CANiK’s US expansion sets new standard in Trans-Atlantic Defense Cooperation
Canik's new U.S. factory highlights at a Washington summit as a prime example of defense industry collaboration between Türkiye and the U.S. This marks a significant step in enhancing bilateral relations and technology transfer in the defense sector. (Ihlas News Agency)
During the NATO leaders’ summit in Washington, a roundtable organized by the Turkish American Business Council and the American Turkish Business Development Council highlighted Turkish pistol maker CANiK’s newly completed factory in the U.S. as a model of collaboration in the defense industry.
Samsun Yurt Savunma (SYS), represented by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, participated in the roundtable meeting held on the sidelines of the NATO summit. It garnered significant interest with the participation of Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler and Gen. Tod D. Wolters, who served in NATO roles for many years.
With the presence of Presidency of Defenses Industries head Haluk Gorgun, the meeting represented the highest level of leadership, moderated by ATBR Board Member Gregory Bloom and led by TAIK President Murat Ozyegin.
Sponsored by Canik and leading defense industry companies, this important meeting was organized to further enhance new defense industry collaborations between the U.S. and Türkiye. Leading industrial representatives from both countries at the roundtable discussed future steps and necessary initiatives.
Canik’s newly completed manufacturing facility in the U.S. was showcased as an example of such collaboration. Canik CEO Cahit Utku Aral mentioned that recent steps in bilateral defense industry relations have ushered in a new era. Highlighting joint projects undertaken by institutions and companies from both countries, Aral noted that Canik has completed efforts to establish a production facility in the U.S. He emphasized that the U.S. investment involves technology transfer for medium-caliber firearms produced within the Samsun Yurt Defense Group, aiming towards sales to the U.S. military.
Underlining the importance of strategic partnerships and technology transfers in the defense industry, Aral stated that Canik has been actively engaged in various countries, adding a new dimension to their activities with the U.S. He expressed their goal to contribute to strengthening relations between the two countries through their activities in the U.S., similar to their efforts in other countries.
