Türkiye's defense and electronics giant Aselsan is looking for partnerships with Japanese companies on underwater drones and air defense systems as it expands into Asian markets, according to a report on Sunday.
"What we offer is faster delivery, cost-effectiveness, high performance, and systems proven in different contexts," Ahmet Akyol, CEO of Aselsan, said in an interview with Nikkei Asia and other media.
Aselsan aims to leverage real-world operational data from its air defense systems to tap Asian markets, the report suggested.
The company has been growing rapidly in recent years. Its defense-related revenue increased 26% from a year earlier to $4.46 billion in 2025.
Its strengths lie in radar, electronic warfare and air defense systems, and it plays a core role in Türkiye's multilayered integrated air defense system, Steel Dome.
Japan and Türkiye have sought closer defense ties in recent years. At a summit on Sept. 22, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi proposed cooperation in defense equipment. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also underscored the importance of cooperation between their defense industries.
"Politically, there is alignment between Türkiye and Japan. From our side, together with Japanese companies and the Japanese government, we have to find a way to build areas of cooperation," Akyol said, according to remarks published by Nikkei.
He cited promising areas including cost-effective air defense systems to counter suicide drones as well as systems to defend ships from attacks by underwater drones.
