ASELSAN: The Titan of Turkish Defense Industry ...
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ASELSAN: The Titan of Turkish Defense Industry (2026 Analysis)

7 min read Updated: December 26, 2025

ASELSAN is no longer just a Turkish company; it is the technological insurance policy of an independent nation. As the flagship of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation (TSKGV), this giant has evolved from a local radio manufacturer into one of the Top 50 defense companies globally.

Why does this matter to the outside world? Because ASELSAN’s story is the ultimate case study in strategic autonomy. In an era where geopolitical tensions are weaponizing supply chains, ASELSAN provides the answer through self sufficiency. With a backlog that hit a historic $17.9 billion in 2025 and exports reaching over 90 countries, the company is playing in a league of its own.

The Rise: From Survival Mode to Global Powerhouse

The founding of ASELSAN in 1975 wasn’t a standard business decisionit was an act of survival. Following the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation, the US and other allies imposed a strict arms embargo on Turkey. Suddenly, the Turkish military found itself without critical communication equipment.

Turkey’s response was blunt: “We will build it ourselves.” What started with basic tactical radios has morphed into a high performance hub for avionics, radar systems, and electronic warfare. This “defiant DNA” remains the company’s driving force today, fueling innovations that ripple far beyond military applications. It mirrors the broader industrial shift we are seeing across the country, similar to how Turkish shipyards have become global heavyweights in the naval sector.

Financial Muscle: The 2025 Scorecard

Let’s look at the hard data that has analysts and investors paying attention. The latest financials (as of the first 9 months of 2025) paint a picture of exponential growth:

  • Revenue Growth: A currency adjusted increase of over 12% to approximately $3.0 billion.
  • Order Boom: In the first nine months of 2025 alone, new contracts worth $5.7 billion were signed.
  • Export Record: International contracts valued at $1.45 billiona massive 171% leap compared to the previous year.
  • Backlog: A historic high of $17.9 billion, securing production capacity for years to come.

These numbers reflect a shift in the macroeconomic landscape. Much like the top Turkish iron casting manufacturers provide the raw industrial base, ASELSAN is now providing the high-tech layer that sits on top, increasingly replacing traditional imports.

Aselsan Corporate Headquarters
The ASELSAN headquarters in Ankara the heart of Turkish defense technology.
Strategic Autonomy

ASELSAN TITAN

Global Powerhouse & Defense Technology Hub. Redefining the 2026 Geopolitical Landscape.

$17.9B Historic Backlog
+171% Export Growth
90+ Global Markets
Rank 42 Global Defense List
STEEL DOME

Electronic Warfare

AESA Radar systems and ASELFLIR-500 optical mastery.

Technological Insurance

In-house source codes and critical system independence.

Vision 2030

The 'aselsaneXt' roadmap to enter the Global Top 30.

GLOBAL POSITIONING ACTIVE
EST. 1975 • ANKARA TECH HUB

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Tech Dominance: Beyond Just Weapons

Today, ASELSAN is present in almost every domain of modern warfare and civilian security technology. This is where the contenders are separated from the pretenders: while many companies simply assemble bought components, ASELSAN develops the critical source codes and systems in-house.

1. The “Steel Dome” Project (Çelik Kubbe)

Perhaps the most ambitious initiative is the “Steel Dome”—an integrated air defense architecture designed to shield the entire Turkish airspace. ASELSAN provides the brains for this operation: sophisticated radar systems (like the ALP 300-G) and command centers that neutralize threats in real-time.

2. Electronic Warfare & Radar

In modern combat, the winner isn’t the one with the biggest bomb, but the one who remains invisible. ASELSAN’s Electronic Countermeasure (ECM) systems and AESA radars are world-class. The electro optical system ASELFLIR-500, already exported to 16 countries, is widely considered one of the best in its class for drones and reconnaissance aircraft.

3. Civilian Tech & Smart Cities

Less publicized but equally vital: ASELSAN is leveraging its military expertise for civilian solutions. From railway signaling systems to medical imaging devices, the company is diversifying its portfolio intelligently to mitigate risk.

State-of-the-art Aselsan weapon systems

Global Wins and Milestones (2024-2025)

Forget the old headlines. Here is what ASELSAN is delivering right now:

  • Latin America: Won a major tender for tank modernization in Chile.
  • Asia & Pacific: Opened new offices and saw massive export increases, particularly in naval and communication systems.
  • Top 100 Ranking: Climbed to rank 42 in the prestigious “Defense News Top 100” list (2024), solidifying its position among the global giants.
  • Vision 2030: With the “aselsaneXt” program, the company aims to break into the global Top 30 defense firms by 2030.

This success is built on a solid foundation. Whether you are looking into starting a company in Turkey or sourcing defense contracts, understanding giants like ASELSAN is crucial to navigating the local market.

Contact and Location

ASELSAN operates out of several high-tech campuses in Ankara. For business inquiries or investor relations:

Website: www.aselsan.com.tr

Headquarters (Macunköy Facilities):
Mehmet Akif Ersoy Mahallesi, İstiklal Marşı Caddesi No: 16,
06200 Yenimahalle / Ankara, TURKEY

Tip: Navigating Ankara can be tricky. Make sure you understand the Turkish address format before hailing a taxi to the facility.

Phone: +90 312 592 10 00

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