Dual activation of ARMERKOM and 403rd test Squadron at Mürted signals a major shift in indigenous air platform testing
The Turkish Ministry of National Defence has officially launched two new air force institutions aimed at boosting the nation’s flight test and R&D capabilities. The Turkish Air Force Commander has ordered the activation of the Air Force Research Centre Command (ARMERKOM / Air) and the 403rd Test Squadron at Mürted Air Base as of July 4, 2025. Turkiye's first ARMERKOM is set at Turkish Navy which resulted indiginous naval platforms and equipment.
The goal of this step is to make the Turkish Air Force more technologically advanced by making its flight-testing authority official and encouraging the integration of national mission systems into next-generation air platforms.
ARMERKOM is tasked with closely monitoring technological trends and operational requirements from contemporary international combat zones. Backed by advanced R&D and a strong engineering corps, the centre aims to shape the scientific groundwork for future air platforms, deliver prototypes, and conduct laboratory testing of mission-critical systems.
The 403rd Test Squadron will cooperate with Turkish experimental test pilots and flight test engineers to develop and certify fifth generation KAAN and advanced trainer HÜRJET.
Its mission will follow globally accepted state test protocols used by aircraft-manufacturing nations, playing a direct role in performance, safety, and operational capability assessments in coordination with OEMs like TUSAŞ.
The Ministry underscored that with these two strategic entities, the Turkish Air Force will no longer act solely as an end-user, but—as in all major aircraft-producing nations—will become a technical decision-maker contributing to system development at every stage.
Moreover, the initiative promises to increase the combat effectiveness of Türkiye’s air platforms by identifying deficiencies earlier in the development cycle—before the acceptance phase—thereby reducing cost and time.
Separately, the existing 401st Test Squadron, based in Eskişehir, continues its role in integrating domestically produced payloads such as missiles, munitions, and sensors into legacy F-4 and F-16 platforms.
Author: Özgür Ekşi
