ASELSAN, a global leader in the defense industry, continues to strengthen its presence in the Middle East by offering advanced solutions that meet modern security and defense requirements. In this exclusive interview with Defense Arabia, Ahmet Akyol discusses the latest technologies ASELSAN will showcase at IDEX/NAVDEX 2025, its strategies for expanding regional partnerships, and its top products designed to meet the region’s evolving defense needs. He also shares his vision for the company’s future and its ambitious goal of ranking among the world’s top 30 defense companies by 2030.
Which products will ASELSAN highlight at IDEX/NAVDEX 2025? Are there any new products you’ll be showcasing for the first time?
At IDEX 2025, we will showcase advanced defense solutions, underlining our commitment to technological excellence. Highlights include ALKAR 100/81 and ALKAR 110/81 mortar weapon and fire control systems, offering advanced accuracy and operational flexibility. The ASAF 155 CCF range correction kit and ASAF 155 MOFA multi-option fuse artillery will be displayed for improved precision and adaptability in dynamic battlefield conditions.
Other key products on the display will be ATOM 25 ABM, an airburst munition for effectiveness against modern threats, and YENER 100-G, a ground-penetrating radar system for detecting improvised explosives and mines. YENER system can be integrated into a tactical 8×8 armored vehicle, providing comprehensive counter-mine capabilities. These products reflect ASELSAN’s dedication to combat-proven systems for operational effectiveness in complex security environments.
What strategies does ASELSAN employ to strengthen partnerships with defense organizations in the Middle East? What opportunities do you foresee for collaboration with the UAE?
ASELSAN implements a tailored regional strategy, leveraging insights from our Middle East offices to align with military procurement trends. Our defense portfolio includes avionics, guidance kits, communication systems, radars, and electronic warfare, meeting the needs of both manned and unmanned platforms. Through regional partnerships, we’re also ready to offer advanced space system solutions, optimizing local ecosystems.
The UAE’s defense modernization program presents significant opportunities for technology co-development, localization, and strategic partnerships. Through our UAE office, we’re enhancing engagement and operational efficiency, allowing us to provide integrated air defense, electronic warfare, and advanced land and naval solutions tailored to regional security needs.
Moreover, we’re strengthening our presence through Government-to-Government (G2G) collaborations and Joint Ventures (JV), fostering sustainable partnerships. Our offices in the UAE and Oman will provide quicker response times, closer collaborations, and innovation, positioning ASELSAN as a trusted defense provider in the Middle East.
Which ASELSAN products have the highest sales potential in the Middle East?
ASELSAN’s defense technologies align closely with the evolving security needs of the Middle East, positioning several of our solutions for strong demand. For example, our MURAD 110-A AESA radar, integrated into F-16s and compatible with platforms like KIZILELMA and AKINCI, plays a key role in air force modernization. Moreover, our ALP 300-G Early Warning Radar provides essential surveillance capabilities for air defense systems.
Our TOLUN guided munition is also gaining attention due to its ability to engage multiple targets and penetrate reinforced structures, as well as our air defense solutions designed against the complex threats of modern warfare.
Could you share insights about your future projects and activities in the region?
ASELSAN remains committed to supporting defense modernization in the Middle East, with a diverse portfolio that meets the region’s evolving security and technological needs. In addition to our advanced products, we are expanding our presence with new offices in the UAE and Oman, alongside our established operations in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. This expansion enhances our direct engagement with customers, ensuring faster and more effective service.
We are also leveraging our expertise in satellite communication and space technologies, positioning ASELSAN as a key player in advancing space system solutions through regional collaborations. Our focus on joint ventures and technology transfer opportunities is central to our regional strategy, contributing to local economies and reinforcing our role as a trusted defense provider.
Moving forward, we will continue expanding our presence, strengthening partnerships, and offering state-of-the-art solutions tailored to the Middle East’s defense needs, further solidifying ASELSAN as a leader in the region’s technological and security advancements.
ASELSAN’s 50th anniversary marks a significant milestone. How has the company contributed to Türkiye’s defense sector over the years, and what achievements are you most proud of? In light of these successes, what is ASELSAN’s strategy and vision for the future?
ASELSAN’s 50th anniversary marks five decades of pioneering innovation in Türkiye’s defense sector. Since its foundation in 1975 by just four engineers, ASELSAN has grown into a global leader, ranking 42nd on the Defense News Top 100 and being one of the fastest-growing defense companies worldwide.
We’ve contributed Türkiye’s technological independence in defense industry significantly through our systems like SİPER long-range air and missile defense system, ALP 300-G Early Warning Radar, and GÖKDENİZ Close-In Weapon System. Our innovations in naval autonomy and aerospace capabilities, including UAVs and satellite projects, have significantly improved technological capabilities of our Armed Forces.
We are proud to be the leading R&D investor in our country, which underscores our strong commitment to innovation in the defense sector. Last year, we achieved to become one of the 10 fastest-growing defense companies in the world, making us climbing five places in the Defense News Top 100 list to 42nd place.
Under the strategic vision we have set called AselsaneXt 2030, we aim to be among the top 30 companies in the world by the year 2030. While striving to achieve this goal, our core vision is:
- To grow through international collaborations.
- To develop the best products in the world in our field
- To create game-changing technologies
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