Defense Industry on High Alert for Technology Theft: UAV Targeted in Reverse Engineering Mission
The Ministry of Commerce issues a warning to customs, logistics, and transportation companies regarding the increased trade of Turkish defense industry products with Central Asian countries. The Ministry has highlighted concerns that Iranian routes are being used for the transport of defense products to these countries, resulting in potential technology theft by Iran.
Iran has been reported to resort to “reverse engineering” methods due to limited access to technological products as a result of international sanctions. This technique involves analyzing and replicating the system, functioning, and components of a technological product to understand how it works without the original design documents or source codes.
The Ministry advises Turkish defense companies to avoid using the Iranian route for shipments to Central Asia and the surrounding countries, especially for items like Drones (UAVs) and double-use materials that could be used for transit shipments. The use of reverse engineering by Iran to develop domestic versions of foreign defense technologies poses a significant risk to the security and integrity of Turkish products.
In the defense industry, “Reverse Engineering” is a common method used to gain strategic advantages and understand competitor technologies. By examining UAVs, missiles, and radar systems, countries can identify technological weaknesses and develop indigenous counterparts. This method involves dismantling components, examining chipsets, duplicating memory modules, and reproducing prototypes with similar functionalities.
Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır recently announced the completion of tests for the F-16 EDPOD developed by TUBITAK. This Radar Signal Scelling Tactical Electronic Support Pod was tested successfully against real radar systems, demonstrating Turkey’s commitment to developing independent and original technologies for national security.
Iran’s efforts to reverse engineer American UAV technology have also raised concerns, as the country seeks to develop defenses against the US and Israel. By allegedly producing UAVs based on American models acquired through reverse engineering, Iran has demonstrated its ability to replicate advanced technologies through illicit means.
To mitigate risks during transit, customs authorities are advised to use X-ray and advanced screening systems to map the internal structure of cargo containers, ammunition boxes, and UAV components. Possible scenarios include the replacement of parts with clones and the embedding of tracking software for unauthorized access to sensitive products.
In conclusion, the Ministry urges vigilance and caution in the transport of defense products, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding proprietary technologies and preventing unauthorized access by foreign entities like Iran. By taking preventative measures and adhering to security protocols, Turkish companies can protect their intellectual property and maintain the integrity of their defense exports.
