Turkey is expanding its goal of "complete independence" in the defense industry by spreading production to the industrial centers of Anatolia. Presidential Defence Industry Head Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün announced on Nsosyal that the agreements for the strategically important "Slip Ring" production facility to be established in Gaziantep have been signed. Approximately... $25 million This investment is not just about establishing a factory, but also a historic step towards bringing high technology beyond Ankara and Istanbul.
Gaziantep's New Technology Hub in Numbers
The facility to be established in Gaziantep for the localization of sliding rings, one of the most critical subcomponents of the defense industry, aims to transform the region into a technology center. According to details shared by Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, the physical and economic scale of the project is as follows:
- Investment Amount: Approximately $25 million.
- Facility Area: It will be built on a massive area of 16,000 square meters.
- Employment: Initially providing employment to the local population, the facility will soon bring hundreds of qualified engineers and technicians into the defense industry ecosystem.
“What is a "Sliding Bracelet" and Why is it So Important?
Although not widely known to the public, slip rings are the heart of moving systems. They are electromechanical components that enable the transfer of power, electrical signals, and data from a stationary structure to a structure that rotates continuously around its own axis.
This critical component, which is part of ASELSAN's product range and will now be mass-produced in Gaziantep, is essential for the operation of the following systems:
- Radar Systems: These rings ensure uninterrupted power and data flow for radars that scan by rotating 360 degrees.
- Electro-Optical Systems: The ability of the cameras (CATS, ASELFLIR) under the UAVs (Bayraktar TB2, AKINCI, ANKA) to rotate and track targets depends on this component.
- Weapon Towers: With this technology, it is possible for the gun turrets on Altay tanks or armored vehicles to rotate independently of the hull.
- Offshore Platforms: Rotating sensors and weapon systems on warships utilize these components.
Domestic production of this component would prevent the halt of multi-million dollar production of massive platforms (aircraft, tanks, ships) in the event of an embargo.
Strategic Vision: To Spread Production to Anatolia
The most remarkable aspect of this investment is the geographical diversification of the defense industry. Gaziantep has been chosen as the pilot region for this strategic production due to its strong industrial infrastructure, logistical advantages, and entrepreneurial culture.
Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün describes this initiative as a "Holistic Ecosystem Approach." The aim is to free the defense industry from being confined to Ankara or Istanbul and to unite production capabilities across Türkiye towards a single strategic goal. This creates a more resilient and widespread production network (Supply Chain Resilience) against potential risks.
This investment in Gaziantep should not be seen as simply the production of a single component. Sliding rings are high value-added products with a very high export value per kilogram. The combination of ASELSAN's technological expertise (know-how) and Gaziantep's production capacity will guarantee Türkiye's supply security. The embargoes' strategy of "stopping large systems by not supplying small parts" is being thwarted by such localization efforts.
Keywords: What is a slip ring, ASELSAN Gaziantep factory, Haluk Görgün, defense industry investments, domestic slip ring, military technology, defense industry employment.
