ASELSAN Unveils Massive Defense Innovation Hub at Oğulbey: A New Era for Türkiye’s Industry
ASELSAN has proclaimed the nation’s most substantial defense sector investment in celebration of its 50th anniversary. This significant achievement encompasses the inauguration of the Oğulbey Technology Base, the launch of 14 new manufacturing and R&D facilities, alongside the provision of vital Steel Dome systems to the Turkish Armed Forces.
The occasion, hosted at ASELSAN’s Gölbaşı Technology Base under the theme “Foundations for the Next 50 Years”, attracted Türkiye’s premier leadership. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, and Secretary of Defense Industries Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün joined ambassadors, governmental officials, and international defense leaders to observe the unveiling of ASELSAN’s forthcoming vision.
Oğulbey Technology Base: Forging the Future Ahead
During the ceremony, President Erdoğan initiated construction of the Oğulbey Technology Base, a USD 1.5 billion undertaking covering 6.5 million square meters—an expanse equivalent to 900 football fields. This new establishment will become ASELSAN’s largest and act as the core of its multi-layered integrated air and missile defense system, Steel Dome.
“This investment signifies the largest defense sector investment in our Republic’s history and boasts the most extensive integrated air defense facility across Europe,” Erdoğan stated, emphasizing ASELSAN’s pivotal role in molding Türkiye’s defense landscape.
Steel Dome Provision Enhances National Safety
As part of the ceremony, ASELSAN presented 47 units of the Steel Dome structure valued at USD 460 million. These comprised cutting-edge air defense, electronic warfare, and radar systems such as SİPER, HİSAR, KORKUT, ALP, and PUHU. The objective of the Steel Dome is to equip Türkiye with a formidable, multi-layered defense network to safeguard its airspace.
Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler highlighted that the Steel Dome provision would “enhance the operational capacity and agility of the Turkish Armed Forces, ensuring exceptional national safety”.
Increasing Capability with New Manufacturing and R&D Establishments
Additionally, ASELSAN launched 14 new facilities valued at USD 280 million, including a Radar Production and Integration Facility, Electro-Optic FLIR Systems Production Facility, Guided Munitions Design Center, and Avionics Integration Hangar. These initiatives will elevate ASELSAN’s production capacity by 40% while fostering R&D and generating new opportunities for skilled job creation.
Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, Secretary of Defense Industries, remarked: “These investments represent a tactical advancement for Türkiye’s defense sector, fortifying technological autonomy and enhancing global competitiveness.”
A Worldwide Technology Powerhouse
ASELSAN President & CEO Ahmet Akyol reflected on the organization’s journey since its inception:
“Five decades ago, ASELSAN was founded with the aspiration of accomplishing unprecedented feats in Türkiye. Today, we proudly rank among the world’s foremost players in air defense, radar, electronic warfare, and intelligent munitions. With these new investments, we are progressing toward our ambition of establishing ASELSAN as a global technology powerhouse.”
