- Turkey | 7 March 2017
Can you please provide an introduction to the services that OSSA offers and its history of establishment?
OSSA, or the Aerospace and Defense Cluster Association, was established in 2007 in response to a competitiveness analysis conducted in the OSTIM Industrial Zone in Turkey. The analysis identified strategic sectors such as aerospace and defense, leading to the establishment of the cluster. Currently, OSSA comprises over 160 member companies, most of which are manufacturing sub-suppliers located in Ankara. As an association, OSSA serves as a point of contact between its members, the government, and major industrial companies in Turkey, such as ASELSAN, TAI, and Roketsan.
What specific programs are available within universities and schools to train aerospace professionals, and how does OSSA facilitate collaboration in this regard?
OSSA has strong relationships with Turkish universities that offer relevant faculties, such as the University of Turkish Aeronautical Association and the Middle East Technical University in Ankara. Additionally, Anatolian University in Eskisehir offers a reputable civil aviation department from which many students often come to find jobs in Ankara due to the concentration of industry in the area. OSSA is working towards attracting more students to the cluster and has established collaborations with universities and schools to promote the training of aerospace professionals.
What is the ratio of civil aviation projects to defense aviation projects among OSSA members, and how does this mix affect companies’ growth?
Although unable to make a definite distinction, OSSA states that civil aviation is growing, with roughly half of companies’ business volume stemming from civil aviation and the other half coming from defense. Four years ago, a majority of projects were defense-related at approximately 70%, whereas many defense projects have now been completed. This shift towards civil aviation provides an opportunity for small- and medium-sized enterprises to grow with longer production cycles, compared to shorter defense contracts. Hence, OSSA is focused on developing civil aviation companies to increase the share of domestic production.
How does Turkey’s experience in the defense sector make it an optimal solution for civil aircraft manufacturing systems, and what is OSSA doing to reach its goal of increasing the share of domestic production?
Turkey’s work in the defense sector has equipped it with the capability, culture, and manufacturing skills required for civil aircraft manufacturing systems. As Turkey is not in the euro zone, it can serve as an optimal solution for civil aircraft manufacturing systems. TAI and TEI are excellent prime contractors, and Turkey is a significant customer for Boeing and Airbus, as Turkish Airlines continues to purchase many aircraft each year. OSSA is committed to assisting member companies with their development and working towards increasing the share of domestic production.
What is the cluster doing to reach its goal of increasing the share of domestic production, and what is your final message for international readers?
As an association, OSSA assists member companies with their development and maintains a database of its member companies’ strengths and capabilities, making it the first point of contact for international contracts. OSSA’s major goal is to increase the share of domestic production, and it offers its database, knowledge, and experience to other companies abroad at no cost. Additionally, OSSA organizes an event in partnership with BCI Aerospace known as the International Cooperation Days in Defense and Aerospace, bringing together industry representatives from all over the world. It is an excellent forum for networking, offering workshops, and facilitating B2B meetings, and it is attended by large international companies such as Boeing, Airbus, and Sikorsky.