Aselsan

Lore & Background

Aselsan was founded by the Turkish Army Foundation in 1975 after the US's decision to put an embargo on Turkey due to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. The first CEO was M. Hacim Kamoy. In early 1979, after completing investments including card payment systems and infrastructure, Aselsan started production at its Macunköy facilities in Ankara. Since then, it has expanded its product and customer portfolio, mostly based on indigenous research and development, locally trained personnel, and in cooperation with other Turkish research institutions and universities.

On August 27, 2025, Aselsan delivered a 47-piece high, medium, and low-altitude air defense system and radar, totaling $460 million, to the Turkish Armed Forces at a ceremony attended by President Erdoğan in Ankara. These deliveries were the first component of Türkiye's air defense project, the Steel Dome, including ALP 100-G, ALP 300-G, Hisar, Siper, Korkut. Erdoğan stated that one Siper system consisting of 10 vehicles, three Hisar systems consisting of 21 vehicles, seven PUHU and two REDET electronic warfare systems were delivered. On 26 November 2025, the Turkish Defence Agency signed a $6.5 billion contract with Aselsan, Havelsan, and Roketsan for the procurement of new air-defense systems for the Steel Dome project.

Aselsan designs, develops and manufactures modern electronic systems for military and industrial customers in Turkey and abroad. The company is organized in five business sectors: Communication and Information Technologies, Microelectronics, Guidance and Electro-Optics, Radar and Electronic Warfare Systems, Defense Systems Technologies, and Transportation, Security, Energy and Automation Systems. It has facilities including the AB MikroNano Chip Factory, Radar and Electronic Warfare Technology Center, Air Defense Test and Integration Center, and the Oğulbey Technology Base, which is expected to become Europe's largest air defense facility.

Reader's Guide

Aselsan's significance lies in its role as a major Turkish defense contractor, developing indigenous military electronics for air, land, and maritime forces. The company's history is rooted in the US embargo following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, which spurred domestic production. Its 2025 deliveries under the Steel Dome project, including the Siper and Hisar systems, represent a key component of Turkey's national air defense strategy. The $6.5 billion contract signed in November 2025 with Aselsan, Havelsan, and Roketsan underscores its central role in this project. Aselsan's expansion includes international subsidiaries in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and plans in South Africa. The Oğulbey Technology Base, launched in August 2025, is intended to double production capacity and become Europe's largest air defense facility, marking a major investment in Turkey's defense industrial base. The company's products range from radars and electronic warfare systems to unmanned surface vehicles and UAVs, reflecting its broad technological capabilities.

Did You Know?

• On August 27, 2025, Aselsan delivered a $460 million air defense system package to the Turkish Armed Forces, including Siper and Hisar systems.
• The Oğulbey Technology Base, launched in August 2025, is expected to cost $1.5 billion and become Europe's largest air defense facility.
• Aselsan established Türkiye's first commercial chip factory in 2014 with Bilkent University, producing GaN chips for radars and missiles.