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Turkish defense company Aselsan aims to raise exports to half of its total revenue by 2030 as it expands into Asian markets and seeks partnerships with Japanese companies in air defense and underwater drone defense, CEO Ahmet Akyol told Nikkei.
"Three years ago, exports accounted for 10% of Aselsan's total revenue. Now the share is 25%. Our target is 50% by 2030," Akyol said in an interview with Nikkei and other media.
Aselsan, Türkiye's largest state-linked defense company, plays a core role in the country's multilayered "Steel Dome" air defense system. Its push into Asia comes amid a worsening regional security environment and closer Türkiye-Japan defense ties.
"What we offer is faster delivery, cost-effectiveness, high performance, and systems proven in different contexts," Akyol said.
Aselsan aims to use real-world operational data from its air defense systems to tap Asian markets.
Aselsan's defense-related revenue rose 26% to $4.46 billion in 2025. Its strengths lie in radar, electronic warfare and air defense systems.
The company signed air defense contracts worth nearly €4 billion ($4.48 billion) this month, including a €488.5 million export deal with an undisclosed foreign customer and a €2.46 billion domestic contract for hybrid air defense systems.
Akyol cited cost-effective air defense systems to counter suicide drones and systems to protect ships from underwater drone attacks as promising areas of cooperation with Japan. He said discussions with the Japanese government are already underway.
"Politically, there is alignment between Turkey 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.
He urged Japan to move faster.
"This is not the time to wait; it is the time to do something as soon as possible. The defense industry revolution is moving very fast," he said.
At a summit on Sept. 22, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi proposed cooperation in defense equipment, while President Recep Tayyip Erdogan underscored the importance of cooperation between the two countries' defense industries.
Asked about Aselsan's stance on China, Akyol said: "Our business and company policy is fully compliant with NATO," suggesting the company prioritizes business with Western countries.
Aselsan was established in 1975 to develop domestically produced defense equipment, following the arms embargo Türkiye faced over the Cyprus dispute.
Its 2030 export target marks a key goal in the company's Aselsan-led global expansion.
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