TUBITAK SAGE

Defense Industry Research and Development Institute of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK SAGE) was established in 1972 in Ankara under the name Guidance Vehicles Technology and Measurement Center (GATÖM) to conduct scientific and technological research for the defense industry. In 1983, it adopted the name Ballistic Research Institute (BAE), and in 1988 it assumed its current name and continued its activities within TÜBİTAK.

The establishment of TÜBİTAK SAGE was aimed at carrying out scientific and applied R&D activities to meet the needs of Türkiye’s national defense industry. The institute continues its operations at campuses in Lalahan, Beşevler and Middle East Technical University in Ankara. Until 1993, the institution operated from Beşevler; since then, the Lalahan campus has served as its main site. The Beşevler site continues to function as the Ankara Wind Tunnel.

Purpose and Responsibilities

The primary purpose of TÜBİTAK SAGE was to carry out applied research based on scientific and technological principles to contribute to the development of Türkiye’s national defense industry. Its responsibilities include:

• Conducting R&D activities in accordance with the requirements defined by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) and national defense industry organizations,
• Providing technical solutions for issues related to the selection, testing and use of systems considered for foreign procurement,
• Monitoring international developments in defense technologies and assessing their potential for local application,
• Training expert researcher personnel for the defense industry,
• Providing consulting, measurement, testing and training services in the defense field,
• Establishing and developing necessary infrastructure and performing specialized production and repair services.

Structure and Management

The institute operates under the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) and is managed by an Institute Director and a Management Board. Internal organizational structures include advisory and decision-making bodies such as the Advisory Council and the Institute Council.

The institute conducts its activities under headings such as Research and Development, R&D Education, R&D Consulting, Testing and Analysis, Training, and Investigation-Measurement. Its organizational structure is hierarchical, comprising specialized units, groups and departments, which are organized according to project-based work.

Activity Areas and Products

TÜBİTAK SAGE primarily undertakes projects in defense areas such as guided and unguided munitions systems, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, guidance kits, thermal batteries and inertial measurement systems. Some of the systems developed under this scope include:

• HGK
• KGK
• GÖZDE
• GÖKÇE
• SOM /SOM-J
• KUZGUN
• KAYI
• BOZOK
• TOGAN
• KGK-82-SİHA
• BOZDAĞAN
• GÖKDOĞAN
• GÖKHAN
• NEB-84
• SARB-83
• SERT-82

The development of these systems involves integrated technical activities including software and hardware design, testing, prototype production and consulting.

National Technology Mission

The activities of TÜBİTAK SAGE are directed toward reducing Türkiye’s dependence on foreign sources in the defense sector and developing high-technology systems using national capabilities. The institute conducts research and development activities to meet the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces and defense industry organizations, prioritizing maximum utilization of domestic resources and establishing the necessary infrastructure to enable national production of critical systems, subsystems and technologies.

Through systems developed in areas such as guidance kits, thermal batteries, inertial measurement units and infrared imaging technologies, TÜBİTAK SAGE directly contributes to reducing reliance on foreign defense technologies and promoting their production within Türkiye. These efforts lay the groundwork for the advancement of national R&D capabilities across many fields, particularly in original munitions and missile systems.

Legal Status and Confidentiality

The institute’s activities are carried out within the framework of the TÜBİTAK Establishment Law No. 278 dated 1963. Its operations are regulated by special regulations prepared by TÜBİTAK. Publication bans and protective security measures are strictly enforced due to the sensitive nature of its activities.

Cooperation with Domestic Industry

TÜBİTAK SAGE carries out the majority of its developed systems in collaboration with domestic industry organizations. Based on project outcomes, processes such as industrialization of certain systems, transfer of production rights or transition to serial production are implemented, thereby increasing the domestic contribution rate in the defense industry.

Education and Testing Infrastructure

The institute provides consulting, measurement, testing and analysis services to various public institutions, universities and the private sector through its laboratories, testing infrastructure and engineering staff. It contributes to the development of qualified human resources by organizing training programs in its areas of expertise.