ASELSAN, the flagship of the Turkish defense industry, celebrated its 50th anniversary with a historic achievement. ASELSAN CEO Ahmet Akyol announced on social media that the domestically developed military communication systems will be deployed directly at NATO headquarters. The strategic agreement signed in Ankara with the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) marks a first in ASELSAN's history, and the use of Turkish technology in one of the alliance's most critical units, the Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), demonstrates the level reached by the national technology initiative.
ASELSAN Military Radios in NATO
ASELSAN CEO Ahmet Akyol announced this strategic step on his social media account. “"On ASELSAN's 50th anniversary, ASELSAN military radios are at NATO."” Akyol shared this information with his words. Within the scope of the signed contract... ASELSAN ARTCom 9671 communication systems He stated that the new systems will replace existing equipment at NATO headquarters. Emphasizing that these new systems will make the communication capabilities of NATO's naval platforms much more reliable and efficient, Akyol highlighted ASELSAN's increasing role within NATO, saying, "We will continue to contribute to the effectiveness and deterrence of the alliance with our technologies.".
NATO agency NCIA and ASELSAN signed a strategic agreement in Ankara.
This historic collaboration was announced at an event organized in Ankara by NCIA, NATO's main agency responsible for technology and cybersecurity. “"Turkish Industry Day"” The agreement was formalized with the signatures affixed at the event. NCIA stated that this contract signed with ASELSAN is important for them. First direct contract signed with ASELSAN He particularly emphasized that.
NCIA Chief Procurement Officer Marianne Roth stated at the signing ceremony, “We are excited to sign our first contract with ASELSAN. This is a key step toward upgrading our maritime surveillance equipment and ensuring our state of continuous readiness.” He used these expressions. This statement shows that the agreement is not just a product purchase, but also marks a new level of trust and cooperation in NATO's relations with the Turkish defense industry.
What will be the role of technology? ARTCom 9671 will be the "ears" of NATO Maritime Command.
Under the contract, ASELSAN will modernize the very low frequency air surveillance equipment of NATO Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM). ARTCom 9671 The communications system will enhance NATO's "situational awareness" at sea. What does this mean?
- More Reliable Communication: ASELSAN systems will replace existing aging equipment, establishing a seamless and secure communication network between NATO ships and headquarters.
- Enhanced Situational Awareness: This will enable clearer and real-time monitoring of all activity at sea, allowing the command center to make more accurate and faster decisions.
- Advanced Coordination: By strengthening coordination among allied naval forces, it will increase the efficiency and success of joint operations.
In short, ASELSAN technology will be a critical component strengthening the nervous system of the alliance's most important command center at sea.
NATO's Message to Turkish Industry: "We are moving at the pace of technology, not bureaucracy."“
NCIA Director General Ludwig Decamps highlighted the importance of technological superiority in the face of today's threats. Decamps, “The world is moving at the pace of technology, not bureaucracy. If we don’t sharpen our digital superiority, we risk falling behind.” He emphasized that technology-leading companies like ASELSAN should be ready to step in during times of crisis. These words clearly demonstrate why NATO views the Turkish defense industry as a strategic partner and how open it is to future collaborations.
Cooperation Deepens: Eyes on the NATO Edge Summit to be Held in Izmir in 2026
This agreement between NCIA and ASELSAN may be just the tip of the iceberg. NCIA has announced that it will continue to strengthen its partnerships with Turkish industry and other industries across the alliance. One of the most important milestones in this process is... NATO Edge 26 summit to be held in Izmir on November 17-19, 2026 This summit, where industry will be at the forefront, will offer a great opportunity for Turkish companies to develop new projects and partnerships for NATO. This first step taken with ASELSAN is expected to evolve into new and larger collaborations at the summit in Izmir.
Key words: ASELSAN, NATO, NCIA, Ahmet Akyol, ARTCom 9671, military radio, communication system, defense industry, Allied Maritime Command, MARCOM, technology export, first contract, Turkish Industry Day, NATO Edge, national technology
