Latest news with #Aselsan
Broadcast Pro
7 days ago
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Aselsan to share space tech with Azerbaijan in strategic partnership
Aselsan proposes co-developing and localizing satellite payloads to boost Azerbaijans space engineering and position both nations as regional leaders in sovereign space systems. Türkiyes defence and technology company, Aselsan, has announced its readiness to share its advanced space technology expertise with Azerbaijan, signalling a significant step forward in the two countries' cooperation in high-tech and aerospace development. The move follows the successful first-year operation of TÜRKSAT-6A, Türkiyes first fully indigenous communications satellite, which entered orbit on July 9, 2024. Equipped with Aselsan-designed Ku- and X-band payloads, the satellite has proven Türkiyes capability to independently produce sophisticated space systems, placing it among only 11 nations globally with the ability to manufacture their own geostationary communications satellites. Building on this achievement, Aselsan intends to take part in the procurement process for Azerbaijans upcoming Azerspace-3 satellite. As part of its offer, the company is proposing not just the delivery of cutting-edge satellite systems, but also a technology transfer framework. This would enable joint development and localised production of satellite payloads in partnership with Azerbaijani engineers. This model aims to transform Azerbaijan from a customer into a co-developer of satellite technologies, laying the groundwork for a more self-reliant national space industry. The initiative is expected to strengthen Azerbaijans engineering capabilities and broaden its technical infrastructure, contributing to long-term sustainability and innovation in the sector.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New drone-destroying laser weapon with 1-mile-range tested for Turkey's ‘Steel Dome'
Turkish leading defense company Aselsan has successfully tested its GÖKBERK mobile anti-drone air defense weapon - which uses laser and electronic warfare (EW) to counter UAVs. The male Turkish name, can be roughly translated to "heavenly strength" or "sky defender." The system is designed to counter first-person-view (FPV) drones. The test verified GOKBERK's ability to track and destroy FPV threats automatically under various scenarios. The company added that this system will now play a 'critical role in [Turkey's] national air defense system, Steel Dome." The company 'continues to take important steps in the field of directed energy weapons, one of the new generation technologies. Previously proven effective against rotary- and fixed-wing kamikaze drones," the company continued. "GÖKBERK now showcased its advanced capabilities by detecting, autonomously tracking, and eliminating FPV drones across multiple test scenarios, demonstrating exceptional speed and precision in engagement,' they added. According to Aselsan, the system utilizes a combination of electronic warfare (EW) systems and high-energy lasers to either "soft kill" or "hard kill" targets. By all accounts, the system can tackle drones of various sizes from mini unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to larger rotary- or fixed-wing kamikaze drones. According to Aselsan, GOKBERK unites the company's İHTAR platform and the laser weapon on a platform with 6x6 mobile deployment capability instead of a distributed architecture. "GÖKBERK uses an indigenous laser source with high beam quality for hard kill destruction of targets, while also providing soft kill destruction with an electronic jammer developed by ASELSAN. The system can perform precise tracking with various electro-optical systems on the guidance unit," the company explains. The system also uses artificial intelligence (AI) to provide unparalleled tracking and target identification. Aselsan explains that this helps the system knock out potential threats at unprecedented speed. According to some reports, the system can destroy quadcopter-like targets at around 0.93 miles (1,500 meters) and fixed-wing drones at around 0.75 miles (1,200 meters). It is also reported that the system can melt a 6 mm steel sheet at 0.37 miles (600 meters). The system can operate autonomously 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and fire uninterruptedly for a long time. It creates maximum impact with minimum power and stands out as a cost-effective solution. The Steel Dome system, referred to by Aselsan, is part of Turkey's layered air defense system, which Turkish firms developed to protect air space against all threats. Similar in concept to Israel's Iron Dome system, the nation sees it as a vital defensive requirement as tensions rise in the region. 'The Steel Dome is very promising system. All nations want to have this kind of system,' Ahmet Akyol, president and CEO of Aselsan, told Breaking Defense last month. Aselsan 'can provide this solution for Turkey and allied countries right now," Akyol added. 'So in Turkey, this is in progress. Every year we are delivering new systems of the Steel Dome concept, which will benefit our region," he explained. The firm shared a video showing GÖKBERK's laser system, camera, and thermal camera mounted on a vehicle, eliminating multiple types of drones. "All major subcomponents of GÖKBERK have been designed and produced domestically, reinforcing [Turkey's] defense industry autonomy,' the company added. The firm added that the new system will be deployed to protect military bases, airports, power plants, and oil refineries. "With the data obtained from the firing tests and trials of GÖKBERK conducted under different weather conditions, improvement and development work on the system continues," the company added.
Bloomberg
06-03-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Turkish Stocks Set to Enter Bull Market after Third Rate Cut
Turkish stocks were set to enter a bull market, extending gains driven by expectations for further interest-rate cuts this year after Thursday's reduction. The Borsa Istanbul 100 Index rose as much as 1.8% to 10,376 points on Thursday, and is now up by 20% from the lows hit in early November. If that move holds until the close, it would put the market into bull territory. Since November, Akbank and Aselsan soared 56% and 73%, respectively, contributing the most to the rally.
Arab News
31-01-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Turkiye's compartmentalized approach to the Maghreb
The Maghreb, a region that serves as a crucial bridge between the Middle East, Africa and Europe, occupies a significant place in the foreign policy agenda of several regional actors, including Turkiye. Its connections to the Mediterranean, in particular, make it an important region for Ankara's geopolitical ambitions. Thus, Turkiye's policy in the Maghreb, which includes the countries of Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco and Libya, is part of its broader 'opening up to Africa' initiative, involving economic, energy and military motives. Turkiye is gradually developing its relations with Algeria, despite several differences, while building stronger ties with Libya, where it is involved both politically and militarily. Ankara also continues to foster economic and security relations with Tunisia and Morocco. However, Turkiye's engagement with these countries varies based on both sides' specific interests and the nature of their bilateral relations. Some of these states view Turkiye's growing engagement in their region as an opportunity, while some approach it with caution. If we were to categorize Turkiye's relations, we could argue that it enjoys strong ties with Tunisia and Libya, while its relations with Algeria and Morocco are still developing. Yet, Morocco is a step further forward than Algeria as it seeks to strengthen its defense ties with Turkiye. However, this motive could potentially cause concern in Algeria, as the two Maghreb states remain at odds, particularly over the Western Sahara issue. Morocco has recently emerged as one of the leading customers of Turkiye's defense industry and defense cooperation has become the main point of the two countries' developing relations. Morocco's military has integrated a fleet of 19 Bayraktar TB2 drones, which it acquired from Turkish defense company Baykar in September 2021. These drones have proven their operational effectiveness. Some of these states view Turkiye's growing engagement as an opportunity, while some approach it with caution Dr. Sinem Cengiz In November last year, Morocco confirmed its plan to acquire the Akinci model — a high-altitude, long-range drone also produced by Baykar — with the first deliveries expected soon. Rabat has also submitted a request to purchase 200 Turkish Cobra II armored vehicles, valued at about $136 million. For Morocco, strengthening its defense capabilities is part of a broader strategy to modernize its military infrastructure and enhance its security. For Turkiye, gaining Morocco as a new customer bolsters its footprint in the Maghreb's defense sector. The strong indications of growing defense collaboration were clear after a recent visit to Morocco by a delegation from Aselsan, Turkiye's leading defense company. The discussions with Aselsan were centered on the potential acquisition of a next-generation combat management system, which is expected to significantly enhance Morocco's naval defense capabilities. Aselsan this week secured a $50.7 million contract to supply Morocco with the Koral electronic warfare system. The strengthening of defense relations with Turkiye is not just about acquiring advanced weaponry — it also reflects Morocco's ambitions for a stronger position in the Maghreb. Signaling its commitment to this issue, Morocco also recently appointed a military attache to its embassy in Ankara. While strengthening its ties with Morocco, Turkiye should carefully balance its relations with Algeria, which is neither distant nor an ally for Ankara but plays a crucial role as a strategic gate to Turkiye's Maghreb policy, in which it has economic, energy and military objectives. Algeria shares a border with Libya, where Turkiye is trying to consolidate its political and military presence. Within this context, ignoring Algeria would not be a rational policy, but developing closer ties with it is equally complex. While Turkiye's relationship with Algeria presents opportunities, it also has challenges — particularly concerning defense ties with Morocco, Iran's influence in Algeria and Turkiye's growing presence in the Maghreb. Despite its more distant relations with Algeria, Turkiye places importance on the energy dimension of their ties. Last November, the liquefied natural gas supply deal between Turkish energy company Botas and Algeria's state-owned Sonatrach was extended for an additional three years, until 2027. In fact, there have been talks about increasing defense cooperation between Turkiye and Algeria in the past few years, though relations in this sector remain somewhat cautious. Despite its more distant relations with Algeria, Turkiye places importance on the energy dimension of their ties Dr. Sinem Cengiz Libya occupies a central role not only in Turkiye's Maghreb policy but also in its Mediterranean strategy, serving as a gateway for projecting Turkish influence. In 2020, Turkiye signed a military cooperation agreement with Libya, which allows Turkiye to deploy troops and provide military training, as well as to establish military bases in the North African country. Turkish military contractors have been involved in training and equipping Libyan forces and Turkiye has used its advanced Bayraktar TB2 drones. Turkish firms are pursuing major construction projects. Moreover, a recent energy agreement aims to tap into Libya's substantial oil reserves, estimated at 48 billion barrels. But in a significant shift from its traditional oil-based economy, Libya is also launching an ambitious renewable energy initiative with Turkish technology and expertise at its core. In addition to Libya, Tunisia is often considered one of Turkiye's closest allies in the Maghreb, marked by their cooperation in both the defense and economic sectors. Turkish construction company Biltek was last year awarded a contract to establish a regional maritime center of excellence in Bizerte, Tunisia. This contract reflects the growing defense ties between Turkiye and Tunisia, as well as the latter's openness to collaborating with Turkiye on strategic projects. The fragmented regional order and ongoing Ukraine crisis have made it increasingly difficult for European states to address the needs of the Maghreb countries. This situation has pushed these states closer to Turkiye, which is actively seeking new partners in Africa to fill the vacuum left by the declining Western involvement. In doing so, Ankara has compartmentalized its relations with each state to maintain a balanced approach across the region. • Dr. Sinem Cengiz is a Turkish political analyst who specializes in Turkiye's relations with the Middle East. X: @SinemCngz
Ya Biladi
26-01-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Turkish defense firm Aselsan targets Moroccan market
The Turkish ambassador in Rabat has announced on X the upcoming visit of a significant delegation from Aselsan, a company renowned for its production of communication systems and electronic defense. The diplomat has remained tight-lipped regarding the specific objectives of this Turkish mission to Morocco. In a related development, the defense-focused site Tactical Report disclosed in August 2022 that «Morocco would be in talks with the Turkish defense company Aselsan for the acquisition of a next-generation combat management system (CMS)». This system is anticipated to play a crucial role in helping Rabat reorganize its coastal defense capabilities. Since September 2021, the Royal Armed Forces have been equipped with a fleet of Bayraktar TB2 drones, manufactured by the Turkish company Baykar. These drones have demonstrated their effectiveness in operations against the Polisario. Looking ahead, the Moroccan military plans to acquire the Akinci model, a high-altitude unmanned aircraft also produced by Baykar. The company is led by Selçuk Bayraktar, who is notably the son-in-law of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
