ASPİLSAN Energy, the energy storage systems manufacturer of the Turkish defense industry, performed a strategic technology demonstration at the World Defense Show (WDS) 2026 held in Riyadh. The "Silicon Added High Energy Density Lithium-Ion Cell," developed to meet the energy needs of the National Combat Aircraft KAAN and produced at a serial production capability level by only three countries globally, was presented to technical delegations. This technology provides a critical increase in gravimetric energy density (Wh/kg) values, which directly affects the payload capacity of platforms.
In the aerospace and defense industry, "SWaP" (Size, Weight, and Power) optimization is one of the most challenging parameters of platform design. ASPİLSAN Energy introduced its new generation electrochemistry solutions developed to optimize these parameters in Saudi Arabia. The technical details provided by ASPİLSAN General Manager Ahmet Turan Özdemir to TRT Haber revealed Türkiye's competence in silicon anode technology and its potential role in the NATO supply chain.
Silicon Instead of Graphite: A Leap in Energy Density
While graphite is used as the anode material in traditional lithium-ion batteries, the new cells developed by ASPİLSAN Energy utilize a Silicon Added Anode architecture. Since silicon theoretically has a much higher lithium storage capacity compared to graphite, this technology dramatically increases the energy density of the battery per unit volume and weight.
The new cells exhibited at the fairground (likely in 18650 or 21700 form factors) can store more energy than standard batteries of the same size. Ahmet Turan Özdemir emphasized that they are one of the three countries in the world capable of producing this technology at this level, certifying Türkiye's position in electrochemical engineering.
Operational Gain for KAAN and UAVs: Lighter Battery, More Payload
In 5th generation fighter jets like KAAN and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the weight of energy storage systems directly affects the performance of the platform. The lighter and more compact the battery, the more ammunition, fuel, or electronic warfare pods (Payload) the aircraft can carry.
Thanks to the high energy density cells developed by ASPİLSAN:
- Volumetric Gain: Battery packs become smaller, creating more space for avionics systems inside the aircraft.
- Weight Savings: The platform is lightened by achieving the same voltage and capacity values with fewer cells.
General Manager Özdemir summarized this technical advantage with the words: "You fit more energy into a smaller space. In other words, with a lighter battery, you can carry more payload on your platform."
Localization of Restricted "Dual-Use" Products
Military-grade battery cells with high discharge rates and energy density are generally considered Dual-Use products in the international arena and are subject to strict export licenses. This strategic component, which Türkiye had problems supplying in the past, has been produced with domestic resources at ASPİLSAN's facilities in Kayseri, guaranteeing Security of Supply.
Özdemir stated, "We have localized a cell whose export abroad is restricted," indicating that the project fills a critical gap not only commercially but also in terms of strategic autonomy.
Western Countries Will Knock on Our Door Sooner or Later: Non-China Sourcing for NATO
China's dominance in the global lithium-ion battery market poses a logistical and security risk for NATO countries. Within the scope of De-risking strategies of Western defense ministries to diversify the supply chain, Türkiye stands out as a reliable manufacturer.
With its production infrastructure compliant with NATO standards (AQAP certified), ASPİLSAN Energy creates an alternative to Chinese-origin products for Alliance member countries. Ahmet Turan Özdemir evaluated the company's export projection by stating, "The need for components independent of the Chinese supply chain within NATO will increase day by day. NATO countries will definitely knock on our door regarding batteries and cells."
Integrated Energy Solutions
ASPİLSAN offers end-to-end solutions not only in cell production but also in packaging these cells with BMS (Battery Management System) and integrating them into platforms. The product range exhibited at WDS 2026 proves that Türkiye dominates the entire vertical process from R&D to mass production in the field of electrochemical energy storage.
