On 27 August 2025, ASELSAN celebrated its 50th anniversary with a landmark investment, solidifying Türkiye’s position as a major player in the global defence industry. The “Foundations for the Next 50 Years” ceremony marked the inauguration of the Oğulbey Technology Base, a sprawling 6.5 million square metre complex that will serve as the cornerstone for Türkiye’s advanced air defence and missile systems. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan underscored the significance of the project, calling it the largest defence industry investment in the Republic’s history and the biggest integrated air defence facility in Europe. “This investment will enable us to meet our own defence needs and become a country that shapes the world with its technology,” he declared, reinforcing Türkiye’s ambition to lead in defence innovation.
The Oğulbey Technology Base, with an investment of approximately USD 1.5 billion, will house the development of the Steel Dome, a multi-layered integrated air and missile defence system. During the ceremony, 47 key components of Steel Dome, valued at USD 460 million, were delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces. These included systems such as SİPER, HİSAR, KORKUT, ALP, and PUHU, all designed to fortify Türkiye’s airspace with advanced air defence, radar, and electronic warfare capabilities.
The event also saw the opening of 14 new facilities, worth USD 280 million, including state-of-the-art production and R&D centres. These expansions are expected to boost ASELSAN’s production capacity by 40%, enhance cleanroom and laboratory facilities, and create highly skilled employment opportunities. The first of these sites is set to become operational by mid-2026.
Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler highlighted ASELSAN’s pivotal role in elevating Türkiye’s defence industry to global standards. “Established to meet our defence needs, ASELSAN has, over 50 years, become a driving force behind our technological advancements,” he said. The new facilities will further strengthen ASELSAN’s international competitiveness, ensuring its continued growth in the defence sector.
Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, Secretary of Turkish Defence Industries, emphasised the strategic importance of the investment. “This milestone not only prepares ASELSAN for the next 50 years of innovation but also reinforces our technological independence and expands our capabilities,” he stated. The Oğulbey Technology Base is poised to shape the future of defence technologies on a global scale, solidifying Türkiye’s position as a leader in military innovation.
ASELSAN President and CEO Ahmet Akyol reflected on the company’s journey, noting its transformation from a fledgling enterprise to a global leader in air defence, radar, electronic warfare, communications, smart munitions, and electro-optics. “Fifty years ago, ASELSAN was founded with the dream of achieving what had never been done in Türkiye,” he said. “Today, we proudly stand among the world’s leading players in defence technology, advancing confidently towards becoming a global technology powerhouse.”
This strategic investment not only underscores Türkiye’s commitment to self-sufficiency in defence but also sets a precedent for other nations looking to bolster their military capabilities through domestic innovation. As ASELSAN continues to expand its technological footprint, it is poised to redefine the defence landscape, both in Europe and beyond.