One of the key energy technology players in Turkey’s defense industry, ASPİLSAN, is entering a new phase by adapting its mission- and safety-critical battery solutions, originally developed for military platforms, to civilian markets. This strategic vision was shared by ASPİLSAN General Manager Ahmet Turan Özdemir during the 5th Conference on Global Strategies in the Defense and Aerospace Industry.

Özdemir emphasized that the defense industry is not only a pillar of national security but also a driving force for technological advancement, qualified employment, and exports. He underlined that Turkey’s defense ecosystem plays a vital role in transferring high-end technologies to other sectors. In this context, the Presidency of Defence Industries encourages the “dual-use” concept, promoting the civilian adaptation of technologies initially developed for military needs.

Operating in the energy and battery sector, ASPİLSAN holds a significant advantage in this transformation. The company develops solutions that support green transformation in armed forces, including reducing carbon footprints, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, integrating renewable energy sources, and managing smart grids. These capabilities have enabled ASPİLSAN to produce highly qualified batteries for critical military platforms while seamlessly adapting the same technologies for civilian use.

One prominent example of this transfer is storage-supported electric vehicle charging stations. These systems are designed to meet charging demand in areas with limited grid capacity, without overloading the grid or requiring costly infrastructure investments. By offering innovative energy storage solutions, ASPİLSAN aims to first meet military requirements and subsequently scale these technologies for widespread civilian use.

Addressing global market dynamics, Özdemir noted that the battery sector is largely dominated by China. However, increasing efforts—particularly within NATO—to establish supply chains independent of China are creating new opportunities. With uninterrupted operations since 1981 and over four decades of experience, ASPİLSAN stands out through its expertise in military-grade and high-performance battery solutions. Supported by public policies and new investments, the company aims to expand its infrastructure, human resources, and export capacity, positioning itself as a strategic energy technology provider in both defense and civilian domains.