Aselsan’s ASELFLIR-600 EOTS set for first flight in May
Aselsan, a leading Turkish defense company, presents scale models of advanced naval platforms, including submarines and warships, at the IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Feb.17, 2025. (AA Photo)
Aselsan, one of Türkiye’s leading defense industry firms, continues to advance its technological capabilities.
Speaking to the Turkish media outlet, TRT Haber, during the IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, Aselsan CEO Ahmet Akyol announced that the ASELFLIR-600, a next-generation electro-optical reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting system (Electro-Optical Targeting System/EOTS), is scheduled for its first flight in May.
Advanced electro-optical system aims to enhance Türkiye’s defense capabilities
ASELFLIR-600 is a high-performance, 25-inch electro-optical system designed for High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) class fixed and rotary-wing airborne platforms.
It features a 325mm primary mirror, high-definition thermal and day cameras, laser designation, and multi-target tracking capabilities.
Akyol emphasized that Aselsan aims to establish leadership in electro-optical imaging with this system, following the success of ASELFLIR-500, which has been exported to 16 countries.
“We achieved this with ASELFLIR-500, and now with ASELFLIR-600, we are taking imaging capabilities to the next level. We will double the laser designation range and enable strategic target acquisition at much greater distances,” Akyol stated.
New countermeasures against FPV drone threats
Aselsan is also working on solutions to counter First-Person View (FPV) drone threats, which have posed significant risks to armored vehicles, particularly in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
According to Akyol, the company has developed Kangal, a system that jams FPV drone communication channels, and Bukalemun (Chameleon), which deceives hostile drones.
“We are now developing an integrated solution for armored vehicles, combining radar, optics, and smart munitions to form a protective shield against FPV drone attacks,” Akyol said.
Aselsan’s expanding role in Türkiye’s defense network
During the exhibition, Akyol highlighted Aselsan’s role in Türkiye’s evolving integrated air defense network, known as Steel Dome.
The system integrates Siper long-range air defense missiles, Hisar medium-altitude defense systems, and the Alp radar family.
Additionally, GOKSUR, a naval air defense system, recently completed its first successful test launch.
“This marks an important milestone for the Turkish Navy, as GOKSUR will provide a significant deterrent force in maritime defense,” Akyol added.
