Technology: Aselsan History

ASELSAN was established in 1975, to meet the communications electronics requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces.

M. Hâcim KAMOY (Ph.D.) was appointed as our very first general manager on January 1976.

ASELSAN completed its primary investment at Macunköy facilities in 1979 and within a year, the first production activities were initiated.

In 1980 military man-pack and tank radio production had started and the first delivery had been made.

1983 was the year for the first export business. By the end of 1983, ASELSAN had 1,434 personnel including 186 engineers.

ASELSAN enlarged its product spectrum between 1982 and 1985. TBX exchange systems, field telephones, computer controlled central systems, and laser range finders were among the new products.

ASELSAN contributed to the defense power of the Turkish Armed Forces by its Electronic Warfare and Data Terminals in 1986.

In 1987 ASELSAN participated in NATO Joint Production Project of Stinger missiles and started the necessary investment for the production of thick film hybrid circuits.

In 1988, ASELSAN produced the first avionic equipment: Inertial Navigation Systems for F-16 aircrafts. ASELSAN quality system was certified in accordance with AQAP-4 standards. Electronic Proximity Fuse contract signed with MOD in this year.

In 1989, ASELSAN realized the first technology transfer program to Pakistan. Combat area tactical radios production started in NRTC facilities in Pakistan under ASELSAN's licence.

In 1990, ASELSAN became 47th of the European Defense Electronics Companies. In the same year Field Artillery Battery Fire Control System and TV Transmitter production started. ASELSAN had 2,000 personnel including 330 engineers.

In 1991, ASELSAN was organized under 3 divisions as Communications Division , Microwave and System Technologies Division, and Microelectronics, Guidance & Electro-Optic Division regarding the projects within the field activity. ASELSAN was chosen as the 127th of the world defense companies by International Defense Magazine. ASELSAN, by its treatment facilities, won the prize of the best company which cares for its environment.

The most important characteristic of 1992 was the addition of the Radar Systems to ASELSAN's product spectrum. Implementations of TQM accelerated since 1992.

In 1993, ASELSAN made a big achievement by establishing the Electro-Optics Technology Center at Akyurt Facilities. ASELSAN quality system was certified in accordance with ISO 9001 standards.

In 1994, ASELSAN quality system was revised as AQAP-1 standards. Have Quick Radio production started.

In 1995, ASELSAN engineers completed design activities of ASELSAN's first consumer product; the Mobile Phone. ASELSAN increased its exports to 19 countries. The Railway Transport System project in Power Electronics area started.

In 1996, ASELSAN quality system was revised as AQAP-110 standards. TASMUS contract which provided a communication system with recent technology to Turkish Armed Forces was signed.

In 1997, with its Mobile Phone 1919, which is completely designed by ASELSAN's engineers; Turkey took its position among the first nine countries who designed its own mobile phone.

In 1998, ASELSAN manufactured and delivered various new equipments. Thermal camera systems, thermal weapon sights, thermal imaging equipment and laser designators were produced for the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces. Design of Automatic Toll Collection System was completed and production was started. A contract for National Monitoring System was signed with the General Directorate of Radio Communications. In addition, ASELSAN received the "Approved Producer" certificate from the American Government for the production of LN-93 Inertial Navigation Systems.

1999 was a year in which various equipment designed by ASELSAN gained considerable success. During the live fire tests of our Pedestal Mounted Stinger System, 100% success was achieved. On the other hand, design of the new mobile phone was completed and Europe Approval was taken. In addition, ASELSAN received new projects from Turkish Ministry of National Defense. Contracts were signed for the production of Air Defence Early Warning Command Control Systems for the design and production of Electronic Warfare Systems and X-Band Satellite Communication Systems.

M. Hâcim KAMOY (Ph.D.) who had been the General Manager for the first 25 years retired as for November 2000 and Mr. Necip Kemal BERKMAN was appointed as the General Manager.

Technology