A highly critical agreement that will strengthen Türkiye's digital sovereignty and data security took place at the Mobile World Congress (MWC 2026) in Spain. Türkiye's energy giant ASPİLSAN Enerji and communication systems architect ULAK Haberleşme signed a strategic collaboration for the use of domestic telecom batteries in the national network. Thanks to this agreement, the energy needs of Türkiye's communication infrastructure will be met entirely by domestic software and hardware. Thus, while dependency on foreign sources in critical communication networks ends, network security will be raised to the highest level.
Türkiye's vision of full technological independence manifests itself not only in defence platforms but also in the infrastructure behind communications. The MWC 2026 fair, held in Barcelona and bringing together the world's technology giants, witnessed the "National Network" vision of two Turkish companies. The "Collaboration Ceremony for the Use of Domestic and National Telecom Batteries in the National Network" held between the two giant institutions was one of the most significant steps in the transformation Türkiye will experience during its transition to 5G.
Uninterrupted and Secure Energy for Critical Infrastructures
The weakest point of modern communication networks and base stations is potential power outages. Ensuring uninterrupted communication during natural disasters or grid fluctuations is vital for civil and military security. ASPİLSAN Enerji engineers developed 48V-100Ah and 48V-150Ah lithium-ion (Li-Ion) telecom batteries to close this security gap.
The system's greatest strategic advantage is that its electronic card infrastructure and Battery Management System operate entirely with domestic software. Considering the fact that foreign-origin battery software could be vulnerable to cyber-attacks or remote interference, ASPİLSAN's national BMS software acts as a digital shield.
A Holistic National Ecosystem for 5G and Beyond
As Türkiye transitions to 5G and beyond communication technologies, it is indigenising not only the antennas and data centres but also the energy layer that powers this equipment. This is where ULAK Haberleşme comes into play.
Established under the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) and producing Türkiye's national base stations, ULAK Haberleşme directly integrates the 4.5G and 5G network infrastructures it develops with ASPİLSAN's energy solutions.
ULAK Haberleşme General Manager Sami Duman summarises this vision with the following words:
"By increasing the rate of domestic solutions in the energy layer of our network infrastructure, we are building a holistic national ecosystem. This step is a strategic gain that reinforces our country's independence in 5G technologies."
ASPİLSAN: The First Domestic Manufacturer to Export
Founded in 1981 as a response to the embargoes imposed after the Cyprus Peace Operation, ASPİLSAN Enerji is today Türkiye's greatest power in battery technologies. Having established Europe's largest lithium-ion battery production facility in Kayseri, the company shapes not only the defence industry but also the civilian telecommunications sector.
Having successfully indigenised energy storage systems in the infrastructures of national operators such as Turkcell and Türk Telekom to date, ASPİLSAN also holds the title of the first domestic manufacturer to export telecommunication batteries.
ASPİLSAN Enerji General Manager Prof. Dr. Ahmet Turan Özdemir emphasised the significance of the project at the ceremony in Barcelona with the following words:
"With our batteries featuring national software and electronic card design, we are guaranteeing the energy security of critical communication systems. While reducing foreign dependency in energy storage technologies, we will contribute to the sustainability of our country's digital infrastructure."
In conclusion, this signature made by two national giants at MWC 2026 proves how close Türkiye is to its goal of full localisation in cybersecurity and communication infrastructure.
