Turkish arms group eyes Japan ties in air defense and underwater drones

Aselsan is seeking partnerships with Japanese companies in air defense and underwater-drone technologies as it expands its Asian business, according to remarks published on October 4, 2026. The proposed cooperation includes cost-effective systems against suicide drones and equipment to protect ships from unmanned underwater threats, drawing on Aselsan's radar, electronic-warfare and air-defense portfolio. The company plays a central role in Türkiye's Steel Dome integrated air-defense architecture and reported defense revenue of $4.46 billion in 2025, up 26%. The outreach follows September 22 talks between Japanese and Turkish leaders, with no Japanese partner or contract announced.