Sarsılmaz is preparing to showcase its end-to-end defense ecosystem approach at SAHA EXPO 2026, together with its group companies, covering a wide range of solutions from weapon systems and ammunition to robotic platforms and remote-controlled weapon systems.
One of Türkiye’s leading defense industry companies, Sarsılmaz presented its next-generation defense systems and integrated production capabilities, developed with domestic engineering expertise, to members of the press at its facilities in Düzce.
With nearly 150 years of production and engineering experience, Sarsılmaz has evolved into a technology company offering comprehensive solutions for the defense industry. Today, the company operates across weapon systems, ammunition, robotic platforms, remote-controlled systems, medium-caliber solutions, precision manufacturing capabilities, and integration infrastructure.
Sarsılmaz owns one of Europe’s largest weapon production centers, with its integrated facility in Düzce established on an area of 120,000 square meters. The company exports to more than 80 countries and develops solutions that address the changing requirements of the modern battlefield through its high-precision production infrastructure, strong R&D capability, and group-company ecosystem.
During the press tour held ahead of SAHA EXPO 2026, Sarsılmaz’s production strength, engineering infrastructure, quality control processes, R&D centers, and integration capabilities were examined on site.
Akalın: “We Will Reflect Our Integrated Defense Ecosystem Power at SAHA EXPO 2026”
Speaking after the press tour, Murat Akalın, Deputy General Manager of Sarsılmaz and Board Member of BEST Defence, emphasized that success on the modern battlefield is no longer determined by individual products alone, but by integrated systems that can operate in harmony with each other.
Akalın stated that the structure created by Sarsılmaz and its group companies offers a strong model that develops weapon systems, ammunition, remote-controlled weapon systems, robotic platforms, and critical subcomponents within the same engineering approach.
“Today’s defense requirements have moved beyond the point where they can be met with a single well-designed product. Battlefield success is now determined by holistic structures in which platforms, sensors, software, ammunition, and weapon systems can operate together.
As Sarsılmaz, this is exactly the approach we will present at SAHA EXPO 2026. Together with Sarsılmaz, BEST Defence, LA2 Dynamics, TR Mekatronik, BPS, and ÜNİMETAL, we will showcase not only our products but also our vision of a defense ecosystem that delivers end-to-end solutions,” Akalın said.
He added that this approach carries Sarsılmaz beyond the identity of a conventional manufacturer.
“Correctly understanding the changing needs of users, responding quickly to those needs, and harmonizing different systems within the same architecture are among the most critical capabilities of the new era in the defense industry. As Sarsılmaz, we offer an integrated structure that reflects this capability in the field,” he said.
Latif Aral Aliş: “Our Goal Is to Carry Turkish Engineering to a Stronger Global Position”
Sarsılmaz Chairman Latif Aral Aliş stated that the company is undergoing a strong transformation by combining its nearly 150-year historical heritage with today’s defense technologies.
Aliş said that Sarsılmaz’s journey, which began in Elazığ in 1880, has today turned into a globally competitive engineering and technology power.
“Our journey, which began in Elazığ in 1880, has today transformed into a deep-rooted engineering, production, and technology heritage approaching 150 years. Throughout this process, we have not only been a company that adapted to changing needs; we have built a structure that anticipates these needs, responds with technology, and contributes to the transformation of the defense industry.
Today, we are one of the few defense industry companies in the world with a product range capable of meeting the needs of a military unit from end to end, and we are also a strong technology company.
With a product portfolio extending from pistols and machine pistols to infantry rifles, heavy machine guns, machine guns, and 20 mm, 25 mm, and 30 mm cannons, Sarsılmaz is an international actor in military weapon production,” Aliş said.
Aliş also emphasized that Sarsılmaz has never positioned itself merely as a weapons manufacturer.
“As Sarsılmaz, we have never seen ourselves only as a manufacturer. We have positioned ourselves as a technology company that plays an active role in Türkiye’s technological transformation in the defense industry, develops engineering-oriented solutions, and helps shape the defense ecosystem.
At the point we have reached today, we offer an integrated structure capable of responding to the different needs of an army. We continuously update our know-how according to changing threat perceptions and user requirements.
While expanding our product range, we also strengthen our export capabilities, user confidence, and international influence. As a company with defense at its core and technology in its DNA, our goal is clear: to carry Turkish engineering to a stronger position globally and further increase our country’s influence in the international defense industry,” he said.
End-to-End Integrated Solution Approach Demonstrated in the Field
As part of the program, members of the press had the opportunity to examine Sarsılmaz’s R&D, production, quality control, and integration processes at its integrated production facility in Düzce.
Throughout the visit, the company’s “end-to-end integrated solution” approach was presented through different stages, from the production line to final system architecture.
During the press tour, the SAR9 SP Special pistol, SAR Drone Killer rifle, SAR 556 MT light machine gun, the new version of SARBOT, the BEST Defence Concealable Remote-Controlled Weapon System, and TR Mekatronik’s 20 mm six-barrel cannon were introduced as key components of Sarsılmaz’s integrated defense architecture.
SARBOT to Make Its World Premiere at SAHA EXPO 2026
Developed by LA2 Dynamics, SARBOT is designed to provide an effective solution for reconnaissance, surveillance, and high-risk armed intervention missions without putting human life at risk.
Positioned as Türkiye’s first armed robot, the new version of SARBOT, developed with 100 percent Turkish engineering, is planned to make its world premiere at SAHA EXPO 2026.
TR Mekatronik’s 20 mm Six-Barrel Cannon
The 20 mm six-barrel cannon system developed by TR Mekatronik, a joint venture between Sarsılmaz and Turkish Aerospace Industries, is being developed entirely with domestic capabilities, from design to production.
The system is being produced with components selected to avoid export restrictions. With a localization rate of over 95 percent, the system will be exhibited at SAHA EXPO 2026 as a strong indicator of the engineering level TR Mekatronik has reached in the field of medium-caliber weapon systems.
Concealable 7.62 mm Remote-Controlled Weapon System
The concealable 7.62 mm remote-controlled weapon system developed by BEST Defence is designed for missions requiring low visibility and rapid reaction capability.
The system also allows 5.56 mm integration. With its structure compatible with civilian vehicles, its low-provocation configuration for fixed facilities, and its ability to become rapidly active when needed, it is expected to stand out among the solutions displayed at SAHA EXPO 2026.
SAR Drone Killer and SAR 556 MT Highlighted
The SAR Drone Killer system, developed against unmanned aerial vehicles, which have become one of today’s most critical threat categories, was also among the prominent solutions presented during the press tour.
The system was introduced through a destruction scenario and is designed to provide high durability and operational reliability in harsh field conditions with its body, mechanism, and compatible accessories.
The SAR 556 MT, developed with domestic engineering to meet Türkiye’s need for a light machine gun, also attracted attention during the program with its structure suitable for both infantry use and platform integration.
SAR9 SP Special Developed for Special Forces Requirements
The SAR9 SP Special was introduced as the most advanced platform of the SAR9 series.
Developed in line with the operational needs of the Special Forces Command and based on real field-use feedback, the model brings together power, accuracy, durability, and operational flexibility in a single platform.
The pistol was presented as a high-performance solution developed according to Special Forces standards.
With the integrated structure it will showcase together with its group companies at SAHA EXPO 2026, Sarsılmaz aims to make the engineering, production, and integration capabilities of the Turkish defense industry more visible on the international stage.
