Newsletter No:7

ASELSAN’s GÖKBERK Mobile Laser Weapon System successfully neutralized FPV drones, a significant threat in modern conflicts, during its latest field tests. The system demonstrated automatic detection, tracking, and elimination of FPV threats across multiple scenarios, proving its high-precision targeting, rapid engagement time, and uninterrupted operational capability. With this achievement, GÖKBERK has reinforced its position as a critical component of Türkiye’s Steel Dome air defense system.

Developed with contributions from key industry partners including TÜBİTAK BİLGEM, all major subcomponents of GÖKBERK have been designed and produced domestically, reinforcing Türkiye’s defense industry autonomy. The system combines İHTAR platform with a high-energy laser weapon on a 6x6 mobile platform, ensuring both hard kill and soft kill destruction of aerial threats such as mini/micro-UAVs and IEDs. GÖKBERK also features an indigenous laser source, AI-powered tracking algorithms, and advanced electro-optical sensors, enabling highly accurate and effective target engagement in various operational environments.

Designed for 24/7 uninterrupted operation, GÖKBERK is a cost-effective and high-impact defense solution, making it ideal for protecting military bases, airports, power plants, and other strategic locations. With continued testing under diverse weather conditions, ASELSAN remains committed to enhancing and evolving GÖKBERK’s capabilities, further strengthening Türkiye’s defense industry autonomy.

ASELSAN’s GÖZDE Guidance Kit has made history by successfully striking a high-speed moving target during a live-fire test with an F-16 fighter jet. This achievement showcased GÖZDE’s advanced targeting capabilities, marking a significant milestone in Türkiye’s precision strike technology and solidifying its position as a transformative solution for aerial platforms with unmatched accuracy against both stationary and moving threats.

Developed in collaboration with TÜBİTAK SAGE, GÖZDE utilizes an advanced INS/GNSS/Laser Seeker guidance system to track and eliminate moving targets with pinpoint accuracy. Without requiring a propulsion system, GÖZDE enhances the effectiveness of the 500 LB MK-82 bomb family by transforming it into a highly precise, cost-effective munition. The system is integrated into both manned and unmanned aerial platforms, including the F-16 and Bayraktar AKINCI, ensuring operational superiority in diverse combat environments. With its unique ability to engage both fixed and high-speed moving targets, GÖZDE significantly enhances Türkiye’s airstrike capabilities. 

ASELSAN President & CEO Ahmet Akyol emphasized the strategic importance of this achievement, stating: "GÖZDE’s successful live-fire test against a moving target is a demonstration of ASELSAN’s position at the forefront of precision strike technologies. This capability, possessed by only a handful of countries, provides Türkiye with a critical strategic advantage. As we continue toward our 2030 vision of becoming one of the world’s top 30 defense companies, this milestone further reinforces our commitment to delivering cutting-edge, indigenous solutions that address the evolving challenges of modern warfare."

ASELSAN’s MURAD 100-A AESA Multi-Functional Fire Control Radar has reached a major milestone with the successful completion of multiple target tracking tests with Bayraktar AKINCI platform in March 2025. Following its integration onto Bayraktar AKINCI with its first flight in February, and multiple tracking tests in March, the radar will be tested with F-16, Bayraktar AKINCI and HÜRJET Jet Trainer and Light Combat Aircraft in the upcoming period. Enhancing the operational capabilities of manned and unmanned air platforms, MURAD 100-A represents a revolutionary advancement in radar technology.

In 2024, software integration of MURAD 100-A to Bayraktar AKINCI was completed. The radar was successfully integrated onto AKINCI and its first flight was successfully conducted in February 2025. In March 2025, multiple target tracking tests are successfully completed once more with the platform.  

With these successful tests, the system has demonstrated its advanced tracking and engagement capabilities, paving the way for future integrations. Looking ahead, flight tests with F-16 ÖZGÜR and AKINCI will continue in parallel with the radar's integration onto the HÜRJET Jet Trainer and Light Combat Aircraft.

MURAD 100-A AESA Radar features electronic beam steering thanks to its AESA antenna architecture, enabling multi-functional fire control with both air-to-air and air-to-ground engagement capabilities. Its ability to support beyond-visual-range missile guidance makes it a critical high-tech radar system for next-generation air platforms.

ASELSAN participated in the Undersea Defence Technology (UDT) 2025 exhibition, held in Oslo Norway between 25-27 March, highlighting its latest advancements in undersea warfare, sonar technology, and naval communications. The event served as a key platform for ASELSAN to engage with industry leaders, defense officials, and technology experts, reinforcing its role as a provider of cutting-edge naval defense solutions. 

With the vision of responding to the different needs of both local and international customers, ASELSAN has developed an exceptional level of expertise, particularly in the field of maritime defense. As part of its ongoing commitment to innovation, ASELSAN showcased its latest naval solutions including DÜFAS low-frequency towed active/passive sonar system, DERİNGÖZ autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), aselBUOY sonobuoy system and ZOKA acoustic decoy system, taking the spotlight. With its participation to UDT ASELSAN highlighted its dedication to providing cutting-edge technologies that enhance the operational and strategic capabilities of modern navies worldwide. 

ASELSAN took center stage at Satellite 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious space and satellite communication events, held in Washington, D.C., from March 10 to 13, 2025. By presenting its cutting-edge satellite and space communication solutions, ASELSAN reinforced its role as a key player in the global industry. The company’s participation underscored its commitment to innovation and its contributions to the evolving landscape of satellite technologies. 

At ASELSAN’s booth, Türksat 6A Satellite Model and Türksat 5B Satellite and Equipment Set highlighted the company’s satellite development expertise, while X-Band Transmitter Unit used for Earth Observation Satellites, Manpack Satcom Terminal, and 38 cm Submarine Satcom Antenna presented as ASELSAN’s Space and Satcom Products. Additionally, L-Band Satellite Modem demonstrated its advancements in secure and high-performance satellite communications.

Bringing together leading executives, experts, and decision-makers, Satellite 2025 served as a platform for Türkiye’s active engagement in shaping the future of the industry. The event also marked a significant milestone with the official inauguration of ASELSAN’s booth by Turkish Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Ömer Fatih Sayan, drawing considerable interest from industry professionals. Engaging in collaborative discussions and technology-sharing opportunities, ASELSAN strengthened its global partnerships while reinforcing its commitment to mission-critical solutions for both military and civilian space and satellite communication applications.

As part of Türkiye’s MİLGEM 6-12 Project, seven state-of-the-art frigates are being built to enhance the Turkish Naval Forces' operational capabilities. ASELSAN has played a crucial role in the project by developing and delivering GEMS (Integrated Communication System) and IdentIFF (Identification Friend and Foe) systems, further reinforcing national defense. These critical systems successfully completed factory acceptance tests, with the first delivery made in March for the program’s initial frigate. With ASELSAN’s successful deliveries, the first MİLGEM frigate is now one step closer to joining the Turkish Naval Forces. ASELSAN’s contribution to the project demonstrates its commitment to strengthening Türkiye’s defense industry and ensuring the nation’s maritime superiority.

GEMS is a comprehensive communication system covering the entire ship and consisting of over 2,000 interconnected components. Specifically designed for naval platforms, it ensures secure, uninterrupted, and high-speed internal and external communication across all mission areas. By integrating advanced encryption and signal processing technologies, GEMS enables seamless coordination between the ship, other naval assets, and command centers.

IdentIFF system, on the other hand, is a critical defense technology that enables the ship to accurately distinguish between friendly and enemy platforms in its operational environment. This capability significantly improves situational awareness and threat assessment, allowing the crew to make faster and more informed decisions in complex scenarios. IdentIFF plays a key role in reducing the risk of friendly fire incidents while strengthening overall mission effectiveness.

ASELSAN’s LGK-82 laser guidance kit has once again proven its exceptional precision by successfully striking a target from ANKA III - unmanned combat aerial vehicle live-fire test. This milestone highlights ASELSAN’s leadership in precision-guided munitions and reinforces LGK-82’s role as a critical asset for Türkiye’s aerial strike capabilities. The test demonstrated seamless integration with ANKA III, validating its effectiveness in high-accuracy, autonomous engagements across multiple platforms.

During the test, the target was designated by ANKA III’s onboard electro-optical system and tracked by LGK-82’s integrated laser seeker head, ensuring a precise hit. Developed by ASELSAN, LGK-82 converts MK, NEB, and OFAB-class bombs into cost-effective and highly reliable guided munitions. Its modular design allows integration across a wide range of aerial platforms, including ANKA III and AKSUNGUR, providing the Turkish Armed Forces with a critical strategic advantage. The system’s ability to deliver pinpoint accuracy minimizes collateral damage while enhancing operational effectiveness in dynamic combat environments.

The success of LGK-82 in this test showcases ASELSAN’s advanced guidance technology, positioning it as a strong competitor not only within Türkiye but also in the global defense market. With its high-precision engagement capability against both stationary and moving targets, LGK-82 strengthens Türkiye’s defense autonomy and expands its role in modern aerial warfare.

Following the initial delivery of ASELSAN’s SMASH 100/30 System on the OOB-31 Omis-class patrol vessel to the Croatian Navy, sea acceptance tests of SMASH 100/30 for the second vessel, OOB-32 Umag, were successfully completed in Croatia as part of live-fire trials. With these successful tests and deliveries, collaboration between ASELSAN and the Croatian Navy is expected to expand in the near future.

The OOB-31 Omis-class patrol vessel, integrated with ASELSAN’s SMASH 100/30 Remote-Controlled Stabilized Weapon System, was delivered to the Croatian Navy and in active service since 2018. After the completion of the sea acceptance tests of the system for the second vessel, SMASH’s proven performance is expected to lead to the addition of Remote-Controlled Naval Weapon Systems of different calibers to the Croatian fleet soon.

ASELSAN’s uniquely designed SMASH 100/30 Remote-Controlled Stabilized Weapon System delivers high strike performance. SMASH is preferred by end users across various regions due to its reliability, adaptability to different platforms, and ease of use. 

Gebze-Darıca metro line now features GoA-4 level COBaLT CITYLINE, Türkiye's first nationally developed driverless metro signaling system using Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology. The Unattended Train Operation (UTO) test was successfully conducted with the presence of Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure. Spanning 15.4 km with 11 stations, the metro line has a daily passenger capacity of 330,000 and integrates seamlessly with Marmaray and other metro lines, creating a vital transportation corridor for Istanbul and Kocaeli.

Developed with ASELSAN’s advanced engineering capabilities, the system is Türkiye’s first nationally produced fully autonomous metro signaling solution. It ensures high safety, operational efficiency, and energy savings. As a GoA4-level driverless system, it enables optimized train scheduling, reduced waiting times, and enhanced passenger experience. This project underscores Türkiye’s technological expertise in railway systems and highlights ASELSAN’s growing role in smart and sustainable transportation solutions.

With testing successfully completed, the Gebze-Darıca metro line will soon be operational, improving connectivity and easing urban mobility challenges.