Aselsan
| File:ASELSAN logo.svg | |
| Company type | Anonim Şirket |
|---|---|
| Template:IMKB | |
| Industry | Defense Software Electronics |
| Founded | 1975 |
| Headquarters | , |
Key people | Ahmet Akyol (current CEO) |
| Products | Communication systems, radars, avionics, electronic warfare equipment, air defense solutions, targeting devices |
| Revenue | Increase $3.48 billion (2024) |
| Decrease $791 million (2024) | |
| Decrease $441 million (2024) | |
| Total assets | Increase $7.03 billion (2024) |
| Total equity | Increase $4.09 billion (2024) |
Number of employees | 12,014 (2024)[1] |
| Website | www |
Aselsan A.Ş. (Turkish: Askerî Elektronik Sanayi A.Ş., lit. 'Military Electronic Industries S.A.') is a prominent Turkish defense firm based in Ankara, Turkey. Its primary focus lies in the research, development, and production of sophisticated military technologies for air, land, and naval applications. As one of the leading suppliers to the Turkish Armed Forces, Aselsan holds a significant position in Turkey's defense sector. According to Defense News, it ranks as the 48th largest defense enterprise worldwide by revenue.[2] The company was established by the Turkish Army Foundation, with its current majority shareholder being the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation.
History
Aselsan was established in 1975 by the Turkish Army Foundation following the United States' embargo on Turkey due to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.[3][4] The inaugural CEO was M. Hacim Kamoy.[3]
Production activities commenced in early 1979 at facilities located in Macunköy, Ankara, after completing initial investments such as card payment system development and establishing necessary infrastructure.[5] Since its inception, Aselsan has broadened its product range and clientele primarily through indigenous R&D efforts, employment of domestically trained engineers and technicians, and partnerships with Turkish universities and research centers.
On August 27, 2025, Aselsan handed over a comprehensive air defense package comprising high-, medium-, and low-altitude systems along with radar units valued at $460 million to the Turkish Armed Forces during a ceremony in Ankara attended by President Erdoğan. These deliveries represented the initial phase of Turkey's integrated air defense initiative known as Steel Dome, which includes components such as ALP 100-G, ALP 300-G, Hisar, SİPER, and KORKUT.[6][7] President Erdoğan announced that the delivery included one Siper system with ten vehicles, three Hisar systems totaling twenty-one vehicles, along with seven PUHU and two REDET electronic warfare units.[8]
Organization
ASELSAN is engaged in the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced electronic systems catering to both military and industrial clients within Turkey and internationally. The company's main headquarters is situated at the Macunköy site in Ankara, Turkey. Structurally, ASELSAN is divided into five distinct business divisions based on its operational domains:
- Communication and Information Technologies Business Sector (HBT),
- Microelectronics, Guidance and Electro-Optics Business Sector (MGEO),
- Radar and Electronic Warfare Systems Business Sector (REHIS),
- Defense Systems Technologies Business Sector (SST),
- Transportation, Security, Energy and Automation Systems Business Sector (UGES).
The HBT, REHIS, SST, and UGES divisions benefit from state-of-the-art, automated engineering and production facilities located at Macunköy. Their electronic manufacturing capabilities encompass surface mount technology, multilayer and flexible printed circuit board fabrication, mechanical and molding processes, as well as system integration and testing operations. The HBT sector primarily focuses on military-grade and professional communication solutions. In contrast, the REHIS division concentrates on radar and electronic warfare technologies, while the SST sector specializes in command and control system development. The MGEO division operates out of Akyurt facilities, producing hybrid microelectronic circuits alongside night-vision devices, thermal cameras, laser rangefinders/designators, and inertial navigation systems.
Across all divisions, ASELSAN implements methodologies aligned with military standards and ISO 9001 certifications by utilizing advanced computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided engineering (CAE), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies.
ASELSAN holds membership in TÜMAKÜDER and IPC organizations.
AB MikroNano Chip Factory
On 23 December 2014, a collaboration between Bilkent University and ASELSAN resulted in the establishment of Turkey’s inaugural commercial chip manufacturing plant. Commencing operations in 2017, this facility primarily focuses on producing GaN semiconductor components. The factory manufactures a variety of chips utilized in radars, missile systems, and other products developed by ASELSAN.
Radar and Electronic Warfare Technology Center
On 16 March 2015, ASELSAN inaugurated its advanced facility known as the ASELSAN Radar ve Elektronik Harp Teknoloji Merkezi located in the Gölbaşı district of Ankara. Constructed over a three-year period with an investment of US$157 million, this center focuses on manufacturing radar and electronic warfare systems essential for the Turkish Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as for space and unmanned platforms. The complex spans 75,000 m2 (810,000 sq ft) within a 35 ha (86 acres) land area. The workforce comprises 776 engineers, 261 technical staff, alongside over 200 support employees.
This technology hub is dedicated to the design, research and development, production, testing, and logistical support of primarily long-range tracking radars for air defense and fighter aircraft. Additionally, it develops various radar and electronic warfare systems, along with antennas, microwave power modules, and related software.
Air Defense Test and Integration Center
Aselsan launched the Air Defense Test and Integration Center (HSTEM) in Ankara on 2 December 2022. The facility features a System Production and Integration Factory occupying 12,000 square meters indoors, complemented by a Test Control Center, a Closed Firing Range, infrastructure for system testing, adjustment calibration, a Test Tower with test tracks, and an open-area ROBOSİM testing environment. This center undertakes production activities, testing procedures, performance analysis, and necessary enhancements for air defense systems developed by Aselsan.
Photon Detector and Nanotechnology Facility
In March 2025, Aselsan revealed plans to establish several new facilities in Ankara: a Photon Detector and Nanotechnology Facility, a Radar System Integration and Production Facility, an Air Defense Systems Production and Test Facility, along with a Smart Ammunition Production Facility. The company reported to Borsa Istanbul's Public Disclosure Platform that it will allocate $616 million towards these projects. Furthermore, Aselsan intends to recruit a total of 2,244 personnel for these centers, of whom 1,672 will be specialists in their respective fields.
Ogulbey Technology Base
On 27 August 2025, Aselsan commenced the construction of a significant new facility located in the Oğulbey area of Ankara, with President Erdoğan participating in the inauguration event. According to official communications, Aselsan's existing manufacturing sites cover an area of 5,000 acres, while the upcoming Oğulbey Technology Base will span 6,500 acres in Ankara. The investment for this project is projected at $1.5 billion, and once operational, it is anticipated to double the company's production capabilities. During his address at the groundbreaking, Erdoğan emphasized that this development will define Aselsan’s trajectory for the next half-century and establish it as Europe's largest air defense manufacturing complex. Additionally, Erdoğan officially opened 14 new Aselsan facilities on the same day, constructed with an investment of $280 million.
International expansion
ASELSAN maintains affiliated entities in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Furthermore, in October 2015, the company revealed plans to broaden its footprint in South Africa by pursuing strategic partnerships aimed at transforming its local branch, ASELSAN South Africa, into a private enterprise.
Aselsan Baku
Established on 11 February 1998 by Aselsan in Azerbaijan, Aselsan Baku specializes in manufacturing handheld radios for both civilian and military applications within Azerbaijan. The company’s entire capital was invested by Aselsan itself. Operating across sales, maintenance-repair services, and production sectors, the firm was founded with a capital of USD 500 thousand and represents Aselsan’s first overseas subsidiary.
In 2018, Aselsan developed a laser guidance kit that was incorporated into ammunition produced by Azerbaijan.
Aselsan Ukraine
Aselsan initiated its Ukrainian branch, Aselsan Ukraine, on 1 September 2020, marking its presence in Ukraine.
Aselsan Middle East
Founded on 19 July 2012, Aselsan Middle East operates out of Jordan as a regional subsidiary of Aselsan.
Products
Aselsan's portfolio spans numerous sectors, with a strong emphasis on defense-related manufacturing and extensive research and development initiatives.
- The Albatros family of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) designed as target craft
- The Albatros K series featuring catamaran-style unmanned surface vehicles
- Albatros-S, employing swarm technology in unmanned surface vehicles
- Unmanned surface vehicles under the Albatros-T designation
- ALP Radar series
- ALP 100-G: a mobile multifunctional AESA radar for air surveillance
- ALP 300-G: a mobile long-range early warning AESA radar system
- Amphibious landing ship project (LST)
- ARI 1-T: a rotary-wing miniature unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
- ASELPOD: electro-optical targeting system
- AYAC: military-grade routing and switching equipment
- Biometric verification and access control solutions (BKDGKS)
- Communication systems comparison solutions
- Çelik Kubbe (Steel Dome) air defense system
- EIRS: early-warning radar platform
- Field telephone devices designed for military use
- Fixed central radio peripherals and associated accessories
- GOKDENIZ close-in weapon system (CIWS)
- GÖKTAN missile system
- GÖKSUR SAM-based close-in weapon system
- GRC-5220 tactical broadband Ethernet radios
- GÜRZ short-range air defense (SHORAD) systems
- Hisar family of short and medium-range surface-to-air missile defense systems
- Integrated maritime communication solutions
- IP-based remote control systems
- KALKAN air defense radar units
- KAPLAN family of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs)
- KORKUT self-propelled anti-aircraft gun with 35 mm caliber
- KORAL electronic warfare suite
- LEVENT unmanned surface vehicle series
- Logistics support vessels (LDG)
- MEROPS: multi-spectral extended range optical sight for air surveillance and targeting tasks
- MİLGEM combat system acquisition program
- MIUS/MUAS miniature unmanned aerial systems
- Military-grade G.SHDSL modems for secure communications
- MATE mobile receiver-transmitter and repeater radios
- Mortar fire control management systems
- Multi-purpose amphibious assault ships (LHD)
- MURAD AESA radar technology
- Mobile air traffic control towers
- Tactical fire direction systems
- PUHU electronic warfare platform
- Portable radio peripherals and accessories
- POYRAZ ammunition transfer system (MTS)
- PRC V / UHF software-defined handheld radios
- REDET electronic warfare capability
- Remote-controlled weapon stations including SMASH, STOP, STAMP, STAMP-2, and STAMP-G models
- Repeater radios along with mobile repeater accessories
- SAPAN programmable active/reactive electronic countermeasure system
- Serçe miniature UAV platform
- TASMUS tactical field communication network
- TOLUN precision-guided munitions
- TURKUAZ seismic research vessel scientific mission systems
- Vehicle radio peripherals and accessories
- VRC-9661 in-vehicle remote control units
- VURAL electronic warfare suite
- UKAP armed unmanned ground vehicle series
- ZAMBAK helmet set units
- ZARGANA torpedo countermeasure system tailored for submarines
See also
References
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- File:Commons-logo.svg Media related to Lua error in Module:Commons_link at line 62: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). at Wikimedia Commons
- Official website
- ASELSAN Middle East Archived 12 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine
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- Companies listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange
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- Electronics companies established in 1975
- Engineering companies of Turkey
- Defence companies of Turkey
- Turkish companies established in 1975
- Government-owned companies of Turkey
- Electronics companies of Turkey
- Turkish brands
- Space program of Turkey
- Radar manufacturers
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- Aselsan
- Unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturers of Turkey
- 1975 establishments in Turkey