ASELSAN is taking part in EFES-2026 with more than 30 advanced defense systems, highlighting Türkiye’s growing capabilities in battlefield management, air defense, electronic warfare, electro-optics and command-control technologies.
EFES-2026, conducted under the coordination of the Turkish Armed Forces, is one of Türkiye’s largest combined, joint and live-fire military exercises. The exercise is being held in Istanbul and Izmir between April 11 and May 21, 2026, bringing together military units, observers and defense industry representatives in realistic operational scenarios.
At the Defense Industry Exhibition organized in parallel with the exercise under the coordination of the Presidency of Defence Industries, ASELSAN became one of the main participants with its locally developed systems. The company’s technologies attracted strong attention from military delegations, visitors and defense industry representatives.
KOCATEPE Used for the First Time
One of the most important highlights of EFES-2026 was the first use of ASELSAN’s KOCATEPE Battlefield Management System.
KOCATEPE provided commanders and command-post personnel with a comprehensive operational picture across different levels of the battlefield. The system is designed to improve situational awareness, support faster decision-making and strengthen coordination between units during complex military operations.
Its first use at EFES-2026 marks an important step for Türkiye’s command-control and battlefield digitalization capabilities.
Air Defense and Blue Homeland Systems on Display
ASELSAN also displayed several key systems at its exhibition stand, including KORKUT 25 Air Defense System, KILIÇ Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, TUFAN Kamikaze Unmanned Surface Vessel, electro-optical systems and components of Türkiye’s ÇELİKKUBBE layered air defense architecture.
The company’s KORKUT 35 Low Altitude Air Defense System stood out as one of the most notable indigenous systems at the exercise. With its airburst ammunition capability, KORKUT is designed to provide effective day-and-night protection against modern aerial threats, including UAVs and missiles.
More Than 30 ASELSAN Systems Took Part
ASELSAN’s systems used or displayed during EFES-2026 included a wide range of battlefield technologies.
Among them were ACAR UAV Detection Radar, MİLKED Land-Based Electronic Support System, Modernized Towed Gun, KALKAN Air Defense Radar, SERHAT Mortar Detection Radar, ASELPOD Electro-Optical Targeting Pod, İHTAR Counter-UAV System, and critical air defense elements such as SİPER and HİSAR.
The company also used ARTSoft MAESTRO, a secure messaging, file transfer and live video communication software designed to operate under electronic warfare conditions.
Strategic Importance
ASELSAN’s presence at EFES-2026 shows how Türkiye’s defense industry is moving toward integrated battlefield solutions rather than individual standalone systems.
The combination of air defense systems, radar networks, electronic warfare assets, electro-optical sensors, counter-UAV solutions and command-control software reflects the requirements of modern warfare, where speed, coordination and real-time data are critical.
The first use of KOCATEPE, together with the deployment of more than 30 ASELSAN systems, demonstrates the company’s expanding role in Türkiye’s digital battlefield architecture.
For international military delegations, EFES-2026 also offers a direct opportunity to observe Turkish defense technologies in an operational exercise environment rather than only in a static exhibition area.
With its advanced systems at EFES-2026, ASELSAN is reinforcing its position as one of Türkiye’s leading defense technology companies and a key contributor to the Turkish Armed Forces’ operational capabilities.
