ASELSAN, Turkey’s leading defense company, participated in COP INTERNACIONAL 2024, one of Latin America’s most significant public safety fairs. Held between October 16-18 in São Paulo, the event provided ASELSAN with a valuable opportunity to present its advanced public security solutions tailored to the needs of the region – Photo shows ASELSAN presence at COP
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ASELSAN apresentou soluções avançadas de segurança pública na COP INTERNACIONAL 2024 em São Paulo
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At the COP Fair, ASELSAN highlighted its innovative solutions specifically designed to ensure public safety, including ASTELA 3700 & 3800 series handheld and mobile radios, nationwide communication systems capable of connecting Brazil’s 27 states, ensuring secure and reliable communication for authorities. Additionally, ASELSAN showcased its cutting-edge jamming solution KOVAN Suitcase GSM / Wi-Fi Jammer System, designed to neutralize unauthorized or harmful communications. It also exhibited its optronics equipment with day and night vision capabilities such as VEGA, TİMSAH, NOVA, and ODAKAN Body Worn Cameras for law enforcement, which enhance transparency and accountability during operations. These innovations were designed to enhance security capabilities and improve coordination for Brazilian authorities, such as police and emergency responders.
ASELSAN’s participation in COP INTERNACIONAL 2024 marked a key step in its strategy to expand in Latin America, providing innovative solutions to address the region’s evolving security needs.
Reflecting on ASELSAN’s vision of developing game-changing technologies and commitment to the Brazilian market, the CEO, Mr. Ahmet Akyol stated that: “We aimed to highlight our advanced technological solutions on public safety to the Brazilian Authorities, positioning ASELSAN as the top choice for meeting Brazil’s public security needs.” He emphasized ASELSAN’s dedication to forming long-term partnerships in Latin America and supporting public safety efforts across the region.
ASELSAN CEO, Mr. Ahmet Akyol give an exclusive interview to DefesaNet
1 – Can give a brief description of ASELSAN history and capabilities for our readers (Brazilians)?
Founded in 1975 by four Turkish engineers, ASELSAN was established in response to the challenges imposed on our country during the Cyprus Peace Operation. Created with a national mobilization approach to meet the communication needs of the Turkish Armed Forces in a domestic and unique manner against embargoes, ASELSAN has now become a global technology giant capable of providing solutions in a wide range of fields, from underwater to outer space.
Starting its operations with the production of military radios, ASELSAN has become one of the global leaders in the industry today, thanks to its technologies developed in radar, electronic warfare systems, micro-electronic guidance and electro-optic systems, defense system technologies, and communication and information technologies. For half a century, ASELSAN has been developing innovative technologies in every field of defense electronics. With its technological competence and engineering capabilities, ASELSAN not only focuses on defense but also develops cutting-edge products and systems in civil sectors such as transportation, security, automation, energy, and healthcare, providing these solutions for use in Türkiye, as well as for friendly and allied countries.
At ASELSAN, we undertake projects that make a significant impact both in Türkiye and globally, not only with our state-of-the-art products that we develop from scratch, but also with our experience in modernization. ASELSAN offers a unique modernization solution that encompasses all existing needs for the modernization of heavy main battle tanks such as the Leopard 2 and M60, enhancing their performance to a level surpassing that of all current tanks. These modernization solutions are built upon the system solutions developed nationally by ASELSAN, which form the electronic infrastructure of our national Main Battle Tank, ALTAY.
With the steps taken in line with its export-oriented growth strategy, ASELSAN ranks 42nd on the Defense News Top 100 list of the world’s largest defense companies. With its outstanding growth performance over the past year, it has become one of the ten fastest-growing defense companies in the world. With offices and subsidiaries in 20 countries, from the Middle East to Africa and the Asia-Pacific to Latin America, ASELSAN exports its cutting-edge solutions in defense to 90 countries worldwide.
2 – ASELSAN’s product portfolio is impressive. What are the main targets for the Brazilian Market?
Brazil is a key market for ASELSAN due to its growing defense and security needs and its position as a regional leader in Latin America. ASELSAN’s participation in the COP Fair represents a strategic initiative to engage with the Brazilian Public Security Authorities. Our primary goal is to showcase our advanced technological solutions on public safety to the Brazilian Authorities, positioning ASELSAN as the top choice for meeting Brazil’s public security needs.
For ASELSAN, the COP Fair is an important platform to demonstrate our capabilities in the fields of public safety, communication systems, anti-drone technologies, optronics and many other solutions for the end use of Civilian/Military Policies and other Public Safety Professionals. Through this engagement, ASELSAN not only increased its visibility in a rapidly evolving market but also offered Brazil innovative solutions to enhance national security and safety.
We recognize that the primary security challenges Brazil faces are largely internal rather than external. While Brazil has a strong defense posture, much of the country’s security focus is on addressing homeland security issues. Among the most pressing concerns are criminality and organized crime, particularly in urban centers like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and other major cities.
ASELSAN offers solutions designed for urban security and the protection of critical infrastructure, including prisons and governmental institutions. We offer integrated systems that combine a range of advanced technologies, such as communication networks, radars, jammers, cameras, and other vital sensors. This comprehensive approach provides end-to-end monitoring and protection, enabling authorities to enhance security, combat crime, and improve public safety in urban areas and sensitive sites.
Considering the challenges, Brazil needs advanced solutions to effectively protect its borders, combat organized crime, and safeguard its natural resources. We believe that ASELSAN’s public and border security solutions are highly appealing to Brazil’s needs. Our advanced surveillance systems, border monitoring technologies, night vision solutions, intrusion detection systems and jammers can play a critical role in strengthening Brazil’s ability to cope with criminal activities and secure its borders.
By focusing on integrated security solutions that address both urban crime and border control, ASELSAN is well-positioned to support Brazil in tackling its security challenges.
3 – How does ASELSAN plan to deal with Brazil in a direct sales search for partners? What are the steps to follow?
Brazil places significant emphasis on strengthening its domestic capabilities and advancing local technologies in the defense sector. This focus is reflected in Brazil’s commitment to localization and nationalization initiatives, particularly when it comes to defense procurement. Additionally, Brazil has a well-established and rapidly evolving defense industry that continues to grow in terms of innovation and capacity.
ASELSAN recognizes the importance of this dynamic environment and is committed to establishing long-term partnerships in Brazil. Our goal is to collaborate with Brazilian industry leaders to provide cutting-edge defense solutions while contributing to the growth of the local industry. Among other models, this can be achieved through Technology Transfer (ToT) and Production Transfer (ToP) models, ensuring that both knowledge sharing and capacity building are integral parts of our collaboration with Brazilian partners.
ASELSAN ODAKAN Body worn Camera
At the same time, ASELSAN is ready to engage directly with end-users in Brazil, working closely with our customers from the early concept phase, we can ensure that our products are fully aligned with Brazil’s specific needs. Furthermore, we believe in providing comprehensive after-sales support, ensuring that our solutions are effectively deployed and used throughout their lifecycle.
ASELSAN has already established connections with several key Brazilian companies as part of its engagement in major defense projects. We actively maintain close communication with these partners to ensure that we are aligned in our approach and working towards a common objective: addressing Brazil’s defense and security needs in the best way.
Moving forward, we believe the most important step is to identify strategic local partners who can contribute to the development and delivery of our solutions. Building strong, mutual relationships with those partners will be crucial to the success in Brazil’s competitive defense market.
4 – Last week the Brazilian Defense Minister had an event called Diálogo das Indústrias de Defesa (DID) Brasil-Turquia 2024 (Dialogue Brazil-Turkey Defense Industries 2024). What is the main focus for Turkish companies in Brazil?
The ‘Diálogo das Indústrias de Defesa (DID) Brasil-Turquia’ is an important event for fostering collaboration and deepening ties between Türkiye and Brazil in the defense sector. It provides a valuable platform to stay updated on Brazil’s defense projects, understand the direction the country is taking, and gain insight about the strengths and capabilities of local Brazilian companies.
For Turkish companies, including ASELSAN, the DID event is a key opportunity to explore areas of mutual interest and collaboration, particularly in the sectors where both Türkiye and Brazil have strong capabilities. Türkiye has a well-established and competitive defense industry, with companies like ASELSAN playing a significant role on the global stage, competing with major players in the defense arena. We believe that the synergy between Türkiye and Brazil presents significant opportunities for cooperation, leveraging complementary strengths in technology, innovation, and expertise.
ASELSAN, in particular, sees strong potential for strategic partnerships in optronics, communications, security systems, and defense electronics, where we believe we can contribute to Brazil the most. The DID event is not only an opportunity for ASELSAN to strengthen its relationships with Brazilian industry leaders but also a moment to identify new areas of cooperation that will benefit both nations. With common objectives in defense, technology, and industrial growth, Türkiye and Brazil have significant potential for long-term partnerships across a wide range of fields.
5 – How does ASELSAN maintain its status as a leader in advanced defense electronics, given its focus on critical areas such as electronics, optronics, communications, and security in both military and civilian sectors, including healthcare?
ASELSAN stays at the forefront of defense electronics through continuous investment in R&D, collaboration with leading universities and research institutions, and an unwavering commitment to innovation. We focus on developing cutting-edge technologies, not only for defense purposes but also for civilian needs, such as healthcare. By understanding evolving needs and maintaining a flexible, forward-looking approach, we ensure ASELSAN remains a leader in advanced electronics, optronics, and communication solutions.
Of course, when discussing our success, we must also acknowledge our young, talented workforce, which is continuously developing and innovating. ASELSAN, with an average employee age of 32, consistently ranks among the top companies that university students and professionals wish to work for. With these unique attributes, it has also made significant contributions to reverse brain drain by attracting Turkish engineers who have previously gone abroad back into the company.
When considering all these factors, it is clear that ASELSAN’s national and global success is not a coincidence. However, we do not intend to stop there. Under the strategic vision we have set called AselsaneXt 2030, we aim to be among the top 30 companies in the world by the year 2030. While striving to achieve this goal, our core vision is:
- To produce the best-in-class products,
- To develop game-changing technologies,
- To grow through international collaborations.
6 – What is the main message from ASELSAN for the Brazilian Defense Field firstly for the Government?
As ASELSAN, we are committed to being a reliable, long-term partner in modernizing and strengthening Brazil’s defense and security capabilities. We are ready to offer cutting-edge, adaptable solutions tailored to meet Brazil’s specific needs including border security, public safety, and support for the nation’s broader defense goals.
Our approach focuses on collaboration and partnership with Brazil, aligning with the country’s localization goals and national defense strategies. ASELSAN is fully committed to transferring technology, knowledge, and production capabilities to the Brazilian industry, which will not only contribute to the development of Brazil’s defense sector but also will strengthen the local economy. We are also prepared to support Brazilian defense initiatives with a comprehensive after-sales support structure, ensuring that the solutions we provide continue to deliver value throughout their lifecycle.
ASELSAN sees Brazil as a strategic partner in Latin America and is eager to contribute to the country’s sovereignty, security, and technological growth. Through our partnership model, we aim to help Brazil build its defense capabilities in a way that is both innovative and self-sustaining, while also working side by side with the Brazilian government and local companies to achieve mutual goals.
ASELSAN’s message is that together, Türkiye and Brazil can build a future of shared defense capabilities, technological innovation, and industrial development—creating a strong foundation for national security and regional stability.
7 – And for the message for Brazilian companies?
As for the Brazilian companies, ASELSAN’s main message is collaboration, innovation, and shared growth. We recognize the strength and expertise of Brazil’s defense industry, and we see great potential for strategic partnerships that can leverage the complementary strengths of both ASELSAN and local Brazilian companies.
As our message to the Brazilian government, we believe it is important to emphasize our commitment to establishing long-term partnerships with local companies built on mutual trust, where ASELSAN can contribute through technology transfer, production capabilities, and local value creation.
Through these partnerships, we aim to support the development of Brazil’s defense industry, and together expand our competitiveness in the global market. Moreover, ASELSAN believes that by working together, we can drive innovation, improve operational efficiencies, and contribute to the growth of Brazil’s defense sector while simultaneously enhancing local industrial capabilities.
Our approach is not just about selling products but about building a sustainable and self-reliant defense ecosystem. By sharing knowledge, expertise, and fostering cooperation we can strengthen our position together, in both the domestic and international defense markets.
