Turkey’s leading defence electronics company ASELSAN has announced a new international sales agreement worth approximately $171 million, strategically defining its position as an important player in advanced defence systems exports. The announcement was made in a formal filing to the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP) according to Hürriyet Daily News.
According to ASELSAN’s official disclosure, the contract entails the export of advanced communication systems and mission payloads for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) to a client operating in the Asia‑Pacific region. The specific identity of the customer remains undisclosed presently.
These technologies are designed to facilitate secure, resilient communications as well as operational flexibility and mission effectiveness for unmanned naval platforms, a rapidly growing segment of modern maritime forces. Unmanned surface vehicles are increasingly used for surveillance, reconnaissance, mine counter‑measures, and force protection missions.
Importance of the Deal
Continued Export Momentum
This agreement adds to ASELSAN’s growing credibility and strong export momentum. In 2025, the company’s backlog of international orders reportedly surged to $17.9 billion, fortified by large growth in overseas contracts. This includes export contracts worth roughly $1.45 billion in the first nine months of the year, representing a 171 % increase compared to the previous period.
ASELSAN’s Global Expansion and Strategic Role
Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Ankara, ASELSAN has grown to become Turkey’s largest defence electronics firm and one of the top 50 defence companies globally. Its portfolio spans communication systems, radar, electro‑optics, electronic warfare suites, guidance systems, naval and air platforms, and more.
ASELSAN has recently been seen focusing heavily on international markets, especially in the Asia‑Pacific, Middle East and Africa regions, as part of a broader “export‑driven growth strategy.” In 2024, the company reported signing export contracts worth more than $1 billion, a record result in its history, and expanding its global presence to multiple new countries. (reported from the Aselsan website)
These achievements align with Turkey’s strategic plans to limit dependency on foreign technologies, increase high‑value exports, and support national economic growth through innovation‑focused production and international partnerships.
Strategic Implications of the Asia‑Pacific Focus
The fact that this $171 million deal involves an Asia‑Pacific client is strategically significant. Many nations in the region from Southeast Asia to Oceania are investing heavily in maritime security, coastal protection and next‑generation naval capabilities in response to evolving regional security dynamics.
ASELSAN’s ability to compete in this space with advanced communication and unmanned systems reflects both its technical maturity and the shifting patterns of defence procurement, where smaller, high‑tech platforms are increasingly favoured alongside traditional naval assets.
Broader Export History and Performance
In 2024, the company signed export contracts exceeding $1 billion and recorded notable increases in both direct and indirect export revenue.
According to Hürriyet Daily News, its export portfolio in 2025 included deals covering radars, communication payloads, and electronic warfare systems, with notable contract signings across multiple regions.
According to Anadolu Ajansı, the previous years also saw significant agreements, like the $79.2 million export deal for radar and sonar systems to Asian and Middle East markets in 2024. The company’s long‑term vision — often referred to in corporate planning documents as aselsaneXt2030 emphasizes technology leadership, export market penetration and sustained R&D investment, aiming to place ASELSAN among the top 30 defence firms worldwide by 2030.
Industry and National Impact
This deal also fits into Turkey’s broader defence and industrial strategy, where defence exports have become a major growth pillar. Recent industry figures show that Turkish defence companies like ASELSAN significantly increased export revenues in 2024 and 2025, contributing to enhanced foreign exchange earnings and deeper integration into global supply chains. (www.defenceturkey.com)
Strategically, producing and exporting systems such as those covered by this latest contract boosts Turkey’s geopolitical influence, particularly in regions where maritime security and deterrence are rising priorities. Partnering with foreign navies and government agencies through high‑tech exports strengthens long‑term defence cooperation and opens doors for future multi‑domain collaborations.
With the $171 million international deal now secured, ASELSAN is positioned to continue its expansion into high‑growth defence markets while leveraging its R&D strength and broad product portfolio. Continued investment in unmanned systems, communication networks, radar and electronic warfare technologies will likely define the company’s next phase of growth.
As global demand for advanced, networked defence solutions grows, ASELSAN’s increasing export footprint — particularly in fast‑evolving regions like the Asia‑Pacific — could make it a significant player not just for Turkish national interests but also for partner nations seeking cutting‑edge systems.
Turkey’s Defence Deals:
Turkey Explores Joining Saudi–Pakistan Defence Pact: https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/turkey-explored-joining-saudi-pakistan-defence-pact/
Turkey’s TPAO Enters Pakistan’s Hydrocarbon Frontier: Strategic Stakes Beyond Headlines: https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/turkeys-tpao-enters-pakistans-hydrocarbon-frontier-strategic-stakes-beyond-headlines/
Turkey’s Transnational Jihad: Proxy Warfare, SADAT and Terror Financing: https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/turkeys-transnational-jihad-proxy-warfare-sadat-and-terror-financing/
Turkey Extends Syria and Iraq Military Mandate to 2028: https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/turkey-extends-syria-and-iraq-military-mandate-to-2028/
US Blocks Engine Exports for Turkey’s KAAN Fighter Jet: https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/us-blocks-engine-exports-for-turkeys-kaan-fighter-jet/
Turkey-Egypt Agreement to jointly produce VTOL drones in Cairo: https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/turkey-egypt-agreement-to-jointly-produce-vtol-drones-in-cairo/
Pakistan-Turkey Strategic Talks: https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/pakistan-turkey-strategic-talks/
