Turkey is Developing Coast Guard Technologies

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Turkey has been accelerating its domestic defense projects. The country has recently developed an indigenous software for its Coast Guard’s new surveillance and radar system to ensure security along the Aegean Sea coastline. Ensuring the security of these coasts has gained special prominence in recent years as Turkey and Greece have become one of the key transit points for refugees and migrants aiming to cross into Europe.

The first software package of the Coast Surveillance Radar System (SGRS) project was delivered by Turkey’s Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) to the Turkish Coast Guard Command. Software components were developed by defense company Havelsan while the radar and electro-optical systems were produced by another Turkish defense company ASELSAN.

The first software package includes radar, camera sensor controls, video sharing and recording capabilities. Two other software packages containing additional features for the system will be introduced.

The SGRS project will be fully integrated with other public institutions and provide uninterrupted surveillance along the coastline to enhance search and rescue efforts and prevent illegal activities such as human smuggling, irregular migration and violations of Turkish territorial waters, according to SSB Head, Ismail Demir. 

As part of the project, the Coast Guard Command aims to create a custom-made nautical chart of the Turkey’s territorial waters by compiling data from automated identification and electro-optic systems as well as data obtained from other public institutions. The Coast Guard will set up coastline and maritime surveillance information networks for the effective sharing of information between surveillance stations, coast guard units and other military and government institutions, according to dailysabah.com.