Amazon to manufacture satellite parts in Türkiye
United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the first two demonstration satellites for Amazon’s Project Kuiper broadband internet constellation stands ready for launch on pad 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Oct. 5, 2023 in Cape Canaveral, Florida, United States. (AA Photo)
U.S. tech giant Amazon has partnered with Turkish precision machining company Tezmaksan to manufacture 1,500 satellite components entirely in Türkiye, according to a report by the Türkiye daily
Production will take place in Sivas, Yozgat, Tokat and Kayseri, with the first delivery expected in the first quarter of 2025.
Amazon plans to launch its satellites into the stratosphere as part of its project to provide global internet coverage.
Amazon’s decision to shift production from the U.S. and Mexico to Türkiye, citing cost efficiency and local expertise.
Highlights of Amazon-Tezmaksan agreement
- Production scale: 1,500 satellite components will be produced entirely in Türkiye.
- Key locations: Sivas, Yozgat, Tokat, and Kayseri will host manufacturing operations.
- Timeline: First deliveries are scheduled for early 2025.
- Economic impact: Tezmaksan is preparing to build a second factory in Sivas to meet production demands.
Cost efficiency, expertise key to Amazon’s decision
Tezmaksan CEO Hakan Aydogdu explained the factors that influenced Amazon’s choice and said: “Amazon plans to launch 1,300 compact satellites to provide internet access worldwide. They explored regions from Europe to China.”
“Supply chain issues in China and high production costs in Mexico, coupled with Türkiye’s affordability and expertise in robotic systems, made Türkiye the ideal choice,” he added.
Sivas to become space, aerospace hub
Aydogdu emphasized plans to turn Sivas into a regional hub for space and aerospace industries.
“When we negotiated with Amazon, we made it clear that we would not engage in simple subcontracting. We aim to bring space industry expertise to Türkiye. Amazon agreed, and now we plan to produce all 1,500 parts here.
While Tezmaksan will handle certain parts, others will be produced in neighboring provinces such as Tokat, Yozgat, and Kayseri,” Aydogdu said.
The CEO likened the vision to global industrial hubs like Stuttgart in Germany or Detroit in the U.S., aiming to establish a robust ecosystem for space and aerospace manufacturing in central Türkiye.
