ASELSAN, Turkey's leading defense and electronics company, is pursuing partnerships with Japanese firms on underwater unmanned vehicles and air defense systems to strengthen its position in Asian markets. In an interview with Nikkei Asia and other media outlets, company CEO Ahmet Akyol outlined ASELSAN's value proposition: faster delivery, cost-effectiveness, high performance, and systems proven in diverse operational environments.

ASELSAN has played a significant role in Turkey's defense sector since its establishment. The company is recognized for its expertise in radar, electronic warfare, and air defense systems. ASELSAN serves a core function in Turkey's multilayered integrated air defense system, known as Steel Dome. The company's growth has accelerated in recent years; in 2025, defense-related revenue increased 26 percent year-over-year to $4.46 billion.

Air defense systems are complex platforms that combine radar, communications, and missile technology to detect, track, and neutralize threats from manned aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles. ASELSAN's solutions in this domain have been refined through real-world operational data. Underwater unmanned vehicles are defensive systems designed to protect ships and naval platforms against submerged threats and underwater munitions. Akyol emphasized that cost-effective air defense systems against suicide drones and ship defense systems against underwater threats represent key areas of cooperation.

Turkey and Japan have sought closer defense ties in recent years. At a summit on September 22, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi proposed cooperation in defense equipment. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also underscored the importance of cooperation between their defense industries. According to remarks published by Nikkei, Akyol stated: "Politically, there is alignment between Turkey and Japan. From our side, together with Japanese companies and the Japanese government, we have to find a way to build areas of cooperation."

Turkish defense industry has made significant progress in localization and national production over the past two decades. Companies such as ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, and TUSAŞ have developed NATO-standard systems and gained the ability to compete in international markets. Partnership with a technologically advanced nation like Japan could further strengthen Turkey's global defense position. Globally, air defense systems such as Patriot, NASAMS, and Tor are widely deployed; however, ASELSAN's operational experience and cost advantage can offer a competitive alternative in the Asia-Pacific region.