Turkish Armed Forces. Turkish Ground Forces

The Turkish Armed Forces today are the totality of all military units of the state, which are intended to defend the independence, freedom and integrity of the country, as well as its inhabitants.

History of the Turkish Armed Forces

XIV century - the structure of the military forces of Turkey was being harmonized, which remained with minor changes until the 19th century.

The Turkish armed forces of that time included:

• capicles(professional infantry);
• seratkuly(militia for the duration of hostilities);
• Toprakly(feudal cavalry).

The beginning of the 19th century - regular infantry and cavalry begin to emerge - the militia gradually ceases to be used due to its poor qualifications and low morale.

• 1839– introduced new system, according to which the SS was divided into a standing army, irregular troops, militia and auxiliary troops of vassals. It existed in this form until the 1920s.
• 1923- The Turkish Republic was proclaimed and the Turkish military forces were created (according to European standards).

general description

Today, Turkey is a member of NATO, and therefore its army fully complies with the standards and requirements of this military alliance.

It is also worth noting that Turkey’s ground forces are the second most powerful in the NATO bloc after the United States. The armament of the Turkish army is carried out according to the latest technological standards.

All men aged 21 to 41 are liable for military service in Turkey. During hostilities, except for men, the composition Turkish army Women from 20 to 46 years old are also called up.

The highest authority of the army is the commanders-in-chief of the Turkish Armed Forces. The president of the country is appointed by him, and his subordinates are:

1. ground forces (ground forces);
2. air force (AF);
3. naval forces (Navy);
4. gendarmerie;
5. Coast security.

The principle of recruiting the Turkish army today

Military service applies to all men from 20 to 41 years old, according to the country's legislation. The only exception is the population with medical limitations.

Every year, up to 300 thousand people are drafted into the ranks of the Armed Forces.

Conscript service lasts 12 months.

There is also an option to avoid service. To do this, it is worth paying an amount of 17 thousand liras to the benefit of the state.

Ground troops

As in many other countries, the Army is the largest branch of the military in Turkey and forms the core of the armed forces. The number of soldiers in the Turkish army today exceeds 400 thousand soldiers. Today, the weapons of the Turkish army are being tested in the Syrian theater of operations during clashes with the Kurds.

number of soldiers in the Turkish army today

In addition to field units, the Turkish army includes elite commando brigades among five units. They are designed for special operations, counter-terrorism, reconnaissance, counterintelligence, and so on.

In addition, four army aviation regiments, six artillery regiments and numerous Turkish military equipment are subordinate to the commander of the Army.

SV specialists are trained in the following institutions:

• Tank Forces Training Center, which is based in the city of Etimesgut;
• Training artillery brigade in the city of Erzincan;
• Training plowing brigades: 1st, 3rd, 5th and 15th.

Officers are recruited from young men who have voluntarily completed training in military schools. Afterwards, they are sent to higher and secondary schools of the armed forces, as well as to Turkish military academies, where they receive appropriate training and qualifications.

duration of study at higher education institutions

The duration of training at higher air forces is usually 4 years, after which graduates receive the rank of lieutenant. To obtain the highest position, you must enter the military academy and study for 2 years.

The main tactical formation of the Turkish Army is the brigade. Their number is this moment is:

• 11 infantry;
• 16 mechanized;
• 9 tank.

Armored forces

Turkey's ground forces are armed with both their own developments and weapons and equipment of foreign countries. For example, one of the most powerful tanks in the world, which is in service with the Turkish army, is the German Leopard.

In addition to the Leopard 1 (400 units) and Leopard 2 (325 units) tanks, the tank forces also have:

• American medium tanks M60 in the amount of almost 1 thousand units;
• American medium tanks M48A5 in size less than 2.9 thousand units.

The armored forces also include armored fighting vehicles, including:

• American M113 armored personnel carriers – less than 3 thousand units;
• American infantry fighting vehicles AIFV - 650 units;
• Turkish armored vehicles ARSV Cobra (more than 70 units), KIRP (more than 300 units).

Artillery and missiles of Turkey

Türkiye boasts serious artillery. Among all the numerous models in service, it is worth noting Turkish military equipment, including:

• Turkish TR-300 multiple launch rocket systems (more than 50 units);
• American M30 self-propelled mortars (more than 1200 units);
• American self-propelled guns M108T (more than 20 units), M52T (365 units), M44T1 (about 220 units);
• Turkish self-propelled guns T-155 Firtina (about 300 units);
• American M115 howitzers (more than 160 units) and others.

Air Force

The Turkish Air Force was created back in 1911 after the First World War and ceased to exist. Then they began to recover and currently have about 60 thousand soldiers in their ranks.

In total, combat aviation consists of 21 squadrons, including:

• 2 – reconnaissance;
• 4 – combat training;
• 7 – fighter air defense;
• 8 – fighter-bomber.

In addition, there is also auxiliary aviation in the amount of 11 squadrons - of which:

• 1 – transport and refueling station;
• 5 – transport;
• 5 – educational.

The Turkish Air Force uses aircraft from foreign countries.

Including American F-16 and McDonnell Douglas F-4E, Canadian Canadair NF. The situation is the same with transport aircraft. They are either purchased abroad or Turkey has received a license to produce these foreign samples.

The Air Force should also include air defense systems - air defense missiles (Rapier, MIM-14, MIM-23 Hawk), American and British production, and unmanned aerial vehicles manufactured in the USA and Israel.

At the moment, they are also developing their own fighter. The project is called TF-X and is scheduled for completion in 2023.

Naval forces

Historically, the Turks have always paid great attention to their fleet. Even under the Ottoman Empire, he participated in many wars, including:

• Russian-Turkish (1828-1829, 1877-1878, 1918 and others);
• Greco-Turkish (1897);
• World War I (1914-1918);
• Korean War (1950-1953);
• invasion of Cyprus (1974), etc.

The IUD includes:

• Navy;
• Marine Corps;
• special forces;
• naval aviation.

Combat composition of the fleet:

• submarines (type “Atylai”, “Gyur” and “Preveze”);
• frigates (Yavuz, G and Barbaros types);
• corvettes (type "MILGEM" and "B").

The main base (headquarters) of the Navy is located in the capital of the country - the city of Ankara. The main naval bases of the modern Turkish army are located in the following cities and areas:

• Focha.
• Mersin.
• Samsun.
• Erdek.
• Geljuk.

Number of Turkish military forces

At the moment (according to official information on the website of the Turkish Ministry of Defense) the number of front-line troops reaches more than 410 thousand soldiers. In addition, the modern Turkish army today has an impressive reserve of 190 thousand soldiers.

In 2014, the Turkish government decided to reduce the number of ground forces in favor of more modern equipment. That is why every year the total number of military personnel decreases by an average of 15 thousand people.

Relations between Moscow and Ankara over the past year and a half have gone from brinksmanship to an almost open military alliance. Everything changed after the failed military coup in the summer of 2016, and today military cooperation with Moscow is considered one of the priorities of Turkish policy. On the eve of the visit to Russia, the Turkish President interviewed one of the leading military experts, editor-in-chief of the Moscow Defense Brief magazine, co-editor of the book “Turkish War Machine: Strength and Weakness”, prepared for publication by Moscow (CAST).

"Lenta.ru": In the 1980s, the Turkish Armed Forces were one of the largest in Europe, and now they still remain very numerous. What is the reason for Ankara's attention to the military field? What threats does the Turkish government see for the country?

Mikhail Barabanov: Turkey itself is a large state, it is enough to recall that its population has reached 80 million people. Therefore, the number of Turkish Armed Forces relative to the population is about 443 thousand people at the beginning of 2016, now, after purges and reductions, after an attempted military coup, it is already about 400 thousand (all figures excluding civilian personnel, excluding gendarmerie and coast guard) - even less than the relative strength of the Russian Armed Forces.

The reasons for Turkey's traditional maintenance of a large army throughout the twentieth century are obvious. These are historically conflictual relations with most of the neighbors: Greece, Bulgaria, and most importantly, with Russia/USSR. Moreover, Russia was not only the most powerful adversary, but also represented a kind of “existential” threat to Turkey in connection with the traditional desire to establish control over the Black Sea straits, which for Turkey would be tantamount to the dismemberment of the country and the loss of its most developed areas.

Naturally, after 1991, when the Russian threat and the threat from the Warsaw Pact were practically removed, the reduction of the Turkish Armed Forces began. But it could not be radical, since hostile relations with Greece, the Cyprus issue, the fight against Kurdish separatism remain, and tension has also been added on the southern and south-eastern borders in connection with the conflicts in Iraq and now in Syria.

And finally, one should not discount the fact that the army in Republican Turkey was largely an autonomous force in relation to the government, and in itself was not interested in deep cuts.

What major changes occurred in the Turkish Armed Forces in the 1990s?

After 1991, the Turkish Armed Forces were reduced by approximately 200 thousand troops, and the number of formations was reduced. The army was gradually transferred to a brigade structure. Divisions, which back in the 1980s were at the level of World War II in their organization and consisted of regiments, were transferred to a brigade organization, and their number itself was significantly reduced.

Forces on the borders with the former USSR (3rd Field Army) were reduced, and were refocused on fighting Kurdish rebels.

But in general, it can be said that the Turkish Armed Forces have undergone less reductions and transformations since 1991 than the armed forces of other countries.

An important factor began massive transfers to Turkey of military equipment released during reductions in the armed forces of developed NATO countries in Europe - primarily the armies of the United States and Germany. This made it possible to significantly increase the level of technical equipment of the Turkish army, which was previously very low, especially in relation to the fleet of armored vehicles, artillery, and partly aviation.

Finally, the 1990s and 2000s became a period of active development of the Turkish defense industry, intensively supported by the state and relying mainly on foreign licenses. Here it is worth highlighting the organization by the aircraft manufacturing association TAI of the assembly of Lockheed Martin F-16C/D fighters, which made it possible to rearm most of the Turkish Air Force with these aircraft, the establishment by FNSS of the licensed production of AIFV (ACV-15) infantry fighting vehicles, which made it possible to increase the mechanization of the army, production since 2000 's under foreign licenses of long-range 155-mm/52 howitzers in towed (Panter) and self-propelled (Firtina) versions, the development by Roketsan, with Chinese assistance, of the production of multiple launch rocket systems of 107, 122 and 302 mm caliber (and missiles for them) and even the J-600T Yildirim operational-tactical missile system, organizing the construction of submarines, frigates and missile boats according to German designs.

In organizational terms, major changes have taken place. First of all, it should be noted the sharp decrease in the role of the Armed Forces, whose chief had previously exercised full leadership of the Armed Forces. Now all commanders of the armed forces are reassigned directly to the president.

The President and Prime Minister of Turkey received the right to directly give orders to commanders and receive information from them, without the prior consent of the Chief of the General Staff. The role of the Ministry of National Defense in the management of the Armed Forces (as opposed to the General Staff) has been increased. The gendarmerie and coast guard were withdrawn from the Armed Forces and transferred to them.

In general, what is happening in Turkey after July 15, 2016 indicates a sharp reduction in the autonomy and role of the military elite in the political process and the actual complete transfer of control over the armed forces to the political authorities led by President Erdogan.

What is the Turkish Armed Forces like at the moment?

Overall they present a contradictory picture. The main problem of military development is that Turkey remains a rather poor country, which is forced to maintain large armed forces. Previously this forced us to support increased level military spending (back in 2002 - 3.5 percent of GDP).

Over the past 15 years, the level of military spending to GDP has been steadily declining, falling to 1.6 percent in 2016 (all data are official, but there are also unofficial estimates at a higher level). By modern standards, this is not much, and this level significantly hinders the high-quality modernization of the aircraft, making it difficult for them to achieve advanced Western standards.

Therefore, Turkey's ground forces still remain relatively backward. In terms of technical and organizational level, they roughly correspond to the developed NATO countries of the 1970s - 1980s. The bulk of the tanks are vehicles of the second (M60, Leopard 1) and even the first (M48A5) generations. There are few third generation Leopard 2A4 tanks received from Germany in an unmodernized form (less than 350). The main armored vehicles are the old American M113 armored personnel carriers and the licensed “light” AIFV infantry fighting vehicles created on their basis. The artillery is for the most part also of old American types (with the exception of Panter and Firtina howitzers).

The equipment of the Turkish infantry is very low; to date it has not even been fully equipped with modern by individual means protection (body armor and Kevlar helmets) and uses outdated small arms (licensed German G3 rifles and Kalashnikov assault rifles). The saturation of anti-tank weapons, primarily anti-tank missile systems, is low. The main grenade launcher is RPG-7 obtained from the army reserves of the former GDR with old rounds (with expiring shelf life). The basis of military air defense is small-caliber anti-aircraft guns.

The basis of recruitment remains conscription. As of November 2016, the Turkish Armed Forces had about 193 thousand conscripts and only 15.7 thousand contract soldiers. This is somewhat offset by a large professional non-commissioned officer corps numbering more than 66 thousand people. However, it is obvious that we have before us a massive conscript army with all the shortcomings of such a system in modern conditions.

The experience of the participation of the Turkish army in the intervention in Syria since August 2016 (Operation Euphrates Shield) indicates a low level of training of personnel, especially at lower levels, and insufficient technical equipment of the troops. There are, apparently, problems with personnel motivation.

At the same time, the Turkish Air Force looks very modern and combat-ready. Combat-wise, they represent a homogeneous force of 235 F-16C/D fighters, constantly being developed and equipped with new weapons. In addition, the Air Force retains about 47 F-4E-2020 fighter-bombers modernized with Israeli assistance, also with sufficient modern equipment. A very significant amount of modern guided and high-precision weapons, both American and now Turkish-made, which are used in combat operations in Syria, are being purchased and mastered. A group of four recently purchased modern 737AEW&C early warning and control aircraft has been created. And finally, already in 2018, the Turkish Air Force should receive the first fifth-generation Lockheed Martin F-35A fighters.

The weak side of the Turkish Armed Forces remains the insufficient number of helicopter aircraft, however, this situation should be corrected with the start of deliveries of new T129 ATAK combat helicopters (a modified licensed version of the Italian AgustaWestland A129, 19 units have already been delivered) and with the planned start of licensed production of T70 multi-purpose helicopters (Sikorsky S- 70i Black Hawk).

Active efforts are being made to develop unmanned aircraft. The Anka long-range unmanned aerial vehicle of its own design is being tested, and since 2016, Turkish Bayraktar TB2 attack drones have already begun to be used in Syria.

The weakness of ground-based air defense systems remains a serious flaw. In Turkey, obsolete Hawk, Rapier air defense systems and even such archaic museum objects as Nike Hercules continue to be used in relatively small quantities. At the same time, the purchase of modern anti-aircraft missile systems is being delayed, as is the development of its own systems.

The Turkish Navy looks quite modern and numerous, the core of which consists of submarines, frigates and large missile boats of German designs.

What are the main problems facing Turkish military construction?

The main problem remains the already mentioned lack of resources to maintain such large armed forces at a truly high level. Although the level of military spending is expected to be raised to two percent of GDP by 2020 (as required by NATO commitments), this will not change the situation. Nevertheless, the increase in military spending will accelerate the technical modernization of the Turkish Armed Forces, ensuring sufficient funding for key programs - F-35A fighters, T129 and T70 helicopters, Altay tank, drones, modern air defense systems, reconnaissance, communications and control systems, long-range missile weapons, universal landing ship, new frigates, corvettes and non-nuclear submarines. It is possible that the reduction in the number of armed forces will continue.

Politically, the main threat remains the underlying mutual tension between the Armed Forces and the Erdogan regime, which already erupted in the events of July 15, 2016. Despite large-scale purges, repressions and organizational reforms carried out by the authorities, the main causes have not been eliminated (and are unlikely to be eliminated). Therefore, one cannot be sure that new collisions will be excluded in the future.

In addition, the continuous purges of the generals and officer corps for political reasons, which have been going on in Turkey for several years (let me remind you that before July 15 there was the famous Ergenekon case) inevitably destabilize the Armed Forces and undermine the professionalism and continuity of the personnel command staff. This may negatively affect the combat readiness of the armed forces and the competence of the command.

How does Türkiye see its place in NATO and the country's future in the Alliance? Is there a discussion among the military on this issue, what positions are presented?

This is a very interesting and complex topic. On the one hand, previously the Turkish military elite, which considered itself a stronghold of Kemalist traditions and a generally secular republican system, clearly advocated orientation toward the United States and NATO, viewing this as a logical continuation of domestic pro-Western policy and as part of a course toward modernization. Officers and generals (“Atlantists”) configured in this way constituted the majority of the military leadership.

Along with this, among the generals and senior officers there were representatives of other ideological trends, among which Turkish observers distinguish “traditionalists” (people inclined to religious and conservative views and taking the position of traditional pre-Kemalist “Ottomanism”), “nationalists” or “populists” (adhering to far-right nationalist and pan-Turkist views and appealing to the original early Kemalism) and “internationalists” or “Eurasianists” (adhering to modern, even partly leftist views, but opposing a unilateral orientation towards the USA and NATO and wanting a multi-vector policy, a “shift to the East /Asia” in a broad sense, etc.)

In 2010-2014, as a result of the Ergenekon and similar cases, a large number of officers belonging to the “populists” and “internationalists” were forced to resign from the Turkish army. We can talk about the purge of the conventionally left (according to political views) wing in the Armed Forces that took place during this period. This purge was the reason for the ideological slide of the Turkish military towards right-wing ideas - primarily “Atlanticism”, but also religious conservatism. According to Turkish observers, it was precisely this process that members of the notorious Gulen organization tried to ride and lead, who took an active part in the coup attempt on July 15, 2016.

During the purges that followed the failure of the putsch, the main blow fell, on the contrary, on officers who supported “Atlanticism” and “traditionalists.” As a result, “populist nationalists” and “Eurasian internationalists” have now gained a foothold in the Turkish Armed Forces again. This, along with the obvious sympathy of the NATO leadership and the leading Western countries of the bloc for the “Atlantic” wing of the Turkish officers (which actively participated in the conspiracy), led to a sharp increase in skepticism towards NATO in the Turkish military-political leadership. Public opinion after July 15 also takes an unfavorable position towards NATO.

Nevertheless, one should not overestimate the importance of these factors, much less expect Turkey to break with NATO. Participation in the Alliance as a whole is very beneficial for Turkey, as a relatively underdeveloped country. It gives the Turks access to modern Western military training, advanced command and control procedures, technology, new military equipment, and multiple forms of interaction and assistance. The Turkish military and political elite understands this. In turn, the geostrategic importance of Turkey for the United States and NATO, especially in the context of the conflicts in Syria and Iraq, makes it possible for Ankara to actively set conditions and put forward conditions for its assistance to the West. Therefore, Turkey will apparently increase the price of its participation in NATO for the United States and other Alliance partners.

How can you assess the dynamics and priorities for the development of Turkey's own defense industry? What methods are used, are there traces of a well-thought-out strategy?

Over the past 25 years, the Turkish defense industry has made significant development leaps. Turkey has not only become capable of producing many modern types of weapons and equipment (mainly so far under foreign licenses), but has also implemented or begun to implement a number of ambitious promising military-industrial programs (Altay tank, TF-X fighter - also so far with foreign assistance ), and also entered the circle of active arms exporters.

This is a well-thought-out and fairly consistently implemented state strategy, based on formulated long-term plans. The basis for the development of the Turkish defense industry is the active attraction of foreign experience and assistance. This is primarily the creation, with government support, of joint ventures with foreign companies for the licensed production of foreign equipment with a significant level of localization and subsequent modernization, or the acquisition of foreign licenses with the development of the full production cycle at home.

When implementing ambitious, forward-looking national programs for creating weapons systems, a foreign partner is selected to participate in the development and transfer of technology and experience. Thus, the Altay tank was created with the participation of, and the ongoing creation of the promising Turkish light fighter TF-X is supported by partnership agreements with BAE Systems and Saab AB. At the same time, in long-term plans, a large place is given to localization and “import substitution” of products and systems in the process of mass production.

Another direction is to encourage Turkish defense enterprises to participate in international military-industrial cooperation and foreign production programs. As a result, for example, companies from such a not very highly developed country as Turkey managed to obtain a very significant place as subcontractors in the production program of the American fifth-generation fighter F-35. Suffice it to point out that in 2016 alone, the volume of new contracts concluded by the Turkish defense and aviation industry for supplies to the United States alone amounted to an impressive $587 million.

The private sector plays a large role in the development of the military-industrial complex in Turkey. Private companies are encouraged in every possible way to participate in military production, and in some cases procurement tenders are specifically held only among private owners, without the admission of state-owned manufacturers. This was the case, for example, with the program to build a universal landing ship. As a result, many Turkish private defense firms have achieved major successes, becoming prominent players not only in the Turkish but also in the international market. Thus, the Otokar company (part of the private Koç holding) became not only the largest Turkish manufacturer of armored vehicles, but also the main contractor in the creation of the Turkish national Altay tank, investing about a billion dollars of its own funds in this program. Or you can recall the Turkish private shipyard Yonca-Onuk, which in a relatively short time has become one of the world's leading suppliers of high-speed military boats.

What successful or, conversely, unsuccessful examples can you give of your own and joint programs designed to develop national defense production and development?

Until now, only a relatively small number of directly national weapons programs have been implemented in Turkey. Until recently, the emphasis was on licensed or joint production (F-16C/D fighters, CN-235 light military transport aircraft, AIFV infantry fighting vehicles, Panter and Firtina howitzers, warships and submarines of German projects).

Independent creation programs have only begun to be implemented in the last decade, and they face significant difficulties and delays, understandable given disabilities Turkish developers and manufacturers. Significant problems are created by the inability to receive planned foreign assistance. Thus, the project of the Turkish long-range drone Anka was seriously slowed down after Israeli companies refused to participate in it due to Erdogan’s quarrel with Israel. Or, for example, due to the refusal of the Austrian government for political reasons after the events of July 15, 2016 to issue a license to the Austrian company AVL List for technology transfer, the Turkish company Tümosan was unable to create, together with the Austrians, a diesel engine for the Altay tank, which will eventually be equipped with imported German diesel engines MTU engines.

Like any under-industrialized country, Turkey faces serious problems and delays in the transition from the creation of one-piece prototypes to their mass production. This can be seen in the example of the T129 ATAK helicopter or the same Altay tank.

The feasibility of a number of the most ambitious Turkish defense programs of recent times, such as the creation of its own promising fighter TF-X, raises doubts. At the same time, readiness is already being declared for the independent creation of a wide range of various complexes (anti-aircraft missile systems, cruise and ballistic missiles, satellites, passenger aircraft). In a number of cases, Turkish defense workers (and, to a greater extent, the political leadership) experience “dizziness with success.” Moreover, as was said, so far Turkey’s achievements in creating and bringing to serial deliveries of its own complex systems the weapons look quite pale. Therefore, the coming years will show how justified Turkish ambitions in this area look.

Status and key areas of construction Turkish Armed Forces at the present stage are determined by the complexity of the military-political situation in the Middle East and the presence of serious challenges and security threats to the state. These include, in particular: the large-scale civil war in Syria; the possibility of creating a Kurdish state in Northern Iraq and Syria; terrorist activities of the Kurdistan Workers' Party; the unresolved Cyprus problem and disputes with Greece over control of the islands in the Aegean Sea.

In the current situation, the republic is implementing a complex of military-industrial programs and measures for the construction and development of the armed forces, aimed at neutralizing threats to external security to the state.

The main provisions of the regulatory framework for the construction and use of the Turkish Armed Forces are set out in the constitution of the state, adopted in 1982, as amended in 2013, as well as in the National Security Concept, which came into force in March 2006. They define the key tasks of the Armed Forces: protecting the country from external threats and realizing national interests in the region.

Based on this, a Long-term development plan for the Turkish Armed Forces for the period until 2016 has been developed and is being implemented, specifying their construction programs. The document is aimed at improving the national military-industrial complex so that it is able to compete with global exporters of military products, increasing the operational and combat capabilities of the armed forces, as well as the level of technical compatibility of the national armed forces with the NATO Allied Forces.

The Turkish military-industrial complex is being improved through the implementation of programs to create new types of weapons and military equipment, as well as to modernize the equipment in service. The main ways to increase the combat capabilities of armed forces formations at present are to equip troops with new weapons and their modernization, change the organizational structure of units and increase their mobility.

According to preliminary estimates, about $60 billion will be required to carry out these activities. Until 2017, up to $10 billion is expected to be spent on improving the Turkish Armed Forces. The main work is planned to be carried out at enterprises of the country's military-industrial complex. Sources of financing are the military budget, national and international funds, as well as funds received from citizens in the form of compensation for exemption from military service.

The expenditure side of the budget for 2013 amounted to 24.64 billion dollars. Appropriations allocated to security ministries and departments are distributed as follows: Ministry of National Defense (MHO) - $11.3 billion; Ministry of Internal Affairs - 1.6 billion; Main Security Directorate - 8.2 billion; command of the gendarmerie troops - 3.3 billion; Coast Guard Command (CG) - $240 million. The share of funds allocated by MHO in relation to the total expenditure amount of the state budget bill for 2013 was 10.9%, which is 0.2% lower compared to 2012 - 11.1%

STRUCTURE AND SIZE OF THE TURKISH ARMED FORCES

The Turkish armed forces include ground forces, air force and navy. In wartime, in accordance with the country's constitution, it is envisaged to include units and subunits of the gendarmerie troops into the ground forces (in peacetime, subordinate to the Minister of Internal Affairs), and in the Navy - units of the command of the Defense and Defense Forces.

According to Western military experts, at the beginning of 2013, the total number of armed forces personnel in peacetime reached about 480 thousand people (ground forces - 370 thousand, air force - 60 thousand and navy - 50 thousand), and gendarmerie troops - 150 thousand .

According to the country's legislation, the supreme commander of the armed forces is the president. In peacetime, issues of military policy and defense of the TR, the use of the armed forces and general mobilization are decided by the National Security Council, headed by the head of the Republic of Turkey, and issues of appointment of senior management and command personnel are decided by the Supreme Military Council, headed by the chairman - the Prime Minister of the country. The leadership of the development of the armed forces is carried out by the Minister of National Defense (civilian) through the MHO.

The highest body of operational control of the Turkish armed forces is the General Staff, which is headed by the Chief of the General Staff, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. He is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Supreme Military Council. The commanders of the armed forces and gendarmerie troops are subordinate to him. According to the Turkish table of ranks, the chief of the General Staff ranks fourth among the highest officials of the state after the president, chairman of parliament and prime minister of the country.

PROCEDURE FOR RELEVANCE AND SERVICE

The procedure for serving in the Turkish Armed Forces and the system of their recruitment are determined by the law on universal conscription. Service in the country's armed forces is mandatory for all male citizens aged 20 to 41 who do not have medical contraindications. Its period in all types of aircraft is 12 months. A Turkish citizen can be released from service after paying a sum of money in the amount of 16-17 thousand Turkish liras (8-8.5 thousand dollars) to the state budget. Registration and conscription of those liable for military service, as well as carrying out mobilization activities, are the functions of military mobilization departments. Every year the number of conscripts is about 300 thousand people.

Privates and sergeants of conscript service after being transferred to the reserve for a year are in the reserve of the 1st stage, which is called “special conscription”, then they are transferred to the reserve of the 2nd (up to 41 years old) and 3rd (up to 60 years old) stages. When mobilization is announced, the “special conscription” contingent and reservists of subsequent stages are sent to complete existing ones, as well as to form new formations and units.

TURKISH GROUND FORCES

Ground forces are the main type of armed forces (about 80% of the total number of all armed forces). They are directly supervised by the commander of the ground forces through his headquarters. Subordinate to the Army Command are: headquarters, four field armies (FA), nine army corps (including seven within the PA), as well as three commands (training and doctrine, army aviation and logistics).

The Turkish ground forces have three mechanized (one allocated to the NATO Allied Forces) and two infantry (as part of the Turkish peacekeeping forces on the island of Cyprus) divisions, 39 separate brigades (including eight armored, 14 mechanized, 10 motorized infantry, two artillery and five commandos), two commando regiments and five border regiments, an armored training division, four infantry training and two artillery training brigades, training centers, special forces, educational institutions and logistics units. The Turkish ground forces currently have three helicopter regiments, one attack helicopter battalion and one transport helicopter group. In one flight, helicopter units are capable of airlifting up to one regiment of personnel with light weapons.

As a result of the modernization carried out, these formations and units are now armed with: about 30 launchers of operational-tactical missiles; more than 3,500 battle tanks, including: “Leopard-1” - 400 units, “Leopard-2” - 300, M60 - 1000, M47 and M48 - 1800 units; field artillery guns, mortars and MLRS - about 6000; anti-tank weapons - more than 3800 (ATGM - over 1400, anti-tank guns - more than 2400); MANPADS - over 1450; armored combat vehicles - more than 5000; Army aviation aircraft and helicopters - about 400 units.

The main task of the ground forces is to conduct fighting on several directions; carry out operations and provide public order and the security of the country in the event of local conflicts; take part in NATO Allied Forces operations; carry out peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the UN, as well as combat arms and drug smuggling. In the event of open aggression, the Army is obliged to defend the territorial integrity of Turkey.

Stockpiles of weapons, military equipment, equipment and logistics equipment are created to conduct operations in several directions and for periods stipulated by NATO standards.

Taking into account the experience gained as part of ISAF in Afghanistan, as well as during NATO exercises, Turkey can contribute a significant contingent of troops to participate in multinational joint operations of the alliance. Thus, the Turkish contingent that is part of ISAF in Afghanistan numbers about 2 thousand military personnel.

Further improvement of the SV includes:

• increasing the firepower, maneuverability and survivability of formations and units;
• creating opportunities for organizing and conducting reconnaissance of the enemy to great depths;
• ensuring the conduct of defensive and offensive operations at any time of the day and in any weather conditions;
• the formation of airmobile (helicopter) units and units that ensure the rapid transfer of troops to another area and effective application them in battle.

The optimization of the organizational structure of the troops will continue in order to increase their mobility, the strike and fire power of formations and units, and strengthen military air defense while gradually reducing the number of personnel.

To solve these problems, it is planned to carry out large-scale rearmament of ground formations, primarily through the supply to the troops of weapons and military equipment that have undergone deep modernization, including those in service with various types of armored vehicles, field artillery and mortars, military air defense systems, as well as equipment and automated systems control of troops and weapons.

After the planned transformations in the ground forces, in peacetime states there will be: four army and seven corps commands, as well as about 40 separate brigades; the number of ground forces personnel will exceed 300 thousand people; More than 4,000 main battle tanks, about 6,000 infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers, up to 100 attack helicopters, and over 6,300 field artillery pieces and mortars will be in service. It is also envisaged: to adopt multiple launch rocket systems of various calibers; replace outdated tanks more modern type"Leopard-2"; develop and commission the Altai battle tank; equip all infantry units with modern armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles and self-propelled mortars; re-equip the anti-tank companies of the brigades with Tou-2 anti-tank missile systems based on armored personnel carriers; adopt self-propelled artillery systems of 155, 175 and 203.2 mm calibers and 120 mm mortars; equip army aviation units with modern reconnaissance and attack helicopters T-129 ATAK (developed on the basis of the Italian A.129 “Mongoose”); to establish the production of self-propelled ferry-bridge vehicles.

Increasing the combat proficiency of ground forces personnel is facilitated by full operational and combat training, in particular military exercises of formations, subunits and units at all levels. Formations and units stationed in the eastern part of Turkey (2 and 3 PA, 4 AK) take part in combat operations against the armed formations of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in the south-eastern provinces of the country and the northern regions of Iraq. In recent years, there has been a shift in emphasis in training personnel for joint operations of the armed forces to protect national territory, as well as in practicing actions as part of multinational forces in peacekeeping operations. According to Western military experts, the modern Turkish army is capable of conducting an army-level defensive operation in the event of an external attack while simultaneously conducting anti-terrorism activities against the PKK armed forces.

TURKISH AIR FORCE

The Turkish Air Force, created in 1911, is an independent branch of the national armed forces. Since 1951, after Turkey joined NATO, US-made jet aircraft began to enter their arsenal, and personnel were trained in military institutions or under the guidance of teachers and instructors from this country. Turkish Air Force constantly improved and equipped in accordance with modern requirements, as a result of which they are currently quite well prepared for military operations and are an important part of the bloc’s air group in the South European theater of operations.

The Air Force is designed to gain and maintain air superiority, isolate the combat area and battlefield, provide direct air support to ground forces and naval formations at sea, conduct aerial reconnaissance in the interests of all branches of the armed forces, and carry out air transport of troops and military cargo.

In peacetime, the main tasks of the Turkish Air Force are to carry out combat duty in the joint NATO air defense system in Europe, carry out military transport airlifts and conduct aerial reconnaissance (including for the purpose of monitoring the implementation of international agreements). In addition, units and units of the Turkish Air Force, together with the Navy, control the Black Sea Strait zone and sea communications in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. They also provide disaster relief and participate in rescue and evacuation operations in various regions of the world.

The basis of the Air Force is combat aviation, which, in interaction with other types of armed forces, can play a decisive role in the defeat of the opposing side. They also include air defense forces and means, including fighter aircraft, anti-aircraft missile systems, anti-aircraft artillery and radio equipment. To support combat operations of all types of armed forces, the Air Force has auxiliary aviation.

The leadership of the Turkish Air Force is exercised by the commander through his headquarters. Organizationally, this type of armed forces includes: two tactical air commands (TAC), two separate transport air bases, a training command and a logistics command.

In service with the Air Force There are 21 aviation squadrons (ae):

• eight fighter-bombers,
• seven fighter air defenses,
• two reconnaissance
• four combat training.

Auxiliary aviation includes 11 aircraft (five transport, five training and one transport and refueling aircraft).

The most powerful air group of the Turkish Air Force - TAK in Western Anatolia - unites five aviation and one anti-aircraft missile base. The five airfields of this command are home to four fighter-bomber aircraft (54 F-16C/D and 26 F-4E are in service), four fighter aircraft (60 F-16C and 22 F-4E), one reconnaissance aircraft (20 RF-4E) and three combat training (77 combat training aircraft, UBC) aviation squadrons, as well as 90 reserve aircraft of various types.

The two missile defense divisions of the anti-aircraft missile base include 30 Nike-Hercules missile launchers and 20 Advanced Hawk launchers. The divisions' task is to provide cover for the Black Sea Strait Zone, as well as the important administrative and political center of the country and the Istanbul naval base.

There are 34 airfields in the country with an artificial runway (runway), including one with a runway longer than 3000 m, one with a runway longer than 2500 m, eight with a runway longer than 900 to 1500 m, and one with a runway longer than 900 m.

Currently, the Air Force's fighter-bomber and fighter aircraft operate more than 200 F-16C and D aircraft, as well as approximately 200 American-made F-4E, F-4F and F-5 aircraft, which have a service life of more than 20 years. In accordance with the long-term plan for the strategic development of the Air Force for the period until 2015, the Turkish command will focus on modernizing the aircraft fleet, developing air defense systems, increasing the combat skills of pilots and technical staff, improving the airfield network, as well as control and communication systems.

Over time, the Air Force command plans to replace the outdated F-4E with the US-made F-35 Lightning-2 tactical fighters (JSF project). The contract for participation in the design and partial production of the new aircraft at the enterprises of the Turkish Aerospace Industries Corporation (TAI), as well as the companies Aselsan, Roketsan and Havelsan, was signed by the Turkish side in January 2005. Deliveries of this vehicle to the Air Force are expected to begin no earlier than 2015. In addition, Ankara is considering the possibility of purchasing a European Typhoon fighter.

In accordance with the contract signed in 1998 with Israel, the modernization of 54 F-4E aircraft has already been completed at the plants of the Israel Aerospace Industries (TAI) consortium. The next batch of 48 units will go through a similar stage at the enterprises of the national military-industrial complex. These works will extend the service life of these machines until 2020.

The modernization of 117 F-16C and D Block 30,40 and 50 aircraft will be carried out as part of the Peace Onyx III project. A contract worth $1.1 billion, signed with the American company Lockheed Martin, provides for the improvement of the main systems of this machine. In March 2009, a $1.8 billion contract was signed for the purchase of 30 new F-16 Block 50 tactical fighters, the final assembly of which will be carried out at the enterprises of the national company TAI.

In addition, a contract was signed with TAI Corporation for the modernization of C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, which provides for the installation of navigation equipment for flights in the European, Atlantic and American zones.

A prototype of the national UBS “Hyurkush” has been developed. Its official presentation took place in July 2013. In accordance with the plans of the TUSASH/TAI company, it is planned to launch the production of this aircraft in four modifications: for the civilian market, for training military pilots, as an attack aircraft and as a coast guard patrol aircraft.

In order to carry out work on the modernization of T-37C, T-38C and CF-260D training aircraft, intended for initial and basic flight training of cadets, a draft corresponding contract was approved at the enterprises of the Turkish military-industrial complex. At the same time, a request was made for a tender for the purchase of 55 training aircraft (36 in the basic configuration and 19 with various options), which should replace the T-37C and CF-260D. The terms of the future contract stipulate the mandatory participation of Turkish firms in the production of these aircraft. Participants in the upcoming tender may include Raytheon (USA), Embraer (Brazil), Korea Aircraft Industries (Republic of Korea) and Pilatus (Switzerland).

To further increase the combat capabilities of air defense in the near future, it is planned to carry out measures to reorganize and improve the command and control system. As part of the concept developed by the General Staff, it is proposed to include in the unified air defense system, along with the corresponding forces and means, at the first stage the air defense forces and means of the ground forces, and then the country's navy.

An early radar warning subsystem (the Peace Eagle project), which will be created on the basis of four AWACS aircraft and Boeing 737-700 aviation control (Awax), is being considered as one of the main components of Turkey’s promising integrated air defense system. According to a contract signed in 2002 with the American Boeing Corporation for a total amount of $1.55 billion, these machines were prepared and transferred to Turkey in mid-2010.

Currently, the process of installing special electronic equipment on them is being completed at the Turkish aircraft plant of the company TUSASH/TAI. Commissioning of AWACS and U aircraft is scheduled for the end of 2014. The following military-industrial firms and companies are participating in this project from the Turkish side: TAI (development of long-range detection radar for air and ground targets based on American technologies), Aselsan (satellite navigation and communication system based on American technologies), MIKES (on-board electronic equipment) and Havelsan. In addition, the project provides for the American side to train nine Turkish crews for these vehicles. After the contract is completed, it is planned to introduce all four aircraft into service with the Air Force, and in the future to purchase two more of the same type for the Navy.

The effectiveness of aerial reconnaissance is planned to be increased by modernizing the special equipment of reconnaissance aircraft and adopting new generation reconnaissance UAVs. In January of this year, the management of the TAI company announced the successful completion of a cycle of flight tests of two modifications of the medium-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle ANKA. By the end of the year, it is planned to put about ten of these UAVs into service with the Air Force.

According to Turkish military experts, the use of UAVs for aerial reconnaissance seems very promising, as this will free up some aircraft for other combat missions.

The command of the country's armed forces also pays serious attention to improving the air defense system of the troops, which is integral part joint air defense system and NATO, To ensure it high efficiency It is planned to equip air defense military units with new highly mobile fire weapons of national production.

In 2001, MHO signed an agreement with the Aselsan company totaling $256 million for the supply of military air defense systems to the Turkish Armed Forces - 70 Atylgan air defense systems and 78 Zypkyn combat vehicles (of which 11 for the Air Force), which began to arrive in troops since 2004. This made it possible to significantly increase the capabilities for air defense of objects, such as areas where military units are deployed, air force bases, dams, industrial enterprises, as well as the Black Sea Straits zones.

Great importance is attached to operational and combat training (OCT) of formations, units and subunits of the Air Force at all levels. Long-term plans provide for the preparation of command and control bodies of the air force to conduct combat operations both independently and as part of the NATO Allied Forces. The main forms of operational support for headquarters and aviation units remain command and staff exercises and training, flight-tactical and special exercises, inspection checks and competition exercises.

The Turkish Air Force command pays great attention to maintaining the high combat readiness of the air defense system. During the annual Maviok and Sarp exercises, the level of readiness of air force and air defense units is tested to repel possible air strikes of a potential enemy from the western, southern or eastern direction.

IN Lately Considerable attention began to be paid to the training of personnel of aviation search and rescue service units. The training of the Turkish Air Force is comprehensive and of sufficient intensity, which ensures the maintenance of a high level of training for aviation personnel, as well as anti-aircraft missile and radio technical units and subunits.

TURKISH NAVY

The naval forces organizationally include four commands - the navy, the Northern and Southern Naval Zones (VMZ) and the training one. This branch of the Armed Forces is headed by a commander (army admiral), who reports directly to the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. The Commander of the Navy is operatively subordinate to the command of the Defense and Defense Forces, which in peacetime is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The commander exercises leadership of the naval forces through the headquarters located in Ankara.

The country's navy is designed to perform the following main tasks:

• conducting combat operations in a naval theater of operations with the aim of destroying groups of enemy surface ships and submarines at sea and at bases (location points), as well as disrupting its sea communications;
• ensuring the safety of maritime transport carried out in national interests;
• providing assistance to ground forces in conducting operations in coastal areas; conducting amphibious landing operations and participating in repelling enemy landings;
• ensuring the safety and security of sea ports;
• participation in operations to counter terrorism, illegal trafficking in weapons, drugs and contraband goods, as well as the fight against poaching and illegal migration;
• participation in operations of NATO, the UN and other international organizations.

In peacetime, the naval command is entrusted with the tasks of organizing operational and combat training of naval units and units. With the transition to wartime, it carries out mobilization and operational deployment in accordance with the developing situation, relocates naval personnel to the appropriate area and carries out combat missions by order of the General Staff.

The Navy has over 85 warships (including 14 submarines, eight guided missile frigates, six corvettes, 19 mine-sweeping ships and 29 landing ships), more than 60 combat boats, about 110 auxiliary vessels, six basic patrol aircraft ( UUV) and 21 helicopters.

The core of the Turkish fleet consists mainly of ships of foreign projects. The submarines are represented by Project 209, several modifications of German design. American frigates of the Knox and O.X. types. Perry" were transferred to Turkey under the military assistance program.

The Navy is based on an extensive network of naval bases and bases in the Black Sea (Eregli, Bartin, Samsun, Trabzon), the Strait Zone (Golcuk, Istanbul, Erdek, Canakkale), the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas (Izmir, Aksaz-Kara Agac, Foca, Antalya, Iskenderun).

The basis of the Navy is the command of the naval forces (headquarters in Aksaz-Karaagach), which includes four flotillas - combat, submarines, missile boats, a mine, as well as a division of auxiliary ships, groups of reconnaissance ships, a naval aviation air base and a shipbuilding plant.

Battle Flotilla designed primarily to combat submarines, surface ships, enemy amphibious assault forces and laying active minefields in naval base areas, on fairways and likely routes of enemy convoys. It includes five frigate divisions (21 ships).

On submarine flotilla (Golcuk) is assigned the following tasks:

• destruction of enemy amphibious forces as they leave their bases and while crossing by sea;
• disruption of sea communications and laying minefields at exits from bases and likely routes for enemy landing ships;
• ensuring the actions of reconnaissance and sabotage groups of combat underwater saboteurs.

Organizationally, it consists of three submarine divisions (14 units) and a group of torpedo catchers (two ships).

Missile Boat Flotilla (Golcuk) designed to combat enemy surface ships and landing forces on the near approaches to landing-accessible sections of the Turkish coast, as well as to lay active minefields at the entrances to naval bases. The flotilla includes three divisions of missile boats (12 units).

Mine flotilla (Erdek) in wartime it comes under the command of the Northern VSW. Its main tasks are laying minefields and sweeping mines in the areas of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits and the Sea of ​​Marmara. The flotilla includes two divisions of minesweepers (30 units).

Auxiliary Vessel Division (Golcuk) designed for comprehensive supply of warships located in the roadstead and at forward bases. It includes more than 70 vessels of various types.

Naval Aviation Base (Topel) It is armed with base patrol aircraft and anti-submarine helicopters, which are designed to combat submarines, destroy light surface targets, conduct reconnaissance of ship groups, formations of landing ships and enemy convoys, as well as for laying active minefields and supporting the actions of groups of combat submariners - saboteurs. The air base includes the 301st Base Patrol Aviation Squadron (13 CN-235MP, of which seven are training) and the 351st Anti-Submarine Helicopter Squadron (nine AB-212/ASW, seven S-70B Sea Hawks, five combat support helicopters AB-212/EW).

Command Northern VSW (Istanbul) solves the problems of providing basing, combat training and organizing combat duty for naval formations with a zone of responsibility in the Marmara and Black Seas. It consists of five commands: the Bosphorus region (Istanbul), the Dardanelles region (Canakkale), the Black Sea region (Eregli), underwater and rescue operations (Beykoz), as well as underwater sabotage forces and assets (Beykoz).

Command Southern VSW (Izmir) in peacetime is intended to provide basing, combat training and carrying out combat duty of naval formations in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.

Organizationally, it includes the command of the Aegean Sea region (Izmir) and the command of the Mediterranean Sea region (Mersin).

Command of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (Ankara) has 91 patrol boats (PBO) of various classes, three CN-235 aircraft equipped with equipment for maritime reconnaissance, as well as eight AB-412ER transport helicopters. The command of the Civil Defense Forces in peacetime is part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and is resubordinated to the commander of the Navy in a crisis situation.

Marines Turkish Navy designed to participate in independent landing operations to seize and hold beachheads on the shore, as well as in combat operations in coastal areas together with ground forces units with the support of air and naval forces. In total, the Navy includes one brigade and six battalions with a total number of 6.6 thousand military personnel, armed with M-48 tanks, M113 armored personnel carriers, mortars and small arms.

Coastal artillery and naval missile forces represented by nine divisions and a separate battery of coastal artillery, seven anti-aircraft artillery battalions, three batteries of Penguin anti-ship complexes (two in Çanakkale and one in Foch and one - "Harpoon" (Kecilik). The number of personnel of these units is 6,300 people.

The program for the development and modernization of the Navy, designed until 2017, provides for the implementation of the following activities:

• implementation of the MILGEM project, within the framework of which it is planned to build six diesel-electric submarines of the U-214 type;
• completion of the program for the construction of 16 anti-submarine anti-submarine ships of the Tuzla type;
• construction of two tank landing ships of the LST (Landing Ship Tank) project and the purchase of helicopters for military personnel units.

In addition, it is planned to modernize surface ships, submarines and boats for various purposes, as well as increase the fleet of maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft.

Fulfillment of the plan will allow the Navy to have 165 warships and boats (submarines - 14, frigates - 16, corvettes - 14, minesweepers - 23, landing ships - 38, missile boats - 27, patrol boats - 33), 16 UUV aircraft and 38 helicopters. To solve these problems, the potential capabilities of Turkish shipbuilding plants should be used to the maximum using licenses or based on their own developments. At the same time serious financial difficulties may complicate the implementation of such a large-scale program to update and strengthen the Turkish Navy.

CONCLUSION

In general, the Turkish armed forces have a high level of combat effectiveness, significant numbers, a professional officer corps and satisfactory technical equipment. They are capable of solving the problems of providing defense against a large-scale external attack and at the same time conducting a local anti-terrorist operation within the country, as well as participating in coalition operations involving all types of armed forces. The implementation of national and international defense programs for the modernization and production of weapons and military equipment should significantly increase the striking power of the Turkish armed forces to a level that ensures the fulfillment of coalition obligations and the solution of security problems in the context of existing and future challenges and threats to the state.

(Material prepared for the portal “Modern Army” © http://www.site based on the article by O. Tkachenko, V. Cherkov, “ZVO”. When copying an article, please do not forget to put a link to the source page of the “Modern Army” portal).

In the 21st century, a large number of modern states strive for peaceful coexistence with other countries. In other words, people are tired of wars. This trend began to gain momentum after World War II. This conflict made it clear that the next large-scale clash could endanger not only the foundations of the world, but also the existence of humanity as a whole. Therefore, today many armies are used exclusively for organizing internal protection from any external aggressors. Nevertheless, local conflicts still arise in certain parts of the planet. There is no escape from this negative factor. To prevent a full-scale war, some states invest a lot of money in the defense of their country. It helps to create Newest technologies, which can be used in the army field of activity. It is worth noting that the Turkish Armed Forces are one of the most developed and effective today. They have a rather interesting history, which determines many traditions of formation that exist in its activities to this day. At the same time, the Turkish army is well equipped and also divided into component structures that help it effectively implement all its main tasks.

History of the Turkish Armed Forces - early period

The Turkish army dates back to the 14th century AD. It should be noted that this period belonged to the Ottoman Empire. The state received its name after the first ruler, Osman I, who conquered several small countries, which necessitated the creation of a monarchical (imperial) form of government. By this time, the Turkish army already had several separate formations, which were used quite effectively in the implementation of combat missions. What did the Armed Forces of the Ottoman Empire have in their composition?

1. Seratkula's army is an auxiliary force. As a rule, it was created by provincial rulers to protect their possessions. It consisted of infantry and cavalry.
2. The professional state army was the army of the capicula. The formation included many units. The main ones were infantry, artillery, navy and cavalry. Funding for the capicula army came from the state treasury.
3. The auxiliary forces of the Ottoman army were the Toprakli army, as well as detachments of fighters recruited from the provinces subject to tribute.

The influence of European culture marked the beginning of many changes in the army. Already in the 19th century, the formations were completely reorganized. This process was carried out using European military experts. The vizier became the head of the army. At the same time, the Janissary corps were liquidated. The basis of the Ottoman Empire in that period was regular cavalry, infantry and artillery. At the same time, there were irregular troops, which were actually a reserve.

Late period of development of the Ottoman army

By the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, Turkey was at the peak of its development both militarily and economically. Airplanes, as well as universal firearms, began to be used in army activities. As for the fleet, the Turkish army, as a rule, ordered ships from Europe. But due to the difficult political situation within the state in the 20th century, the armed forces of the Ottoman Empire cease to exist, because the state of the same name disappears. Instead, the Turkish Republic appears, which exists to this day.

Turkish Armed Forces: modernity

In the 21st century, the armed forces are a combination of various branches of the state's troops. They are intended to protect the country from external aggression and preserve its territorial integrity. The Turkish Armed Forces are commanded through the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Defense. It should be noted that ground forces are of great importance, as will be discussed below. They are the second most powerful in the NATO bloc. As for internal coordination of activities, it is implemented through the General Staff. The Commander-in-Chief of the Turkish Army is also the head of the represented body. The General Staff, in turn, is subordinate to the commanders of the relevant branches of the military.

Number of Turkish army

In terms of numbers, the formation presented in the article is one of the largest in the world. The Turkish army has 410 thousand personnel. This figure includes career military personnel belonging to all branches of the military without exception. In addition, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Turkey include about 185 thousand reservists. Thus, in the event of a full-scale war, the state can assemble a sufficiently strong combat machine that will perfectly cope with the tasks assigned to it.

Formation structure

The strength of the Turkish army depends on many factors, one of which is the structure. This feature affects the effectiveness and operational use of the Turkish Armed Forces in the event of an unforeseen attack or other negative aspects. It should be noted that the army is organized in a classical way, that is, according to a model generally accepted in the world. The structure includes the following types of troops:

• land;
• naval;
• air.

As we know, this type of armed forces can be seen in almost all modern states. After all, this kind of system allows the army to be used as efficiently as possible both in combat conditions and in peacetime.

What are the Turkish ground forces?

The Turkish army, the comparison of which with other armed forces and analysis of combat capability are carried out quite often today, is famous for its ground forces. This is not surprising, because this branch of the military has a long and interesting history, which was already mentioned earlier in the article. It should be noted that this structural element of the Armed Forces is a formation that consists mostly of infantry, as well as mechanized units. Today, the strength of the Turkish army, namely the ground forces, is about 391 thousand personnel. The formation is used to defeat enemy forces on land. In addition, some special units of the ground forces carry out reconnaissance and sabotage activities behind enemy lines. It should be noted that relative ethnic homogeneity affects the power wielded by the Turkish army. Kurds serving in the national forces, given the difficult situation in which they find themselves, do not experience any harassment.

Composition of ground forces

It should be noted that Turkey's ground forces, in turn, are divided into smaller groups. It follows that we can talk about the structure of the ground forces of the country's Armed Forces. Today this element includes the following divisions:

• infantry;
• artillery;
• special forces, or "commandos".

Tank units are also of great importance. Indeed, the Turkish Armed Forces have a large number of similar military vehicles.

Armament of ground forces

It should be noted that the armament of the Turkish army is at a fairly high level compared to other countries in Europe and the Middle East. As mentioned earlier, the ground forces are equipped with a large number of tanks. As a rule, these are “Leopards” made by a German manufacturer or American ones. Turkey also has about 4,625 thousand infantry fighting vehicles in service. The number of artillery guns is 6110 thousand units. If we talk about the personal safety of soldiers, it is ensured by fairly high-quality and practical weapons. As a rule, fighters use NK MP5 submachine guns, SVD, T-12 sniper rifles, Browning heavy machine guns, etc.

Turkish Navy

Like other elements of the Armed Forces, the Navy is a fairly significant part, which is assigned extremely specific functions. First of all, it should be noted that at today's stage of development, the Turkish Republic needs naval forces more than ever before. Firstly, the state has access to the seas, which allows for large-scale international trade. Secondly, the geopolitical situation in the world today is extremely unstable. Therefore, naval forces are the first stronghold on the path of certain ill-wishers. It should be noted that the Turkish fleet was formed back in 1525. In those days, the Ottoman naval forces were truly an invincible unit in water combat. With the help of the fleet, the empire captured and kept the territories it needed in fear for centuries.

As for modern times, today the fleet has not lost its power. On the contrary, naval forces are developing quite dynamically. The Turkish Navy includes:

• the fleet itself;
• Marines;
• naval aviation;
• special units used in special cases.

Armament of naval forces

Of course, the main strike force of Turkey's naval forces is the fleet. You can’t go anywhere without it these days. Therefore, when considering weapons, it is necessary to start from such an important systemic part of the Navy as the fleet. It, in turn, is represented by a large number of different frigates and corvettes, which have greater maneuverability and efficiency. The naval aviation of the republic is also quite interesting. It includes equipment of both Turkish and foreign production.

Air Force

As for Turkey, they are one of the youngest units, given the glorious history of other military formations that are part of the armed forces. They were created in 1911 and were actively used in the First World War. During the war, the Turkish army, as we know, was defeated along with other countries of the Triple Alliance. For this and some other reasons, aviation ceases to exist. Its activities were resumed only in 1920. Today, about 60 thousand personnel serve in the Turkish Air Force. In addition, there are 34 active military airfields on the territory of the state. The activities of the Turkish Air Force include the following main functions:

• protection of the country's airspace;
• defeat of enemy manpower and equipment on the ground;
• defeat of enemy air forces.

Air Force equipment

It consists of many aircraft that allow you to perform your tasks as efficiently as possible. Thus, today in service there are a large number of transport and combat aircraft, helicopters, as well as air defense systems. Moreover, fighters, as a rule, are multi-role. Air defense is represented by medium and short-range equipment. The Turkish Air Force also has a large number of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Turkish army versus Russian: comparison

Comparisons between the Armed Forces of Turkey and Russia have been increasingly made lately. To figure out which army is stronger, you need to look, first of all, at the defense budget and the number of military personnel. For example, Russia spends 84 billion dollars on its troops, while in the Republic of Turkey this figure is only 22.4 billion. As for the number of personnel, we can count on 700 thousand people in war conditions. In Turkey, the number of military personnel is only 500 thousand people. Of course, there are other factors on the basis of which the combat effectiveness of the armies of these two countries can be assessed. Thus, who is in a more advantageous situation if the Turkish army stands against the Russian one? A comparison based on dry statistics shows that the Russian Federation has a more powerful formation than the Republic of Turkey.

Conclusion

So, the author tried to explain what the Turkish army is. It should be noted that the combat power of this formation is quite strong, as in other modern states. Let's hope that we will never have to experience the activities of the Turkish army.

The Turkish Armed Forces number 510,700 people (of which approximately 148,700 are civilian employees). For mobilization in wartime, a military-trained reserve of up to 900,000 people can be used, including 380,000 first-line reserves.

The Turkish army is recruited by conscription, the conscription age is 20 years, the period of compulsory military service is 15 months. Upon discharge from the army, a citizen is considered liable for military service and is in the reserve until the age of 45. In wartime, in accordance with the law, men aged 16 to 60 years and women from 20 to 46 years old who are able to wear can be drafted into the army.

The highest body of operational management of the armed forces is the General Staff, headed by the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. He is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers. Subordinate to him are the commanders-in-chief of the armed forces: ground forces (ground forces), air forces (air forces), naval forces (navy), gendarmerie (numbering up to 150 thousand people) and coast guard. According to the Turkish table of ranks, the Chief of the General Staff ranks fourth after the President, Chairman of Parliament and Prime Minister.

STRUCTURE

The Ground Forces (Türk Kara Kuvvetleri) are subordinate to the Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces and number 391,000 people. Organizationally, most of the formations and units of the Army are consolidated into 5 operational formations: field armies and an operational group in the Turkish part of Cyprus.
* 1st Field Army, headquarters in Istanbul, grouping of troops near the borders with Greece and Bulgaria.
- 2nd AK (Galipoli): 4th, 18th mechanized brigade; 54th, 55th and 65th brigade.
- 3rd AK (Istanbul): 52nd brttd (1st, 2nd tank brigade; 66th mechanized brigade), operationally subordinate to the NATO command.
- 5th AK (Chorlu): 3rd, 95th Tank Brigade; 8th mechanized brigade
* 2nd Field Army, headquarters in Malata, grouping of troops near the borders with Syria, Iraq, Iran.
- 6th AK (Adana): 5th Tank Brigade, 39th Mechanized Brigade.
- 7th AK (Diyarbakir): 3rd infantry regiment (6th infantry brigade; 6th, 16th mechanized brigade); 23rd brigade; 70th mechanized brigade
- 8th AK (Elazig): 20th, 172nd brigade.
- regiment SN.
* 3rd Field Army, headquarters in Erzincan, grouping of troops near the borders of Armenia and Georgia.
- 9th AK (Erzurum): 4th Tank Brigade; 1st, 2nd, 9th, 12th, 14th, 25th mechanized brigade; 34th, 48th, 49th, 51st brigade.
- 4 AK (Ankara): 1st infantry brigade, 28th mechanized brigade; 58 arbr.
* Aegean (4th) field army, headquarters in Izmir, grouping of troops along the western coast of Turkey.
- 19th brigade; 11th mechanized brigade; 57th Arb.
- regiment SN.
* Cyprus Group of Forces (Girna).
- 28th, 39th MD; 14th Tank Brigade, SN group.

The operational subordination of the army commanders includes six separate artillery regiments and four army aviation regiments.
Directly subordinate to the Ground Command are two infantry regiments (23rd and 47th), special operations forces consisting of 5 commando brigades and separate army regiments of the SN (available in the 2nd and 4th field armies) through the special operations command. Four Army Aviation regiments report to him through the Army Aviation Command. Recently, a “humanitarian aid” brigade appeared under the direct subordination of the Army Commander-in-Chief.
The training of ground forces specialists takes place in training formations and training centers:
1st, 3rd, 5th and 15th Infantry Training Brigades;
59th Training Artillery Brigade (Erzincan);
Armored Forces Training Center (Etimesgut).

Persons called up for active service and intended to fill positions of junior commanders are sent to training units, formations and training centers for sergeants and non-commissioned officers. In the ground forces, such training is entrusted to the training command of the Aegean (4th) Field Army. Sergeants and non-commissioned officers are represented in two categories - conscript and long-term service. Non-commissioned officers are trained in special departments at military schools of the military branches for 2–3 years. These departments are staffed on a voluntary basis by conscript soldiers and sailors with secondary education, as well as graduates of preparatory non-commissioned officer schools, which accept persons aged 14–16 years who have completed primary school and have completed secondary education. The minimum service life of non-commissioned officers is 15 years.

The highest level of selection is provided for when recruiting officer personnel. This is achieved through the voluntary enrollment of young men in military schools and a set of tests of political reliability, which makes it possible to form an officer corps primarily from highly educated segments of the population. Officers are trained in military educational institutions, which include lyceums (military gymnasiums and pro-gymnasiums - an approximate analogue of the Russian Suvorov schools), higher schools of the armed forces, secondary schools of the military branches and military academies. Officers are also trained at military faculties of civilian higher educational institutions.

Secondary military educational institutions of the military branches and services (infantry, armored, missile, artillery, reconnaissance, foreign languages, technical, quartermaster, communications, commandos) train lower-level officers - commanders of platoons, groups, companies and batteries.

The main link in the training of army officers is the Kara Harp Okulu Higher School. In this military educational institution, future officers receive higher general and secondary military education. Duration of training – 4 years. After graduating from college, graduates are awarded the rank of “lieutenant”. Next, graduates, as a rule, are sent for one to two years to schools of the military branches and services.

Only officers who are graduates of military schools with the ranks of senior lieutenant - major and who have served in the military for at least three years are accepted into the Army Military Academy. Duration of training – 2 years.

Only graduates of academies of branches of the armed forces can become students of the Armed Forces Academy. They are trained to work in the apparatus of the Ministry of Defense, in the General Staff, in the joint NATO headquarters, in the headquarters of the division-army link. The duration of training is five months. Along with military schools, there is a network of courses for retraining officers in the branches of the military. Some officers undergo retraining abroad, mainly in the USA and Germany.

The main tactical unit in the Turkish Army is the brigade. In 2009, the Army included 9 tank, 16 mechanized and 11 infantry brigades. As a rule, brigades are directly subordinate to the army corps or are part of divisions.

A tank battalion consists of a control and headquarters (2 tanks), three tank companies, a control platoon, a support platoon, and a maintenance platoon. A tank company has 13 tanks (the company commander's tank, four platoons of three tanks each). There are 41 tanks in the battalion.

According to the “Armed Forces 2014” program adopted in 2007, by the end of 2014 it is planned to reduce the number of ground forces to 280-300 thousand, simultaneously with equipping the troops with modern weapons and military equipment and control equipment. It is planned to eliminate two field armies (3rd field and 4th Aegean), create a single command of three types of armed forces (ground forces, air force and navy) and transform the existing General Staff into a corresponding “joint” headquarters, to which the commands of the armed forces will be subordinated . On the basis of the headquarters of the 1st Field Army and the 2nd Field Army, the commands of the Western and Eastern Groups of Forces will be created, and the entire territory of Turkey will be divided into two parts in military, administrative and operational terms.

In recent years, the size of the Turkish army has been reduced by 10-20 thousand people per year, many formations and units are being disbanded. For example, over the past three years, 5 tank brigades out of 14 have been disbanded, the remaining 9 tank brigades are equipped with modern and modernized equipment. Some infantry brigades have been disbanded, and some have been transferred to mechanized brigades. The task of combating the military formations of the Kurdish separatists is transferred entirely to the gendarmerie, for which it is reinforced by armored personnel carriers transferred from the Army.

Leopard 2A4 of the Turkish army on the street in Ankara

WEAPONS AND MILITARY EQUIPMENT

Armored vehicles in the Turkish army are represented by foreign models and samples of their own production. Tanks are considered the main striking force in the army. According to data submitted by Turkey to the UN Register, there were 3,363 tanks in the Armed Forces as of December 31, 2007. Tanks are part of mechanized (1 battalion) and tank (3 battalions) brigades, units of the 28th and 39th mechanized divisions.

In recent years, Turkey has been actively disposing of outdated tank models and at the same time modernizing combat-ready equipment. The ambitious project to create our own Altay tank, widely advertised in recent years, has reached the contract stage (signed on July 29, 2008 with the general contractor, the Turkish company OTOKAR, and the subcontractor, the Korean company, Hyundai-Rotem); the pilot batch of tanks was planned to be released in 2012. In the current situation, Turkey has taken very practical measures: it has purchased Leopard 2 tanks from Germany and is modernizing Leopard 1 and M60 tanks. Data on the number of specific types of armored vehicles in the Turkish army are contradictory. Based on study and comparison various sources the most reliable figures were obtained.

339 Leopard 2A4 tanks supplied from Germany. It is planned to modernize it by the Turkish company ASELSAN to level A6.
77 Leopard 1A3/TU tanks, delivered from Germany, Turkish modernization with the installation of the Volkan fire control system.
150 Leopard 1A4/T1 tanks, delivered from Germany, German modernization with the installation of an EMES12 A3 fire control system.
165 Leopard 1A1A1/T tanks, delivered from Germany, Turkish modernization with the installation of the Volkan fire control system.
658 M60A3 TTS tanks (American modernization, with a combined thermal imaging gunner sight AN/VSG-2).
274 M60A1 tanks.
104 M60A1 RISE (Passive) tanks, American modernization, with passive night instruments for the commander and driver.
170 M60-T Sabra tanks, Israeli modernization of the M60A1, with the installation of a 120 mm gun and a modern fire control system.
over 1200 M48 tanks of various modifications.

Leopard 1 of the Turkish army in exercises

M60A3 TTS of the Turkish army during exercises

M60-T Sabra of the Turkish army on parade in Ankara

M48 tanks are currently withdrawn from line formations (with the exception of 287 M48A5T1/T2 units as part of Turkish troops in Cyprus). They are used in training centers (for example, to mark the enemy, to break in infantry), put into storage, partially converted into ARVs and bridge laying vehicles, disassembled for spare parts, and disposed of.

Armored combat vehicles are represented by tracked infantry fighting vehicles, tracked and wheeled armored personnel carriers, and vehicles based on them. According to the UN Register, at the end of 2007 there were 4625 armored fighting vehicles in the army and gendarmerie.

ACV-300 infantry fighting vehicle from the Turkish contingent of NATO forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina (SFOR)

563 BMP ACV-300, analogue American model YP-765 based on M113. Available in two versions: with a DAF turret equipped with a 25 mm Oerlikon Contraves AP; with a Giat turret equipped with a 25 mm AP M811.
102 BMP FNSS Akinci. A variant of the AVC-300 infantry fighting vehicle with a six-leg chassis and a turret from the American M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle.
1031 ACV-300APC armored personnel carrier based on the M113. Equipped with a turret with a 12.7-mm Browning CCP, it has a troop compartment for 13 people.
about 1800 armored personnel carriers M113 A/A1/A2/T2/T3.
52 armored personnel carriers FNSS Pars 6x6. 650 6x6 and 8x8 vehicles have been ordered.
100 Cobra 4x4 armored personnel carriers.
260 Akrep 4x4 armored personnel carrier.
102 Yavuz 8x8 armored personnel carrier.
340 BTR-60PB, supplied from Germany, used by the gendarmerie.
240 BTR-80s, supplied from Russia, are used by the gendarmerie.

Turkish infantry fighting vehicle FNSS Akinci

Turkish ACV-300APC armored personnel carrier in the fleet of the 14th mechanized brigade

Turkish armored personnel carrier FNSS Pars 8x8 in the version with 25-mm AP

Turkish Cobra armored personnel carriers during exercises

Turkish armored personnel carrier Akrep

Turkish armored personnel carrier Yavuz

Field artillery is represented by self-propelled mortars on the M113 and FNSS chassis, self-propelled howitzers and guns, towed systems, multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) of various types. There are 6110 tables in total.

108 self-propelled guns T-155 Storm, a total of 350 units ordered.
287 M110 self-propelled guns.
36 M107 self-propelled guns.
9 self-propelled guns M55.
222 self-propelled guns M44T.
365 self-propelled gun M52T.
26 M108T self-propelled guns.
about 5,000 towed guns and mortars, including about 1,000 guns of 105 and 155 mm caliber, 2,000 mortars of 107 and 120 mm caliber, 3,000 81 mm mortars.
about 550 self-propelled and towed MLRS of 107-300 mm caliber.

Turkish self-propelled gun T-155 Storm at a parade in Ankara

Turkish self-propelled gun M52T

Turkish MLRS T-122 at an arms exhibition

Turkish Atilgan air defense system with Stinger missile defense system

Anti-tank weapons are represented by self-propelled anti-tank systems (156 M113 TOW ATGMs and 48 FNSS ACV-300 TOW ATGMs), portable and transportable ATGMs, and RPGs. The number of launchers for transportable and portable ATGMs exceeds 2400 units (Cobra, Eryx, TOW, Milan, Kornet, Konkurs). The Turkish army has over 5,000 RPG-7s and over 40,000 M72A2s.
Air defense systems include over 2,800 small-caliber anti-aircraft guns and self-propelled guns; the army has over 1,900 man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems (MANPADS Red Eye, Stinger, Igla), as well as 105 self-propelled systems (Atilgan and Zipkin) with Stinger missiles.

Turkish infantry during exercises

Army aviation is armed with 44 AH-1 Cobra combat helicopters, multi-role S-70 Black Hawk (98), AS-532 (89), UH-1 (106), AB-204/206 (49) and Mi-17 helicopters (18 units, used by the gendarmerie).
Small arms are represented by a wide range of samples:
HK MP5 submachine guns;
automatic rifles and machine guns G3, HK33, M16, M4A1, AK-47;
sniper rifles SVD, T-12, JNG-90, Phonix Robar 12.7;
light and single machine guns MG-3, HK21, FN Minimi, PK, PKS;
heavy machine guns Browning, KPVT.

CONCLUSIONS

The strengths of the Turkish army are:

High authority and support armed forces in broad sections of Turkish society;
the exceptional position of officers in the military environment and in society;
a stable vertical of military command, corporate and clan (by branch of service, unit) solidarity;
strict military discipline in units and units;
the saturation of the army with military equipment and heavy weapons;
the presence of modern management tools at the operational and tactical levels;
integration into NATO communications, combat control and air defense systems;
systematic combat and operational training of troops;
the presence of its own industrial base for the production, repair and modernization of ammunition, control and communications equipment, many types of weapons and military equipment.

OPERATIONAL CAPABILITIES

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd field armies are capable of independently creating operational groups of about 50,000 people and 300-350 tanks each with peacetime forces. Although the Russian Federation does not have a border with Turkey, the potential for a military clash with the Turkish army exists due to two factors.

The first factor is the existence of a defense treaty between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia. Two separate motorized rifle brigades (formerly the 102nd military base) of the Russian army are stationed on the territory of Armenia in Yerevan and Gyumri. Near the borders of Armenia, formations of the 9th Army Corps of the 3rd Field Army of the Turkish Army were deployed, consisting of one tank, six mechanized and four infantry brigades. With these forces, the Turkish army is capable of creating in a relatively short time (5-7 days) in the Gyumri-Yerevan operational direction an offensive group of 40-50 thousand people, 350-370 tanks, up to 700 guns, mortars and MLRS field artillery, an army aviation regiment , providing support for the grouping by several squadrons of front-line aviation. Within 15-20 days it is possible to increase this grouping to 80-100 thousand people, 600-700 tanks and 1200-1300 guns and mortars.
The second factor is Georgia's likely entry into NATO. In this case, it is possible to deploy a group of the Turkish army on the territory of Georgia in one operational direction: either Abkhazia (a Russian motorized rifle brigade is stationed here, according to a defensive treaty with Abkhazia), or Tskhinvali (according to a defensive treaty with South Ossetia, a Russian motorized rifle brigade is also stationed here). The special physical and geographical conditions of the theater of war and the limited road network increase the time of redeployment and deployment of the Turkish group (40-50 thousand people, 350-370 tanks, 700 guns, mortars and MLRS of field artillery) to 12-15 days (with transportable supplies) or up to 20-25 days (if reserves are accumulated for the entire duration of the operation). On the coastal flank of the Abkhaz ON, the Turkish fleet is capable of supporting the army’s actions by landing an operational-tactical amphibious assault force up to a brigade.
At the same time, a group attacking in one operational direction faces the threat of a flank attack from another operational direction. It seems difficult to create a grouping sufficient to operate on two divergent military forces simultaneously. The capacity of the theater is limited, the time for operational deployment increases in this case to 25-30 days, which largely depreciates such a solution.