ASELSAN General Manager Haluk Akyol stated at the Defense Industry Forum held in Ankara within the framework of the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit that the company has strengthened its position in the international market. Akyol emphasized that Turkey plays an important role within NATO through its geographic and military strength alongside defense industry capabilities. He noted that the Turkish Armed Forces, equipped entirely with domestic technology, are transferring these capabilities to international cooperation frameworks.

Akyol highlighted significant progress in developing an integrated layered air defense architecture. He explained that radar systems, high-altitude, medium-altitude and low-altitude air defense solutions, along with low-orbit satellite technology, contribute to NATO's security architecture. He emphasized that work conducted under the "Steel Dome" system framework is providing NATO with new capabilities. Progress has been made in increasing serial production capacity and accelerating deliveries.

Investment in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies remains central to ASELSAN's strategic priorities. The company operates artificial intelligence research with more than 2,000 engineers daily within a closed-network infrastructure. Akyol noted that Turkey's largest data center is located within ASELSAN and disclosed that specialized artificial intelligence models fed with sensitive military data are being developed. He emphasized that these models are in the phase of being integrated into products.

Significant progress is being made in quantum processor technology. Under the Superconducting Quantum Processor Unit (QPU) Development Project signed last week, quantum chips are being designed and a production facility is being constructed in Ankara. Akyol stated that investment in quantum processors, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems has become a focus of discussion, including during NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's visit. He noted that the company's innovative, rapid, and productive approach is being referenced by NATO.

Success in the international market is reflected in last year's export figures, with more than 50 percent of total exports going to NATO-aligned countries. Akyol anticipates this ratio will increase further in the coming period. The fact that the Turkish Armed Forces represent NATO's second-largest military ensures that developed products are first used and approved by domestic forces before entering the international arena. The acquired serial production capability and cost-effective approach are attracting increasing interest from European and NATO countries.

New responsibilities are being assumed in space technology. Within the framework of new-generation technology development programs to be jointly developed by NATO member states, ASELSAN has been tasked with designing secure communication satellites in low-earth orbit (LEO). This assignment is an indicator of the importance placed on Turkey's engineering competence in space technology and international reliability. In the coming period, the secure communication infrastructure to be established in LEO orbit will form the foundation for new-generation satellite networks that will meet critical military and strategic communication needs.