SAHA Bulletin
ASELSAN Signs New $442.5M Export Contract
ASELSAN has signed a contract worth $442.5 million with an international customer for the sale of radar, counter-UAS systems and command-and-control solutions. The company announced the contract in a filing with the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP) on 23 October. The customer country, product models and delivery schedule were not disclosed. The contract supports the Turkish defence industry's export activities in high value-added electronic systems.
Source: Anadolu Agency · KAP
STM Lays Keel of Portugal's Second Logistics Support Ship
The block keel-laying ceremony for N.R.P. FERNANDO PESSOA (A5212), the second of two replenishment-at-sea and logistics support ships being built for the Portuguese Navy under STM's prime contractorship, was held at the ADA Shipyard in Istanbul on 20 October. Construction of the two ships is proceeding simultaneously; according to STM's schedule, the ships are expected to be launched in 2027 and delivered in 2028. The ceremony is a production milestone in the existing project; the project is one of the significant examples of Türkiye's military ship exports to an EU and NATO member.
Source: STM · Anadolu Agency
Additional TAYFUN Block-2 and FIRTINA-2 Systems Enter Inventory
The Ministry of National Defence announced at its weekly briefing on 22 October that various quantities of TAYFUN Block-2 missiles and FIRTINA-2 howitzers had been added to the inventory of the Land Forces Command. The number delivered was not disclosed. The first entry of TAYFUN Block-2 into the inventory was announced by the Ministry on 20 May 2026; this week's development is an additional delivery.
Source: Ministry of National Defence · AA (20 May 2026)
Fergani's FRG-100D4 Satellite Reaches Orbit
Fergani Space Technologies' sixth demonstration satellite, FRG-100D4, was launched on 20 October as part of SpaceX's Bandwagon-5 mission and reached its target orbit at an altitude of approximately 590 kilometres. The 160-kilogram satellite carries indigenously developed attitude control, avionics, power management and communication subsystems, as well as an AI-enabled computer. The mission is important for validating in the space environment the components developed for the Uluğ Bey satellite constellation system.
Source: Anadolu Agency · AA (EN)
AKINCI Conducts Firing Test with Autonomous LAÇİN TV Munition
In a test carried out in cooperation between Baykar and ROKETSAN, two MAM-L munitions and one Autonomous LAÇİN TV munition were fired from the Bayraktar AKINCI platform. According to ROKETSAN's statement, LAÇİN demonstrated its autonomous target selection capability for the first time with its television seeker head. The test shows progress in munition-platform integration and seeker head technologies; no serial production or operational acceptance was announced.
Source: Anadolu Agency
SİPER Air Defence System Conducts Firing in Sinop
A firing activity conducted at the Sinop Firing Range with the SİPER air defence system in the inventory of the Air Force Command was successfully completed. The activity was observed on site by the Chief of the General Staff and the Air Force Commander. While the initial report on 21 October covered the commanders' inspection, the Ministry of National Defence officially confirmed the successful firing on 22 October.
Source: Anadolu Agency · Ministry of National Defence
Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia Sign Bedir Memorandum of Understanding
The Bedir Memorandum of Understanding, signed in Doha on 21 October, covers cooperation among the four countries in military production, joint project development, technology sharing, technical training and R&D. The memorandum establishes a new framework for international production and supply chain partnerships. No order has yet been announced and no joint production programme has yet been launched under this framework.
Source: Ministry of National Defence · Anadolu Agency
Türkiye and Canada Sign Memorandum on Defence Sector Partnerships
Türkiye and Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Sector Partnerships as part of their talks in Ankara on 22 October. The text was signed by Haluk Görgün, President of Türkiye's Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. The memorandum lays the groundwork for production, technological cooperation and procurement opportunities between the two NATO allies; no concrete platform order or export value was announced.
Source: Anadolu Agency · AA · SSB President's statement
Canadian Prime Minister Says Canada Is Open to Turkish Defence Technologies and Joint Production
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in Istanbul on 23 October that Canada is open both to procuring Turkish defence technologies and to establishing an industrial partnership between the two countries. Unmanned systems and Türkiye's experience in domestic production featured prominently in the talks. The statement is a separate development from the defence memorandum of 22 October; no new procurement contract was announced.
Source: Anadolu Agency
MKE Aims to Increase 155 mm Munition Production Capacity 54-Fold
According to reports in sector publications citing MKE, Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi (MKE) aims to increase its 155 mm artillery ammunition production capacity 54-fold and is running an investment programme of more than $1.5 billion. Infrastructure investments in Kırıkkale, Kırşehir and Samsun stand out in terms of production continuity. The figures appeared in sector reports dated 20 October; MKE has not issued a separate corporate statement on the matter.
Source: Polygon Journal · SSBülten
Two HÜRKUŞ-II Aircraft Set to Enter Inventory After Acceptance
The Ministry of National Defence announced that two HÜRKUŞ-II aircraft for the Air Force Command are planned to enter the inventory once inspection and acceptance activities are completed. The statement of 22 October is a notice of plans; subsequent official statements on the acceptance process and delivery will be watched for the serial delivery schedule.
Source: Ministry of National Defence · Anadolu Agency
Türkiye Awaits Draft Sales Contract from Qatar for Eurofighter Procurement
Türkiye is awaiting a draft sales contract and training programme from Qatar for the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, according to a Reuters report citing a Ministry of National Defence statement. Technical and logistical talks are continuing. No finalised new purchase agreement for the Qatari-sourced aircraft has yet been announced.
Source: Reuters
SAVX Unveils MERKÜT Magazine Concept for FPV Drones
SAVX, a subsidiary of Titra Teknoloji, has unveiled its MERKÜT Magazine (MERKÜT Şarjör) solution for storing FPV drones in the field and rapidly preparing them for missions. The concept shows that field logistics and ease of use are gaining importance alongside platform performance. No serial production or delivery information was shared.
Source: Anadolu Agency
DASAL Demonstrates Five-UAV Autonomous Swarm
DASAL, a subsidiary of Altınay Savunma Teknolojileri, showcased several autonomous UAV applications at BIMDTC-2026; one of the demonstrations was the "Guardian Angel Mode" (Melek Modu) concept, aimed at 360-degree close-perimeter surveillance with five UAVs. The company also demonstrated three-UAV swarm coordination and carrier platform integration scenarios. The activity was a technology demonstration.
Source: Anadolu Agency
TÜBİTAK Launches R&D Call for Ballistic Protective Clothing and Technical Yarns
TÜBİTAK has announced funding calls for the development of protective clothing against shrapnel-related threats and of indigenous technical yarns for use in this field. The programme aims to bring together public-sector requirements with the capabilities of industry and research institutions. The call offers a new R&D opportunity for industry and universities.
Source: Anadolu Agency
KAYI SAVUNMA Exhibits Munition Solutions in Prague
KAYI SAVUNMA presented aircraft bombs, mortar systems and other munition solutions to international visitors at the Future Forces Exhibition & Forum 2026, held in Prague, the capital of Czechia. The participation aims to increase contacts with potential customers and industrial partners; no new export contract signed at the exhibition was announced.
Source: Anadolu Agency
C-Prot Named in Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Türkiye 2026 List
C-Prot, a Turkish cyber security company developing endpoint protection, AV/EDR and threat analysis technologies, has been named in Deloitte's Technology Fast 50 Türkiye 2026 list. The company also made the same list in 2023. According to C-Prot's press release of October 2026, the company's EDR solution ranks near the top in telemetry comparisons on Windows, Linux and macOS platforms.
Source: Türkiye Cyber Security Cluster
Lockheed Martin Announces 10-Year Multiyear F-35 Framework Covering 850 US Aircraft
Lockheed Martin announced that a 10-year multiyear framework covering 850 US aircraft has been established with US authorities for F-35 production and sustainment. The structure also covers spare parts, modification kits and international orders. The framework is not a finalised production contract; multiyear authorisation, budget appropriation and a final contracting process are still required.
BAE Systems Aims to Raise APKWS Production Capacity to 35,000 Units a Year
BAE Systems has signed a multiyear procurement framework agreement with the US that could run for up to seven years. According to the announcement, the aim is to raise production capacity for the APKWS laser guidance kit to up to 35,000 units a year. The target refers to a capacity ceiling, not the current annual delivery volume.
GA-ASI and Spirit Defense Form Production Partnership for FQ-42 Vengeance
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) announced a partnership with Spirit Defense for airframe production of the FQ-42 Vengeance Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) platform. The cooperation aims to increase production volume and strengthen supply resilience; the number of aircraft delivered was not disclosed.
France Orders Four Additional SAMP/T NG Air Defence Systems
Details of the additional order announced by OCCAR on behalf of France on 21 October were clarified by MBDA's statement of 23 October: four additional fire units are being procured, bringing France's total SAMP/T NG order to 12 systems.
France and UAE Revive Rafale F5 Development Talks
According to a Reuters report of 23 October, France and the United Arab Emirates have revived talks on the joint financing and development of the Rafale F5 upgrade. Financing, the sharing of industrial roles and possible technology transfer are among the main topics; there is no finalised joint development agreement.
Australia Unveils New Mission Payloads for Ghost Shark Undersea Vehicle
On 19 October, the Australian Department of Defence announced new mission payload integrations for the Ghost Shark uncrewed undersea vehicle: sea mine laying, logistics cargo carriage and the launch of ALTIUS UAVs from underwater.
Denmark Plans to Acquire Joint Strike Missile for F-35 Fleet
Kongsberg announced Denmark's intention to procure the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) for its F-35A fleet. The missile can be carried in the F-35's internal weapons bay, allowing the aircraft's low radar signature to be maintained. Quantity and value will be determined through negotiations.
Rheinmetall's Telford Facility Begins Heavy Weapons Manufacturing in the UK
Rheinmetall UK has begun producing barrels and breech mechanisms for 120 mm and 155 mm weapon systems at its Telford facility. According to the UK Ministry of Defence, this marks the return of large-calibre gun production to the country after some 20 years; the facility is expected to create 100 skilled jobs.
US Navy to Use AI-Enabled Perception Infrastructure on Five Destroyers
Applied Intuition announced that the US Navy has awarded it a production contract for an AI-enabled perception and data infrastructure deployment that will begin on five Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. The system will allow perception models to be updated on board and data to be collected from the fleet.
UK and France Announce First Joint Nuclear Air Exercise
The UK Ministry of Defence announced on 23 October that, in Exercise Rummy held on 20–21 October, RAF Typhoons took part alongside French Rafales in an air operations scenario related to nuclear deterrence. No nuclear weapons were used in the exercise.
Never miss a development
Follow Türkiye's defence, aerospace and space agenda every week in a single stream with the SAHA Bulletin.