SAHA Bulletin
Türkiye Announces 2027 Targets of Its Lunar Research Programme
The 2027 Presidential Annual Programme, published in the Official Gazette on 27 October, reiterated the target of launching Türkiye's first lunar spacecraft in 2027; the programme also includes new steps for İMECE-2, İMECE-3 and the Space Weather Application Centre. Production, assembly and integration of the AYAP-1 spacecraft, developed by TÜBİTAK UZAY, with a mass of around 3.5 tonnes and a localisation rate of more than 80%, were completed in September 2026; system-level environmental tests are continuing at the Turkish Aerospace (TUSAŞ) Space Systems Integration and Test Centre (USET), and launch is targeted for the first half of 2027. According to the mission architecture, after a journey of about two months the spacecraft will reach a polar orbit at an altitude of about 100 kilometres above the lunar surface, where it will conduct scientific and operational activities for at least three months (up to 1.5 years if performance allows), and at the end of the mission it will make a controlled hard landing on the lunar surface using its domestically developed hybrid propulsion system. The annual programme also envisages completing the integration, environmental testing and launch preparations of İMECE-2, advancing system integration on İMECE-3, developing ground station and electric propulsion infrastructure, and launching preliminary work for the Space Weather Application Centre (UHUM). The announced dates are planning targets; environmental test results, pre-launch acceptance and the announcement of a definitive launch date are the milestones to watch in the coming period.
Source: AA, 28 October · TÜBİTAK UZAY · SBB – 2027 Annual Programme · Official Gazette
ASELSAN and SSB Sign €523M Air and Missile Defence Contract
ASELSAN announced on 26 October via the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP) that it had signed a contract worth a total of €523 million with Türkiye's Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) for the development of a new-generation air and missile defence system. The announcement did not disclose the platform model, delivery quantities or schedule. The contract is a development contract and shows that investment in Türkiye's layered air defence architecture is continuing.
Source: Anadolu Agency
ASELSAN KGK-84 Completes First Qualification Range Firing from F-16: "Mission Ready"
The KGK-84 Winged Guidance Kit developed by ASELSAN successfully completed its first qualification range firing from the F-16 platform in a test at the Sinop Firing Range and hit its target. The kit converts 2,000 lb class MK-84, MK-84-T, NEB and NEB-T free-fall bombs into long-range, high-precision air-to-ground smart munitions. Thanks to the deployable wing system, one of its most critical components, the munition glides rather than falling freely; its fire-and-forget capability, with a range of up to 100 kilometres when released from an F-16, allows fighter aircraft to strike from outside the range of enemy air defence systems. Operating with an integrated inertial navigation system and a global positioning receiver, the kit is resistant to GNSS jamming thanks to its CRPA anti-jam antenna. According to ASELSAN, KGK-84 can be used in all weather conditions, day and night; its other key features include waypoint tracking, selectable impact angle, engagement of targets of opportunity and MIL-STD-1760 compatibility.
Source: Anadolu Agency · DHA
ASELSAN Wins Aziz Sancar Award with LIFELINE HLM
ASELSAN won the TÜSEB Health Technologies Prestige Award in the "Technologically Advancing Company" category of the TÜSEB Aziz Sancar Science, Service and Incentive Awards with its LIFELINE HLM Heart-Lung Machine. At the 12th Turkic World Medical Congress, held in Istanbul under the auspices of the Presidency by the Ministry of Health and the Health Institutes of Türkiye (TÜSEB) and bringing together health ministers and scientists from around 20 countries, ASELSAN General Manager Ahmet Akyol received the award from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at a ceremony on 31 October; Minister of Health Prof. Dr. Kemal Memişoğlu and 2015 Nobel Prize in Chemistry laureate Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar also attended the ceremony. In the development project, completed in August 2026 under the leadership of TÜSEB President Prof. Dr. Ümit Kervan, blood tests were completed in 2024 and animal trials at the TÜSEB-İDEA laboratory in 2025; in clinical studies that began at Bilkent City Hospital in June 2026, 60 cases have been carried out successfully to date. ASELSAN's health portfolio also includes the LIFELINE BİYOVENT ventilator, the HEARTLINE AED defibrillator and the HEALTHVIEW ADR-M100 mobile X-ray device.
Source: Anadolu Agency · DHA
SİPER Product-2 Demonstrates New Capability by Engaging Target Changed in Flight
SİPER Product-2 missile, after being fired towards an initial target, destroyed a new target updated during flight. The Presidency of Defence Industries, which announced the test on 25 October, assessed it in terms of the system's ability to respond to dynamic target information. ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, TÜBİTAK SAGE and the subcontractor ecosystem take part in the programme; no new statement has been made on the acceptance and inventory schedule.
Source: Anadolu Agency · DHA
MKE TOLGA Fires from Warship; PİRANA Controlled via TB2
At the TURNAs-2026 exercise, the 20 mm twin-gun TOLGA system of Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi (MKE) was integrated into a warship for the first time and fired at air and surface targets from TCG BEYKOZ. In the same exercise, the PİRANA kamikaze unmanned surface vessel, controlled via Bayraktar TB2, hit a surface target; the company stated that PİRANA carries a 100 kg warhead. TB2–PİRANA cooperation had previously been demonstrated at the DENİZKURDU-I exercise.
Source: Anadolu Agency
STM TUNGA-X Intercepts Simulated Enemy Drone at TURNAs-2026
STM's TUNGA-X interceptor UAV system tracked a simulated enemy UAV and scored a direct hit in a scenario combining radar and imaging guidance. Based on multi-sensor integration, the system offers a portable interception capability within layered counter-UAS architectures. The activity was an exercise demonstration; no serial production or order information was shared.
Source: Anadolu Agency
STM NETA 300 Autonomously Detects Underwater Mine Threats
STM's NETA 300 lightweight unmanned autonomous underwater vehicle used its sonar and sensors to detect and identify mines and mine-like threats on the transit route during the TURNAs-2026 advance force operation. In the same exercise, STM's BOYGA, TOGAN, KARGU swarm and TUNGA-X systems also undertook various missions. The announced performance relates to exercise conditions.
Source: Anadolu Agency
HAVELSAN Brings More Than 40 Unmanned and Crewed Assets into a Common Operational Picture
At TURNAs-2026, HAVELSAN used the SANCAR SİDA, USV-12, BARKAN and BULUT platforms together with its ADVENT COP, Unmanned Vehicles Video Management System and TALAY solutions. According to the company, more than 40 vehicles operating in the air, at sea, on land and underwater were linked into a single joint operational picture. The development stands out in terms of data sharing between systems and command-and-control integrity.
Source: Anadolu Agency
Baykar Releases Footage of Bayraktar TB3 Sonobuoy Mission at TURNAs-2026
On 28 October, Baykar shared TURNAs-2026 footage of the Bayraktar TB3, taking off from TCG ANADOLU, dropping a sonobuoy via its SAS POD. TB3's first sonobuoy mission had been announced on 22 September at the DENİZKURDU-I exercise; the new footage shows that the ship-based UCAV continues to be used in anti-submarine warfare missions in an exercise environment.
Source: Teknoblog · Baykar (22 September)
MKE Completes Installation of Second Turnkey Munitions Facility in Jordan
MKE announced that it had completed the installation of the Medium and Large Calibre Ammunition and Aircraft Bomb Filling and Assembly Facility in Jordan; the facility is in the final stage of preparations before commissioning. The cartridge production facility that MKE previously established in Jordan has been operating since 2024. The project exemplifies Türkiye's model of exporting not only products but also production infrastructure and technical know-how.
Source: DHA · Milliyet Uzmanpara
Ministry of National Defence Announces Acceptance of Karayel Rigid-Hull Boat and Wired Kamikaze-2 UGV
At its weekly briefing on 28 October, the Ministry of National Defence announced that inspection and acceptance activities had been completed for the Karayel Rigid-Hull Boat and the Wired Kamikaze-2 Unmanned Ground Vehicle. The ministry also reported that MKE had delivered various quantities of MAM-15 sniper rifles to defence industry stakeholders. The announcement did not include quantities.
Source: Ministry of National Defence
Production of National Coast Guard Ship Planned to Start in 2027
According to the 2027 Presidential Annual Programme, production of the National Coast Guard Ship is targeted to start next year. The programme also envisages the modernisation of two AB 412-EP helicopters and the procurement of one USV and two VTOL UAVs. The targets are annual plans; no delivery schedule for the ship has been announced.
Source: Anadolu Agency
ASELSAN's Order Backlog Exceeds $30B for the First Time
ASELSAN increased its revenue by 28% in real terms in the first nine months of 2026 to TRY 151.5 billion; its order backlog rose by $7.5 billion quarter on quarter to $30.7 billion, exceeding the $30 billion threshold for the first time in the company's history. According to the disclosure to KAP, new contracts signed during the period reached $14 billion, the highest level in the company's history, while new export contracts rose 34% to $1.9 billion; the book-to-bill ratio rose from 2.5 to 4.4. EBITDA increased 38% to TRY 40.6 billion, and the EBITDA margin improved by 190 basis points to 26.8%. Capacity and high-technology investments rose 228% to $684 million, while R&D spending rose 36% to $1.3 billion. The first phase of the Oğulbey Technology Base, the largest single defence industry investment in the history of the Republic, and the Guided Munitions Systems Production Centre were put into operation. Return on equity rose to 16.6% and return on assets to 9%, while financing expenses fell by 10.3%. General Manager Ahmet Akyol said, "We are turning orders into capacity and capacity into the future," stressing that third-quarter growth in dollar terms was 18% in 2024, 29% in 2025 and 42% this year.
Source: ASELSAN · Anadolu Agency
Turkish Defence Industry Meets African Market at AFRIDEX 2026
AFRIDEX 2026, held in Lagos, Nigeria, on 26–29 October, brought Turkish defence companies, together with manufacturers from other countries, face to face with decision-makers in the African market. The exhibition aims to increase the visibility of Turkish companies in West Africa; the participation figures announced by the organisers are targets, and no export contract signed at the exhibition has been announced.
Source: Anadolu Agency
CANİK Showcases Weapon Systems at BORAN VIII International Competition
CANİK presented its heavy machine guns and medium-calibre solutions at the BORAN VIII International Sniper Competition held in Foça, İzmir. Military delegations and shooters from more than 20 countries took part in the event. The event offered the company an opportunity for direct contact with international users and export marketing.
Source: Anadolu Agency
Altınay Technology Group Announces $55M Technology Campus Plan
Altınay Technology Group plans to build a new technology campus in Tuzla with an investment of $55 million and to invest $6 million in a defence and aerospace test centre. The campus is intended to host around 2,000 researchers and engineers. The plan was shared at a media meeting on 19 October and reported on 26 October.
Source: CNBC-e
Türkiye and Kazakhstan Aim to Deepen Defence Industry Cooperation
SSB President Haluk Görgün voiced the goal of diversifying and deepening defence industry cooperation between the two countries during Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's visit to Türkiye. The statement did not include any new order or platform procurement contract; the course of talks on joint production and third markets will be followed.
Source: Anadolu Agency
Turkic World Dialogue Forum Puts Defence Industry Cooperation and Technology on the Agenda
The Turkic World Dialogue Forum, held on 31 October, addressed strategic partnerships, technology development and international cooperation in the defence industry. Speakers drew attention to the diversification of regional supply chains and the need for long-term coordination in defence technologies. The cooperation goals voiced at the forum show that industrial partnerships among Turkic states remain on the agenda.
Source: Anadolu Agency
US Army Selects Lockheed Martin for Future Interceptor Programme
The US Army announced that it had concluded a prototype development agreement (OTA) with Lockheed Martin worth an estimated $1.08 billion for the Future Interceptor programme. Of the total, $660.4 million is government funding and $423 million is the company's cost share. The programme aims to complement existing air and missile defence layers against advanced threats.
Lockheed Martin Wins $694M Contract for AGM-183A ARRW Production
Lockheed Martin announced on 27 October that it had received a $694 million production contract in the US Air Force's AGM-183A ARRW hypersonic missile programme. The company plans an additional 47,000 ft² of space for production at its Troy, Alabama facility. The number of missiles and the entry-into-service date were not disclosed.
GMLRS Rocket Fired from HIMARS Retargeted in Flight
Lockheed Martin reported that in a test at White Sands, a GMLRS rocket fired from HIMARS was directed in flight to target information updated via the Strigo data link and RIG-360, and hit a moving target.
US Approves Possible Sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 MSE Missiles to Ukraine
The US State Department approved the possible sale to Ukraine of 500 Patriot PAC-3 MSE interceptors and support elements worth approximately $2.1 billion. The sale is expected to be financed by contributions from Canada, Germany and Norway and by EU-backed Ukrainian funds; the prime contractor is Lockheed Martin. The delivery schedule has not yet been finalised.
Rheinmetall Announces Order for 69 Additional Schakal Armoured Vehicles
In the Schakal 8×8 project, run through ARTEC, the joint venture of Rheinmetall and KNDS, additional order options were exercised for 35 vehicles for Germany and 34 for the Netherlands. Total planned deliveries have reached 291 vehicles; the new vehicles are scheduled for delivery in 2032–2033.
KONGSBERG Reports Record Order Backlog of NOK 174.2B
Norway's KONGSBERG reported NOK 23.3 billion in new orders, NOK 11.3 billion in revenue and an order backlog of approximately NOK 174.2 billion in the third quarter. Revenue rose 50% year on year; demand is concentrated in missile, air defence and counter-UAS programmes.
KONGSBERG Wins Additional $54M in US Work for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
KONGSBERG announced that it had signed a $54 million contract modification with the US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) for autonomous underwater systems. The scope covers the supply of various autonomous underwater vehicles and related subcomponents.
BAE Systems Completes First Live-Fire Test of Adaptable Deck Launcher
BAE Systems announced that it had successfully completed the first live-fire test of the Adaptable Deck Launcher (ADL) system developed for the US Navy and its allies. Using the logistics and electronic infrastructure of the Mk 41 vertical launcher, the system aims to give ships additional missile capacity and flexibility to reload at sea.
Sweden Leases Four Saildrone Voyagers for Baltic Sea Surveillance
Saildrone announced that it had undertaken a one-year maritime surveillance mission for the Swedish Armed Forces with four Voyager USVs. Planned at a total of 1,440 vehicle-days, the mission will provide persistent maritime domain awareness in the Baltic Sea. The model is the provision of surveillance as a service rather than platform procurement.
Rheinmetall Makes First Delivery of Serial-Production Caracal Vehicles
Rheinmetall delivered the first serial-production batch of Caracal light airborne vehicles to Germany and the Netherlands at a ceremony held in Ede, the Netherlands, on 29 October. The programme for the two countries covers a total of more than 1,500 vehicles.
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