Aselsan is highlighting its breadth of capabilities at the show, as the Turkish company celebrates a half-century of activities and targets continued major growth.
“The Paris air show provides an ideal platform to highlight our aerospace technologies and increase our interaction with key stakeholders in the aerospace and defence sectors,” says chief executive Ahmet Akyol. “Our participation also aims to develop our international collaborations and demonstrate our commitment to innovation.”
Among the advanced technologies on display is the company’s Murad active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
“To date, the Murad has successfully flown on five different platforms, both manned and unmanned,” Akyol says. “With each new production cycle, the radar continues to be deployed on additional platforms, while new capabilities are simultaneously being added.”
Earlier this year, the sensor was flown on Baykar’s Akinci unmanned air vehicle (UAV) for the first time, and multi-target tracking tests were conducted in March.
“These tests underscore the radar’s ability to expand the sensor and engagement envelope of unmanned platforms, enabling beyond-visual-range targeting and precision strike in high-threat environments,” Aselsan says.
The AESA system also is scheduled for integration with the Baykar Kizilelma and Turkish Aerospace (TAI) Anka III unmanned combat aircraft and TAI’s fifth-generation Kaan fighter, which is due to enter service with the Turkish air force before the end of this decade.
The company notes that the Murad employs “full national resources and engineering autonomy, down to the design and production of the radar’s critical microchips… representing true technological sovereignty”.
“Aselsan stands proud as one of the very few technology developers worldwide to have mastered this level of AESA radar technology,” Akyol says.
Other equipment on show includes the Toygun 100 electro-optical targeting system, Karat 100 infrared search and track system, and Tulgar helmet-mounted display.
“Together, these systems showcase Aselsan’s drive to equip next-generation air platforms with superior situational awareness, survivability, and targeting capabilities,” it says.
An array of air-launched weapons are also being promoted, among them the Tolun family, “designed for precision engagement against both soft and hardened targets”.
Already available with GPS/INS guidance, the capability has recently been enhanced with an imaging infrared seeker-equipped variant, “enabling man-in-the-loop control and extended range through aerodynamic control surfaces”.
Installed on a 226kg (500lb) Mk82 bomb, the company’s Gozde laser precision-guidance kit was recently used to strike a high-speed moving ground target during a demonstration conducted using a Lockheed Martin F-16.
“The system is fully operational on platforms such as the [Baykar] Akinci and F-16, and has garnered substantial international interest,” its developer says.
The company also produces the LGK 81/82 laser guidance kits, GPS-guided KGK 82/83 and the wingkit-equipped KGK 84, “ensuring precision at standoff ranges that preserve platform survivability”.
“Their proven integration into both manned and unmanned platforms, recent test successes, and scaleable architecture position these systems as top contenders in the global precision-strike market,” the company says.
“Since its founding in 1975 by just four engineers, Aselsan has evolved into Turkey’s largest defence company and one of the world’s fastest-growing,” Akyol says.
“Over five decades, we’ve delivered game-changing technologies across land, naval, airborne, space, and cyber domains, supporting national platforms and allied nations alike. Aselsan has built a reputation for reliability, innovation, and high-quality defence electronics that continues to drive its global impact.
”As part of our strategic vision for 2030, we have significantly expanded our global footprint in recent years, opening new offices in six countries in 2024 and increasing our international presence to 20 countries. This year, we are planning to open new offices in Eastern Europe, North Africa, and South Asia,” he says.
“Aselsan continues to expand its global footprint every day and demonstrates successful performance in overseas sales contracts and exports.”
