One of Türkiye’s leading defense industry companies, ASELSAN, is set to leave a strong mark on 2026 with multiple high-impact projects. Speaking at the World Defense Show 2026 held in Riyadh, ASELSAN CEO Ahmet Akyol shared important updates on air defense, radar, and electro-optical systems in an exclusive interview.

According to Akyol, new systems will soon be added to Türkiye’s integrated air defense architecture known as Steel Dome. New 25 mm and 30 mm variants of the KORKUT close-in air defense system are expected to be unveiled shortly, while development continues on enhanced versions of the long-range Siper system to counter high-altitude threats. ASELSAN aims not only to produce these systems but also to deliver them in large numbers, targeting more than 100 Steel Dome-related deliveries within the year.

Radar technologies remain another focal point. The MURAD AESA Radar, currently in serial production, is scheduled to enter operational service alongside the induction of the unmanned combat aircraft KIZILELMA. ASELSAN emphasizes that its AESA radar solutions are not limited to aircraft and UAVs but are also actively used in air defense systems, matching—and in some areas exceeding—the capabilities of global counterparts.

In the electro-optical domain, ASELFLIR 600 stands out as one of the most advanced systems in its class worldwide. ASELSAN confirmed that ASELFLIR 600 will officially enter the Turkish Armed Forces inventory this year. Beyond this milestone, the company is already working on next-generation electro-optical sensors, including mission-specific cameras offering higher resolution, longer detection ranges, and enhanced operational flexibility.

These developments underline ASELSAN’s long-term strategy: not only achieving technological self-sufficiency but also pushing beyond current standards with continuously evolving systems. With expanding domestic deployment and increasing international demand, ASELSAN is expected to remain a prominent name in global defense technology discussions in the coming years.