HAVELSAN General Manager Mehmet Akif Nacar explained the transformation in data processing and decision-making mechanisms of defense systems at the "Defense Ecosystem: Synergy of Technology Engineering" panel held at METU Culture and Congress Center. Noting that information systems designed for specific moments have been replaced by structures that generate meaning from continuous data flow, Nacar emphasized that this paradigm shift in software engineering has accelerated with artificial intelligence technologies.

Nacar stated that the transition from deterministic software to AI-based systems means analyzing large volumes of sensor data and providing real-time decision support from this data. While access to datasets was limited in the past, he noted that today massive amounts of data flow continuously, being used for anomaly detection, situational awareness, and decision support system development. Using the ADVENT Combat Management System developed for the Turkish Navy as an example, Nacar explained how the system manages data flow between fleet ships, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, and command centers in an integrated manner.

HAVELSAN developed the MAIN artificial intelligence infrastructure in 2024 for use in closed networks and classified data environments, Nacar noted, adding that the AI-supported new version of ADVENT, "ADVENT AI," was announced within the scope of SAHA 2026. While acknowledging that AI systems can create security issues outside human control, Nacar emphasized that in the current competitive environment, stepping back from this path is not possible.

STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz emphasized the critical role of research and development (R&D) and feasibility studies alongside engineering in the production process. Güleryüz stated that technology development is impossible without R&D, that STM conducts serious feasibility studies before R&D, and that the company consults with Turkish Armed Forces and the Defense Industry Agency. He noted that recent conflicts have created a paradigm shift in defense technology, with the interaction between FPV drones, electronic warfare solutions, and fiber optic systems demonstrating the pace of technological competition on the battlefield.

Güleryüz stated that agile approaches underpin Turkey's international success, noting that Baykar's UAV story beginning with BAYRAKTAR TB2 achieved rapid field deployment and incremental development, reaching a 65 percent market share in the global UAV market. He emphasized that no single company can be expert in all areas, requiring the integration of capabilities from other companies and startups in the ecosystem.

Mustafa İlbaş, General Manager of Military Factory and Shipyard Operating Corporation (ASFAT), stated that the organization successfully maintains, repairs, and modernizes aircraft, tanks, and ships in the Turkish Armed Forces inventory, extending these capabilities to allied nations. Explaining that the National Submarine (MİLDEN) project will use an air-independent propulsion system with hydrogen fuel cells alongside conventional diesel engines, İlbaş emphasized that this technology will extend the submarine's underwater endurance. Highlighting that energy supply security forms the foundation of defense security, İlbaş stressed the importance of hydrogen production through water electrolysis using renewable energy sources.