors such as Airbus and Boeing. How can Turkish firms cooperate with British firms in commercial aviation?

Richard Peter MOORE: The door is open. We are keen to work together to further Turkey’s civil aerospace ambitions. The UK can provide Turkey with access to global leaders in civil aviation who can design, manufacture and assemble some of the most technologically complex and expensive parts of today’s airliners, including the wings, engines, aerodynamics and advanced aircraft systems. British firms are looking to create joint ventures and industrial partnerships with Turkish companies based on the development of long term relationships.

Focus is on Building Long-Term Relationships

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transfer upfront which they then try to forget once the buyer is on the hook. We won't do that.

Birol TEKİNCE: There are some mutual efforts with Turkey in recent years.

For instance, in October 2014, ICDDA (International Cooperation Days in Defence and Aviation) was held in Ankara under auspices of OSTIM Defence and Aviation Cluster (OSSA) with close cooperation with France, or the Turkey-Italy Defence and Aviation Industry Days was carried out in Ankara in March 2015 hosted by UDF and SASAD, organized by ODTU Teknokent TSSK and OSSA with Italy. Does UK have plans to improve defence industry cooperation with Turkey?

Richard Peter MOORE: The UK is always looking to improve defence industry co-operation with Turkey.

The UK and Turkey signed a MoU for cooperation in the field of Defence Industry in 2011, which seeks to encourage closer working between both nations; with annual meetings held to progress industry © Crown Copyright

Birol TEKİNCE: As known UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) Defence & Security Organization helps the UK companies achieve export success. And it also aims to assist the industry exports by building relationships with overseas governments. How do you think that UK defence industry can help these goals be best achieved?

Richard Peter MOORE: UKTI DSO works closely with the UK defence industry to ensure that they offer innovative solutions to requirements around the world. They have an excellent team in Ankara and I consider myself to be “Defence Cooperator in Chief” – I spend a lot of time personally supporting cooperation in this area. The UK defence industry is a world leader in many technologies.

Our engagement with overseas government’s is vital to ensure that the UK offers value for money, training, logistic support and a commitment to developing a long term relationship. And we can have early discussions about transfer of technology, licensing etc. If I may be partisan for a moment…I will also say that we will be upfront in this area of technology transfer. Some countries make extravagant promises on technology

HMS IRON DUKE

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campaigns and initiatives. Both nations are also working to develop a General Security Agreement. So we don't rule out the sort of one-off “days” you describe – they definitely have their place. But, we British, prefer the less flashy, but more substantive, approach of intergovernmental MoUs followed up by campaigns focusing on building long-term relationships with Turkish industry. This approach has been welcomed by the Turkish side and is beginning to bear real fruit.

Birol TEKİNCE: Did you ever attend IDEF in Turkey? What are your views about DSEI which will be held in London mid-September?

Richard Peter MOORE: I attended IDEF for the first time this year. It was an excellent exhibition, and I enjoyed the 3 days I spent at the show with the Head of UKTI DSO Stephen Phipson, his senior military adviser AVM Nigel Maddox, our Defence Attache and a large team both from the UK and the Embassy. There were 30 UK companies and they all told us that the exhibition was a huge success.

IDEF offered an excellent opportunity for the UK industry to highlight UK capabilities and for the UK delegation to have meetings with Turkish government and military officials in Istanbul this May. I know DSEI will offer the same opportunities for the Turkish companies looking to raise their profile in the UK and internationally.

I am delighted that the SSM will lead Turkish participation in DSEI accompanied by a large group of Turkish companies.

During DSEI, UKTI DSO will have a showcase promoting a range of equipment including Personal Soldier Equipment, Vehicles, Unmanned Systems, C4ISR and Counter IED/EOD. This UKTI DSO showcase will provide overseas delegates with a unique opportunity to interact with service personnel, who will speak about their requirements and capabilities, whilst demonstrating a wide variety of British equipment.

Furthermore the Royal Navy will have a significant presence with: n HMS IRON DUKE – Type 23 Frigate with a WILDCAT helicopter embarked for the exhibition. n HMS TYNE – River Class Offshore Patrol Vessel.

HMS HURWORTH – Hunt Class Minecounter Measures Vessel (MCMV) with SEAFOX mine disposal equipment. n MERLIN Helicopter n Royal Marines – conducting a waterborne demonstration of a boarding using Offshore Raiding Craft (ORCs) and PACIFIC 24 Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) from IRON DUKE. They will have an assault variant and gunboat variant of the ORC on display berthed on Versadock air assisted dock/pontoon.

So lots to see and do. William Harborne would be delighted to see what he started in such good order. n

On behalf of our readers, we would like to thank H.E. Richard Peter Moore, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Turkey, for taking the time to answer our questions, and for providing us with such valuable information.

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A WILDCAT Helicopter MSI TDR - September 2015

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