With the start of a new edition of the International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE), the defense company ASELSAN is present in Santiago de Chile, bringing a wide range of systems, solutions, and platforms, showcasing its leading position as one of the key players in the Turkish defense industry. Zona Militar had the opportunity to interview the company’s President and CEO, Ahmet Akyol, to learn firsthand about the company’s current status and projections for the South American market, which has been identified as a target for ASELSAN, as well as for Türkiye.
ZM: As ASELSAN participates in FIDAE 2026, what are the company’s main expectations for this edition of the exhibition, and what role does Latin America currently play in its broader international strategy?
FIDAE is one of the leading defense and aerospace exhibitions in Latin America, and it represents an important platform that brings together decision-makers, industry stakeholders, and official delegations from across the region.
For ASELSAN, FIDAE 2026 represents a valuable opportunity to further deepen our commitment with regional partners. It allows us not only to strengthen existing relationships but also to explore new avenues of cooperation. We view the exhibition not only as a space to showcase our technologies, but more importantly as a strategic dialogue platform, where we can better understand operational requirements and align our solutions with the evolving needs of the region’s armed forces.
Latin America is playing an increasingly important role in our international strategy. The region is undergoing a sustained modernization process across multiple domains, with a growing demand for advanced, integrated, and cost-effective solutions. This aligns closely with our core competencies, particularly in systems integration, electronics, and platform modernization.
Our approach in the region is based on long-term partnerships rather than transactional relationships. We aim to position ourselves closer to our partners, with the goal of contributing not only through technology, but also through industrial cooperation, technology transfer, and sustainable capability development. In this context, FIDAE acts as a key gateway, both to reinforce our current presence and to expand our role as a reliable long-term partner in Latin America.
ZM: ASELSAN has significantly expanded its international presence in recent years. In the case of Latin America, how do you assess the company’s progress since opening its regional office in Chile, and which markets are currently of greatest interest?
Since establishing our regional office in Santiago, we have made steady and meaningful progress in strengthening ASELSAN’s presence in Chile. In the recent period, we have moved from an initial market entry phase toward more structured cooperation. This includes progress in ongoing programs, expanded dialogue with armed forces and government stakeholders, and deeper collaboration with local industry, in line with our long-term partnership approach.
As for markets, Chile remains an important reference point for us, especially in the context of ongoing modernization efforts. At the same time, we see strong potential in several countries across the region, driven by increased investments in platform modernization, border security, maritime domain awareness, and airspace control. Rather than prioritizing a single market, we adopt a regional perspective focused on opportunities where our integrated solutions and system-level expertise can deliver the greatest operational value.
Overall, our progress since opening the office has been about building a solid foundation, strengthening presence, generating trust, and positioning ASELSAN as a reliable long-term partner.
ZM: For this edition of FIDAE, what products, systems, or solutions does ASELSAN consider most relevant to present to the region’s armed forces, particularly in the air, land, and naval domains?
In the air domain, we highlight our electro-optical systems, such as ASELFLIR, along with AESA radar technologies, electronic warfare systems, precision-guided munitions, and satellite communication systems. These solutions are designed to enhance aerial surveillance, target acquisition, and overall mission effectiveness, enabling platforms to operate in increasingly contested and complex environments.
In the land domain, our focus is on advanced communications and command-and-control systems, including KOCATEPE, as well as our capabilities in combat vehicle modernization. These solutions strengthen battlefield coordination, improve situational awareness, and increase the survivability and effectiveness of armored and mechanized units—key aspects given ongoing modernization processes in the region.
In the naval domain, we present short-range weapon systems, electronic warfare solutions, unmanned surface vehicles, and comprehensive naval modernization solutions. These capabilities support force protection, enhance maritime domain awareness, and contribute to the operational effectiveness of naval platforms in both conventional and asymmetric threat environments.
Across all domains, what matters most is not just individual systems, but how they integrate within a unified, network-centric architecture. Our strength lies in offering interoperable solutions that connect sensors, effectors, and communication systems to enable more effective and coordinated operations.
Additionally, we present our City Guard and Border Guard concepts, which address the growing need for layered security solutions against asymmetric threats. These concepts combine surveillance, detection, and command capabilities to support both military and internal security missions.
Overall, our goal at FIDAE is to demonstrate how our technologies can support the region’s armed forces in building more connected, resilient, and future-ready operational capabilities.
ZM: In the field of air defense and counter-drone systems, ASELSAN has introduced solutions such as GÖKBERK and other very short- and short-range systems. How important are these capabilities within ASELSAN’s current portfolio, and what type of international demand are you observing?
Air defense and counter-drone capabilities have become a central pillar of ASELSAN’s portfolio, reflecting the rapid evolution of today’s threat environment. The increasing proliferation of unmanned aerial systems—from small commercial drones to more advanced tactical platforms—has made layered, responsive, and cost-effective air defense solutions an operational necessity.
In this context, systems such as the mobile laser system GÖKBERK, along with our very short- and short-range air defense solutions, play a critical role. These capabilities are designed to counter low-altitude, low-signature, asymmetric threats by combining advanced sensors, tracking systems, and effectors within an integrated architecture.
What differentiates our approach is integration. Rather than offering standalone systems, we provide layered air defense architectures where different components operate in coordination, ensuring continuous coverage, operational flexibility, and sustained threat neutralization. This is particularly relevant in counter-drone scenarios, where threats are often dynamic, swarm-based, difficult to detect, and costly to neutralize with conventional means.
In terms of international demand, we observe strong and growing interest across multiple regions, including Latin America. Armed forces and security institutions are increasingly prioritizing counter-UAV and short-range air defense capabilities to protect critical infrastructure, borders, and operational units.
ZM: In Latin America, many armed forces continue to focus on modernization programs for existing platforms. What kind of solutions can ASELSAN offer to upgrade aircraft, helicopters, naval vessels, or armored vehicles while keeping costs under control and meeting NATO standards?
Modernization of existing platforms is a key priority in Latin America, and it is an area where we bring extensive experience and added value. Rather than focusing solely on acquiring new platforms, we support armed forces in extending the operational life, effectiveness, and relevance of their current assets through targeted and cost-effective upgrades.
Our approach is based on modular, scalable, and open-architecture solutions that can be integrated into a wide range of platforms—including aircraft, helicopters, naval vessels, and armored vehicles—without requiring extensive structural modifications. This enables a phased modernization strategy, allowing capabilities to be enhanced incrementally while maintaining budget flexibility.
In the land domain, our solutions include fire control systems, command-and-control integration, active and passive protection systems, and vehicle electronics, all designed to improve operational performance and crew safety.
In 2023, ASELSAN, together with FAMAE, was awarded the contract to modernize Chile’s Leopard 2A4 tanks. Within this framework, the program has progressed through structured phases with clearly defined roles: ASELSAN provides advanced electronic systems and sensors, while FAMAE leads integration and sustainment. In 2024, efforts focused on system design, defining architecture and subsystem selection in line with operational requirements. For the 2025–2026 period, the program moved into implementation, with Leopard 2A4 tanks equipped with ASELSAN electro-optical systems and enhanced communication solutions. The modernization focuses on improving fire control, advanced observation systems, situational awareness, and crew connectivity. Additional capabilities—such as protection systems and laser warning receivers—demonstrate a scalable, open-architecture approach. Following successful qualification tests, the program is entering the serial integration phase across the fleet, marking a key modernization milestone and a strong example of international cooperation.
For air platforms, we offer avionics upgrades, electro-optical systems, mission computers, electronic warfare suites, and advanced communication systems that significantly enhance situational awareness, survivability, and mission effectiveness.
In the naval domain, we provide comprehensive modernization packages covering sensors, electronic warfare, weapon systems, and integrated communication solutions compatible with various combat management systems. These upgrades increase interoperability, maritime awareness, and defensive capabilities, ensuring that existing fleets maintain full operational effectiveness in complex environments.
A key advantage of our solutions is their compliance with NATO standards and their ability to integrate seamlessly with both legacy and modern systems. At the same time, we place strong emphasis on cost efficiency by leveraging open architectures, smart integration, and optimization of existing infrastructure.
Ultimately, our goal is to deliver high-impact capability enhancements with controlled lifecycle costs, enabling our partners to achieve modern, network-centric operational capabilities without fully replacing their platforms.
ZM: ASELSAN has developed strong capabilities in sensors, radars, electro-optics, electronic warfare, and mission systems. From your perspective, what combination of these technologies is most attractive today for air forces seeking to improve surveillance, airspace control, and combat survivability?
The most relevant capability for today’s air forces does not lie in individual systems, but in the seamless integration of complementary technologies within a unified operational architecture. True advantage is achieved when radars, electro-optical sensors, electronic warfare systems, and mission command networks function as a coherent, network-centric ecosystem.
For surveillance and airspace control, our integrated approach combines advanced radar systems such as ALP and KALKAN for long-range detection with electro-optical solutions like ASELPOD and ASELFLIR, enabling precise identification and tracking. When these sensor layers are connected through robust command-and-control infrastructures such as ASELSAN’s HERİKKS, they generate a real-time recognized air picture, allowing decision-makers to respond more quickly and confidently.
At the same time, combat survivability increasingly depends on the effective use of electronic warfare and self-protection systems. Our solutions such as FEWS, HEWS, and KORAL, supported by secure and resilient tactical data links, provide the ability to detect, identify, and counter threats across the electromagnetic spectrum while maintaining protected and uninterrupted communications.
Ultimately, the most attractive combination for modern air forces is this integrated, multi-layered structure: radar for persistent detection, electro-optics for precise identification, electronic warfare for protection and suppression, and mission systems for data fusion and decision superiority. This approach not only enhances situational awareness and airspace control but also ensures operational effectiveness and survivability in increasingly complex environments.
ZM: The company has also developed guidance kits and smart munitions. How do you assess the evolution of this market, and what competitive advantages does ASELSAN offer in terms of precision, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability?
From our perspective, the evolution of the precision-guided munitions market is being driven by a clear trend: achieving greater operational effect with fewer, more precise, and more adaptable weapons. Increased defense spending, rapid technological advancements, and lessons learned from recent conflicts are driving demand for high-precision, cost-effective strike capabilities, especially those that enable modernization of existing inventories.
In response, ASELSAN has focused on developing modular guidance kits and smart munition solutions that combine precision, flexibility, and affordability. Our portfolio includes systems such as the HGK (precision guidance kit), KGK (winged guidance kit), and LGK (laser guidance kit) families, along with complete smart munitions such as the TOLUN family.
In terms of precision, our systems incorporate multi-mode guidance architectures, including GPS/INS and laser designation. For example, HGK enables high-precision strikes against fixed targets, while LGK allows engagement of moving targets through laser designation. KGK, with its winged structure, provides extended-range strike capability. Additionally, munitions like TOLUN deliver high-precision effects with low collateral damage.
Regarding cost-effectiveness, one of our main advantages is the ability to convert conventional unguided bombs into precision munitions. This allows air forces to leverage existing inventories, significantly reducing acquisition and lifecycle costs.
Adaptability is another key strength. We design our systems to be modular and compatible with a wide range of platforms, both manned and unmanned, enabling rapid integration and high operational flexibility.
ZM: For many countries in the region, technology transfer, local logistical support, and personnel training are key factors in procurement decisions. What cooperation model does ASELSAN propose for Latin America?
Our approach to international cooperation, particularly in regions such as Latin America, is based on the understanding that sustainable capability development goes far beyond direct acquisition. Today, our partners seek not only proven technologies but also long-term collaborations that strengthen local industry, increase operational autonomy, and contribute to human capital development.
We adopt a flexible, partnership-oriented model tailored to each country’s priorities and industrial capabilities. While direct sales may serve as an entry point, our approach increasingly focuses on local integration, technology transfer, and the establishment of in-country support structures.
A key pillar of our model is co-development and joint production, where feasible. By working closely with local industrial partners, we aim to contribute to the growth of national defense ecosystems, enabling countries not only to operate our systems but also to participate in their production, maintenance, and future evolution. We are even open to exporting products from local production capabilities, generating additional revenue for partner countries.
At the same time, we place great importance on local logistical support and lifecycle management. Establishing regional maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities, supported by local teams, ensures high system availability and reduces dependence on external supply chains.
Equally important is our commitment to training and knowledge transfer. Through comprehensive programs for operators, engineers, and technical personnel, we help our partners develop the capabilities needed to operate and sustain advanced systems autonomously.
Ultimately, we envision a multi-level cooperation model in Latin America, evolving from direct supply to deeper industrial collaboration, including joint ventures and regional production partnerships, aligned with each country’s strategic objectives. Our goal is to move beyond the traditional supplier–client relationship and build lasting partnerships based on joint capability development and mutual growth.
You may also like: Milestone of the Chilean Air Force – One of its KC-135E Stratotanker refueled U.S. F-35A Lightning II fighters in flight
