ASELSAN will undertake the Superconducting Quantum Processor Unit (QPU) Development Project under an agreement with the Presidency's Defense Industry Agency (SSB). With ASELSAN serving as prime contractor, the project is expected to run for four years and aims to domestically design and manufacture one of the most critical components of quantum computers—the processor unit.

Quantum computers are expected to play a transformative role across multiple sectors including defense, cybersecurity, cryptography, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, finance, and materials science through their exceptional computational capacity. Globally, technology companies, academic research institutions, and government-backed programs view quantum technologies as one of the most important strategic competition areas of the future. Ensuring Turkey's independence in this field and reducing dependence on foreign sources for critical components are among the project's core objectives.

ASELSAN General Manager Ahmet Akyol stated that the company has been conducting quantum technology research since 2021. Akyol noted that serial production of these units will take place at Turkey's first superconducting manufacturing facility, and investments are ongoing to establish a quantum chip production facility within ASELSAN. The project scope includes strengthening capabilities in condensed matter physics, microwave engineering, electronics, and quantum information theory, reinforcing research and development infrastructure, and establishing quantum technology infrastructure in defense, communications, and information security sectors.

The project will be executed through strategic partnerships with Sabancı University, Koç University, and TÜBİTAK's National Metrology Institute (UME). These collaborations will bridge academic research capacity with industrial application and support long-term quantum processor design development. These partnerships are critical for Turkey's workforce development in quantum technologies and strengthening its technological infrastructure.

Domestically developing quantum processor units will fill a significant gap in the Turkish defense industry ecosystem. Currently controlled by advanced nations, this field of quantum computer technology ranks among strategic technologies. ASELSAN's role as prime contractor demonstrates the company's high-technology product development capabilities and Turkey's defense industry capacity. Successful project completion could position Turkey as a regional quantum hardware hub and create export opportunities.