In 2024, ASPİLSAN Enerji made a significant contribution to Turkey’s defense industry by producing long-lasting batteries for the National Combat Aircraft KAAN, HÜRJET, and HÜRKUŞ planes, as well as the GÖKBEY and ATAK-2 helicopters, meeting the critical energy needs of the Turkish Armed Forces.

ASPİLSAN Enerji, 98% of which is owned by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, was founded in 1981 in the Kayseri Organized Industrial Zone with donations from Kayseri residents.

Over the years, the company has grown stronger, providing critical energy solutions to the defense industry. Starting its journey with rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery production, ASPİLSAN Enerji has reached the capacity to manufacture batteries for all types of handheld and backpack radios, military equipment, aircraft, and helicopters.

In 2024, significant progress was made in various projects under the Turkish defense industry, introducing new products and systems for the use of security forces.

With the acquisition of international certifications, ASPİLSAN Enerji designed the battery systems for the National Combat Aircraft KAAN, the domestically developed HÜRJET and HÜRKUŞ planes, the GÖKBEY and ATAK-2 helicopters, the ANKA and AKSUNGUR UAVs, and several other projects undertaken by TUSAŞ.

ASPİLSAN Enerji General Manager Prof. Ahmet Turan Özdemir told Anadolu Agency (AA) that they managed to increase their revenue despite a contracting market and successfully completed 2024 with the introduction of new products.

Highlighting their significant achievements with a young team, Özdemir stated that ASPİLSAN Enerji has successfully represented Turkey’s defense industry internationally, both in terms of R&D and engineering.

Emphasizing their entry into the new year with an expanded product portfolio, Özdemir expressed their commitment to reducing Turkey’s reliance on foreign energy storage solutions.

ASPİLSAN Enerji Will Be the Symbol of Our Country’s Energy Independence

ASPİLSAN Enerji, a company that has achieved many firsts in Turkey and is based in the heart of Anatolia, continues to innovate. Özdemir said: “In 1981, our company became the first in Turkey to produce rechargeable batteries. Today, we’ve achieved yet another milestone by producing the country’s first commercially viable rechargeable lithium-ion 18650 battery. At the SAHA EXPO Fair, we also unveiled our large-format 21700 battery. At a time when European competitors in the global energy market are struggling to compete with China, we are proud to expand our product range and remain a key player. ASPİLSAN Enerji will, God willing, become the symbol of our country’s energy independence. We offer a wide portfolio of products, ranging from UAV batteries to portable energy sources, aircraft and electric vehicle batteries, and radio batteries. Additionally, as of 2024, we’ve expanded into energy storage systems.”

We Witnessed KAAN’s First Flight

Describing 2024 as an exciting year for ASPİLSAN Enerji and Turkey, Özdemir stated: “Last year was thrilling, not just for us but for our entire country. We witnessed KAAN’s maiden flight, an incredible moment. Turkey achieved the extraordinary. Today, Turkey is shining in aviation, earning global admiration. Our success is shared with TUSAŞ, which entrusts us with critical responsibilities. Many components of the KAAN aircraft were developed by local companies, reflecting a defense industry that focuses not only on assembly but also on design. The Defense Industry Presidency highly values R&D activities to enhance the nation’s capabilities. Our mission was to provide the energy that powers KAAN, and we successfully designed and manufactured the aircraft’s battery system under the ASPİLSAN Enerji banner. KAAN’s first flight was powered by our battery. It was an incredible project.”