ASELSAN, one of Türkiye’s leading defense industry companies, has taken a significant step to strengthen its presence in the European defense market. The company signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Excalibur International, a Czech defense firm operating under the umbrella of the CSG Group. The agreement foresees the establishment of a Europe-based joint venture aimed at expanding shared defense capabilities for both European and global markets.

One of the first concrete outcomes of this partnership will be the integration of the KORKUT Air Defense System onto the Tatra Force 6x6 wheeled platform. This configuration is designed to meet the operational requirements of European armed forces while also addressing the needs of the global market. With its high mobility and modular structure, the KORKUT system offers an effective solution against low-altitude threats, particularly unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, and asymmetric air threats.

As part of the localization strategy, production and industrial activities are planned to be transferred to CSG facilities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. This approach is expected to enhance supply chain integration within Europe while establishing ASELSAN as a long-term industrial partner in the region. Beyond air defense, the joint venture will also focus on technical cooperation in key areas such as electronic warfare, smart munitions, and border security systems.

Excalibur International CEO Milos Sivara emphasized that KORKUT provides a highly effective and cost-efficient solution against hostile UAVs, noting that its programmable ammunition allows targets to be neutralized at a cost comparable to the UAV itself—an advantage not achievable with traditional missile-based air defense systems. ASELSAN CEO Ahmet Akyol stated that the partnership strengthens ASELSAN’s industrial footprint in Europe and enables the company to deliver combat-proven, flexible air defense solutions tailored to the operational needs of European and allied armed forces.