Turkish defence electronics company Aselsan will more than double production capacity with a $1.5 billion investment in a new technology base, President Tayyip Erdoğan announced on Wednesday.
Erdoğan said the base, the first phase of which is expected to be commissioned in mid-2026, will be the largest single defence industry investment in the country and Europe's biggest integrated air defence facility.
Wednesday's groundbreaking ceremony included an announcement that Aselsan has also delivered components for Türkiye's multi-layered Steel Dome air defence system.
NATO member Türkiye first announced its plans to build its Steel Dome system in July 2024, aiming to create air defences similar to those provided by Israel's Iron Dome system.
Türkiye has reduced its dependence on external suppliers of defence equipment in recent years, becoming a leading manufacturer of armed drones for the global market in the process