ASELSAN: Shaping the Future of Global Defense Technology

With cutting-edge innovations and strategic global partnerships, the company is transforming defense technology, enhancing security worldwide.

ASELSAN, Türkiye’s premier defense electronics company, has steadily emerged as a key player in the global security landscape. With its innovative technologies and robust approach to R&D, ASELSAN is not just transforming Türkiye’s defense infrastructure but is also making substantial contributions to global defense capabilities. The company’s success is deeply intertwined with its commitment to technological advancement, operational excellence and international collaboration.

CEO and President Ahmet Akyol attributes ASELSAN’s success to its highly skilled workforce, a culture of constant innovation and strategic investment in R&D.

“Our over 13,000 employees, with an average age of only 33 years and 10 years of working experience, represent a unique blend of youthful dynamism and seasoned expertise,” Akyol explains. “This combination drives our rapid development and ability to adapt to the evolving needs of our clients, including NATO allies and international defense organizations.”

The company’s focus on creating a self-sustaining, indigenous defense ecosystem has significantly reduced reliance on foreign subsystems, allowing ASELSAN to compete on a global scale. Akyol highlights ASELSAN’s investment in domestic technologies as a key differentiator. “Localization directly lowers import costs and enhances cost-effectiveness, allowing us to compete globally with greater agility.”

Pioneering Multi-Domain Defense Systems

ASELSAN’s portfolio of over 500 products spans multiple domains, from undersea to outer space, providing comprehensive, integrated solutions for the military. Key offerings include advanced air and missile defense systems, naval combat solutions, electronic warfare technologies and precision-guided munitions. The company’s air defense system, Steel Dome, is one of its flagship achievements, offering a multilayered, integrated defense architecture designed to protect Türkiye’s skies and beyond. Steel Dome incorporates the SİPER missile defense system, which has become an essential component of Türkiye’s air defense strategy. Meanwhile, the Oğulbey Facility is the largest defense investment in the country’s history, valued at $1.5 billion. Once operational, it is set to become the largest integrated air defense complex in Europe.

In addition to air defense, ASELSAN has been instrumental in revolutionizing naval capabilities. As the primary supplier for Türkiye’s MİLGEM corvette and frigate programs, ASELSAN equips naval forces with a range of combat management systems, fire-control radars and sonar technologies. These systems provide superior situational awareness and survivability at sea.

AI and Innovation Drive Global Expansion

At the heart of ASELSAN’s technological leadership lies its substantial investment in research and development. In 3Q 2025, the company allocated over $925 million to R&D, underscoring its commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation. This investment reflects a 40 percent increase year-on-year. The company has 11 dedicated research centers with over 7,500 R&D personnel. ASELSAN’s efforts in AI, quantum computing and autonomous systems are particularly noteworthy, with new projects aimed at enhancing battlefield effectiveness and intelligence capabilities.

“We’re developing AI-driven command systems and quantum communication technologies that will shape the next generation of defense systems,” Akyol says. “This enables us to anticipate emerging threats and deliver cutting-edge solutions to our international partners.”

ASELSAN’s strategic approach to AI and quantum technologies is reflected in its newly launched Quantum Technologies Research Lab, one of the first in Türkiye. The lab focuses on developing solutions for unbreakable encryption, ultra-precise radar and potential quantum computing applications for military use. These advancements position ASELSAN to lead in next-generation defense technologies, ensuring that it remains an indispensable partner for global security.

Building Strong Global Partnerships

ASELSAN’s global footprint is expanding rapidly, with the company exporting to 93 international clients with its 26 entities across 24 countries. Akyol attributes much of ASELSAN’s success to its strategic partnerships and joint ventures. By working closely with defense firms and governments in regions such as Asia, Europe and the Middle East, ASELSAN has been able to co-develop advanced systems and foster long-term relationships built on trust.

“Our client relationships are built on co-creation and joint development,” Akyol explains. “We work hand-in-hand with our partners, ensuring that our solutions are tailored to meet their operational needs and enhancing regional security.”

Through collaborations in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Chile, Poland and South Africa, ASELSAN is not only providing defense solutions but also contributing to the technological capacity of its partners. These partnerships are vital for building sustainable, self-sufficient defense infrastructures in various regions, further cementing ASELSAN’s role as a trusted global leader in defense technology. In 3Q 2025, the company’s revenue rose 12.3 percent to $2.16 billion, while new contracts totaled $5.7 billion, including a record 171 percent increase in exports to $1.45 billion.

Future Horizons: Expansion and Innovation

Looking forward, ASELSAN is poised to continue its expansion, with a focus on innovation, operational excellence and sustainable partnerships. The company’s future strategy is embodied in its aselsaneXt vision, a comprehensive roadmap that prioritizes talent acquisition, technological advancement and global market growth. With a strong commitment to expanding its product portfolio, ASELSAN is positioning itself to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare.

“As we continue to invest in R&D and scale production capabilities, we’re confident that ASELSAN will remain at the cutting edge of defense technology,” Akyol concludes. “Our goal is to ensure that our systems not only meet the needs of today’s security environment but are also ready for the challenges of tomorrow.”

ASELSAN’s commitment to innovation, technology and international cooperation positions it as a leader in the global defense industry, with a clear mission to safeguard global security through advanced, integrated defense solutions.

Learn more about ASELSAN at www.aselsan.com.