Here are the major international highlights of 2024:
Global Successes and Exports:
TCG AKHİSAR is equipped with cutting-edge technology developed by ASELSAN. These systems, designed to enhance operational efficiency and security, include radar, navigation, communications, and targeting technologies that are crucial for ensuring Türkiye’s naval superiority.
TCG AKHİSAR is equipped with several ASELSAN radar systems, including one CENK 200-N, two AKREP 100-N, and one ALPER 100-N radar. Additionally, two sets of ANS 510-M Inertial Navigation Systems are integrated on TCG AKHİSAR. ASELSAN AHTAPOT 100 Electro-Optical Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Targeting System has also been integrated into TCG AKHİSAR. With these advanced ASELSAN systems integrated into TCG AKHİSAR, Türkiye’s first HİSAR-class OPV is well-equipped to carry out its missions, enhancing the country’s maritime defense capabilities and contributing to regional and international security.
ASELSAN participated in ExpoNaval 2024, Latin America’s premier naval defense exhibition, held from December 3-6 in Valparaíso, Chile. This participation underscores ASELSAN’s commitment to addressing the unique defense needs of Latin America while strengthening its presence in the region. At the exhibition, ASELSAN showcased its cutting-edge naval systems, tailored for the modernization and operational needs of the Chilean Navy and other navies in the region.
Among the highlights were advanced naval systems such as SMASH 200/12.7 Remote-Controlled Weapon System, HIZIR Submarine Torpedo Countermeasure System, and naval electro-optic systems including AHTAPOT 100, MARTI 200-N, and PİRİ 100, showcased through interactive displays and demonstrations.
ASELSAN’s participation at Expo Naval 2024 marked a significant step in its expansion into Latin America, following the establishment of its regional subsidiary, ASELSAN Latin America SpA, in Santiago earlier this year. This new subsidiary serves as a hub for collaboration with local industries, enabling ASELSAN to deliver region-specific solutions and foster long-term partnerships in the naval domain.
Ahmet Akyol, President & CEO of ASELSAN, commented on the company’s participation: "Our engagement at Expo Naval 2024 reflects ASELSAN’s dedication to supporting the modernization of naval forces in Chile and across Latin America. We are proud to showcase our innovative solutions and reinforce sustainable partnerships in the region. Through our subsidiary ASELSAN Latin America SpA, we aim to deliver advanced technologies that meet the region’s defense needs."
ASELSAN has taken a significant step towards enhancing its production capacity with the launch of its Electro-Optic FLIR Manufacturing Facility, a milestone project of $40 million investment. This state-of-the-art facility spans 7,000 square meters and stands out as the largest cleanroom in Europe under one roof.
With this facility, numerous critical optical production capabilities have been acquired, and ASELSAN has positioned itself among the few manufacturers worldwide with a high-quality, large-scale, and wide-ranging material and coating capability. The facility has enabled the acquisition of critical optical production, testing, and characterization capabilities. Thanks to the investments made and the capabilities gained, the facility will be able to produce a variety of high-tech electro-optical systems, including all critical laser and optical components, in large quantities on a monthly basis. With these capabilities, not only has the dependency on foreign countries in this field been eliminated, but ASELSAN has also gained a strong position in the global market. To meet the growing demand, this facility will focus on the production of electro-optic systems for aerial platforms, particularly production of ASELFLIR, TOYGUN, and KARAT product families.
In addition to the production and testing/characterization processes of large-scale and precision optical components to be carried out in the newly established clean rooms, the production activities of different electro-optical systems will be executed with high capacity, speed, and performance. In the coming three years, an additional $30 million investment is planned for the FLIR manufacturing facility. The facility will become a unique technology hub with the addition of further production and testing infrastructure investments over the next three years.
ASELSAN has successfully completed the temporary-orbit (50°E) testing of its communication payloads on Türkiye’s first nationally developed geostationary satellite, TÜRKSAT-6A. Launched in July 2024, the satellite carries ASELSAN’s Ku-Band (LOCUS GEOKu) and X-Band (LOCUS GEOX) payloads, marking a significant milestone in Türkiye's space and communication capabilities.
Within the in-orbit test campaign conducted in November 2024, the temporary orbit (50°E) tests of the LOCUS GEOKu and LOCUS GEOX were carried out to assess both payloads. ASELSAN’s payloads, designed, manufactured, integrated, and tested entirely with domestic expertise, were successfully verified under the challenging conditions of space.
The Ku-Band payload (LOCUS GEOKu), which features 20 transponders, and the X-Band payload (LOCUS GEOX), which includes three transponders, both performed as expected during the tests. Key components such as the Türkiye Coverage Antenna, Ku-Band Receiver, Frequency Down Converter, and Channel Amplifier were also successfully tested.
Following the completion of these critical tests, TÜRKSAT-6A has settled into its final orbit on December 28 where it will provide service. ASELSAN crew will conduct final tests on its payloads in the final orbit of the satellite. Once fully operational, these payloads will significantly enhance Türkiye’s satellite communication capabilities, supporting broadcast services and a range of other applications.
ASELSAN President & CEO Ahmet Akyol participated in Take Off Istanbul 2024, where he delivered a presentation titled “Game-Changing Technologies Powered by the Defense Ecosystem,” sharing the company’s strategic vision, ambitious goals, and its role in driving innovation and collaboration.
During his presentation, Akyol also mentioned ASELSAN’s focus on technological innovation and collaboration with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups within its ecosystem. He emphasized the importance of these partnerships, saying, “SMEs and entrepreneurs play a critical role in driving our ecosystem forward” and noted that over 3,000 suppliers were added in ASELSAN’s supplier network this year, and more than 50 spin-out companies received orders from ASELSAN exceeding $400 million. This approach demonstrates ASELSAN’s commitment to nurturing a strong and sustainable defense industry ecosystem.
Akyol emphasized the significance of initiatives like TEKNOFEST, which inspire young people to engage with technology and entrepreneurship, and events like Take Off Istanbul, which serve as a bridge between innovation and industry. He also highlighted the vital role of collaborations with universities, TÜBİTAK, and ROKETSAN in the development of ASELSAN’s advanced systems.
ASELSAN's ARTCom 9671 HF and ARTCom 9671 V/UHF radios have been integrated into NATO's Ship Shore Ship Buffer (SSSB) system for the first time, marking a significant step in enhancing communication capabilities. The SSSB system is a real-time digital link control system that supports tactical information sharing between NATO Air Defense Ground Environment (NADGE), Airborne Early Warning (AEW) systems, and Air/Navy forces.
As part of this integration, the outdated foreign-made radios and communication infrastructure used in Link-11 operations have been replaced with domestically produced, high-performance ASELSAN radios, improving operational effectiveness.
Additionally, ASELSAN's communication system, installed at the Air Radar Regiment Command of the Turkish Air Force, is now controlled via ASELSAN’s remote command system at the command center. This setup enables real-time voice and data communication with Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft.
With this important step, the communication needs of the Turkish Air Force have been successfully met through the high-level performance of ASELSAN's military radios.
ASELSAN participated in the Vietnam Defence Expo held between 19-22 December in Hanoi for the first time, presenting a wide range of advanced solutions across electronic warfare, communication, radar, and UAV payloads.
Among the the highlights were ASELSAN’s electronic warfare systems and products, designed to meet the diverse needs of the armies in the Pacific region including Vietnam. ASELSAN also showcased its advanced communication solutions, including vehicle, backpack, airborne, and naval radios, satellite antennas, and combined interrogators and transponders, where the company has built a strong reputation. In the field of radar technologies, ASELSAN presented its MURAD AESA nose radar, ALP Early Warning Radar, and STR Weapon Locating Radar, demonstrating its leadership in this critical field.
The company also highlighted its role in enhancing UAV capabilities, with advanced payloads like the ASELFLIR 500/600 EO/IR cameras, guided munitions (TOLUN, TOLUN IIR), and guidance kits including GÖZDE, LGK, KGK and HGK. ASELSAN also showcased electronic warfare pods, signal intelligence, jamming solutions, radars, and communication systems for UAVs. In the naval sector, ASELSAN displayed solutions for the MİLGEM 5 Project, including naval surveillance radars, fire control radars, electro-optics, weapons, electronic warfare suites, and sonars.
ASELSAN booth was at the center of attention of the high-level delegations from Vietnam and the Pacific region. By participating in Vietnam Defense Expo, ASELSAN seeks to strengthen existing partnerships and explore new opportunities, bringing its world-class capabilities to users globally and continuing to innovate for the future of defense.
ASELSAN proudly continues its commitment to a sustainable future with the implementation of environmentally-friendly practices. Recently, ASELSAN became the first company in the defense industry in Türkiye to achieve the prestigious TS ISO 46001 Water Efficiency Management System certification.
This milestone reflects ASELSAN’s dedication to environmental responsibility and resource conservation. Through its water efficiency projects and the effective management of water resources, ASELSAN aims to address one of the most pressing global challenges—water scarcity—while setting an example for other organizations in the industry.
ASELSAN’s water-saving initiatives not only optimize resource utilization but also align with global sustainability goals. By reducing water consumption and adopting practices that ensure the responsible use of natural resources, ASELSAN significantly contributes to the preservation of the environment and the fight against climate change.
This certification is a testament to ASELSAN’s proactive approach to sustainability, reinforcing its mission to create a more sustainable world for future generations. ASELSAN’s efforts exemplify the role of innovation and leadership in building a greener and more resilient future, extending its impact beyond the defense sector. 🌱💧
ASELSAN Malaysia took a significant step towards strengthening its commitment to innovation and defense excellence during a visit to the National Defence University of Malaysia (NDUM) on December 27, 2024. The delegation, led by Retired Commander Asmayatim Abdul, Mr. Yusuf Ziya Seyitoğlu, and Ms. Anis Mahirah, was warmly received by Prof. Ts. Dr. Hj. Azizi bin Hj. Miskon, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) of NDUM, and the university’s leadership team.
The visit aimed to explore new areas for collaboration and to foster a deeper partnership in the fields of defense technology and innovation. The day’s events included a series of inspiring presentations, engaging discussions, and a symbolic contribution ceremony, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing academic and technological progress in the defense sector.
As part of the visit’s highlights, ASELSAN Malaysia donated to support a key program within NDUM focused on enhancing defense capabilities and research. This contribution underscores ASELSAN’s dedication not only to the future of defense innovation in Malaysia but also to supporting students and academic development in the country. With this step, ASELSAN Malaysia and NDUM have laid the foundation for transformative collaborations that will drive the future of defense studies and innovation.