HAVELSAN, a leading Turkish software and technology provider in the defense industry, participated in SAHA EXPO 2024, showcasing its innovative solutions and strategic advancements. During a media talk at the expo, HAVELSAN CEO Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar shared insights on the company’s achievements, partnerships, and vision for the future. He emphasized the importance of SAHA EXPO as a platform for collaboration and Türkiye’s growing influence in global defense. The details of the interview are as follows:
Q: How does HAVELSAN view its participation at SAHA EXPO 2024, and what were the primary objectives for joining this event?
As HAVELSAN, we are very pleased to have accomplished our participation at SAHA EXPO 2024 with so many important achievements and fruitful discussions and collaborations. This fair has once again proven to be one of the unique platforms for showcasing the strength of Türkiye’s defense industry, the innovative solutions we highlighted, and our growing presence on the international arena.
Our purpose for participating in this fair was not only to demonstrate the advancements of the Turkish defense industry but also to present HAVELSAN’s cutting-edge technologies, which contribute significantly to the power of this industry to our national and international partners. Organized by SAHA Istanbul, Türkiye’s and Europe’s largest defense and aviation cluster, SAHA EXPO has been a critical platform for stressing Türkiye’s independent production power in defense and aerospace. It also allowed us to closely follow industry developments, evaluate new partnership opportunities, and establish long-lasting strategic connections.
Q: Can you share how HAVELSAN approached SAHA EXPO this year and what differentiates your participation in this event?
At HAVELSAN, we approached SAHA EXPO not just as an opportunity to display our current projects but as a place to create new technology-based success stories in Türkiye’s defense industry. This year’s event has given us a tremendous boost to leverage our capabilities further with the insights from our customers and share our innovative solutions both locally and globally.
Q: HAVELSAN plays a significant role in Türkiye’s defense industry. Can you elaborate on the company’s strategic position and contributions?
HAVELSAN holds a prominent place in Türkiye’s defense industry as an established software and technology provider. We are committed not only to addressing Türkiye’s unique needs but also to developing export-ready solutions for the international market. With expertise in command and control systems, simulation and training technologies, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems, HAVELSAN is continuously expanding its reach and impact.
During SAHA EXPO, we have once again demonstrated our strategic importance. Since HAVELSAN offers deep technological developments across every corner of the defense industry, it has confirmed once again that HAVELSAN provides holistic defense solutions. Our expertise in software and systems engineering allows us to contribute significantly to Türkiye’s independent defense capabilities while prioritizing national and international collaborations on a win-win basis.
Q: Could you tell us about the specific technologies HAVELSAN showcased at SAHA EXPO 2024 and their significance?
At the event, we showcased a diverse range of products and solutions, including our command and control technologies, artificial intelligence, autonomous solutions, and digital troops technologies.
One of our highlight products, the ADVENT Combat Management System, has been well-received here as well. Currently deployed on over 50 platforms in the Turkish Navy and exported to 7 countries, ADVENT supports Türkiye’s naval defense with real-time decision-making through network-enabled data integration capabilities. This technology exemplifies our decisive role in contributing to the digitalization of naval combat operations and providing a strategic edge in the naval domain.
Q: Could you elaborate on HAVELSAN’s advancements in Digital Troops and Autonomous Systems and their role in modern defense?
Our Digital Troops solutions are the focal point of our latest accomplishments in innovation. At HAVELSAN, we synchronize autonomous land, air, and sea vehicles through swarm algorithms, deploying systems like BAHA, BARKAN, and SANCAR to enhance field operations.
One of the highlights at SAHA EXPO has been the first introduction of the CENGAVER-ASGER-Digital Troops concept. CENGAVER is an advanced digital soldier solution capable of monitoring health, location, and activity data of military personnel in real-time. It enables better decision-making by providing instant information on each soldier’s status in the field.
Additionally, our ASGER Mixed Reality Solution brings augmented reality and artificial intelligence technologies into field operations, helping troops make faster and more accurate tactical decisions.
Q: Were there any strategic agreements signed at SAHA EXPO 2024 that will expand HAVELSAN’s role in the global defense market?
SAHA EXPO 2024 has also been pivotal for establishing important collaborations. HAVELSAN signed multiple strategic agreements focusing on areas such as UAVs, UGVs, artificial intelligence, command and control systems, simulation and training solutions, and cybersecurity. These partnerships will allow us to expand and deepen our projects and reach new markets, advancing Türkiye’s defense industry’s export goals.
Some examples of the agreements signed at the event include collaborations with Calidus Aerospace for the B-250 MPDS & GBTS systems, TÜBİTAK BİLGEM for the MİLGEM 6-12 Ship Project Message Processing System, and Selangor Aviation of Malaysia. We also signed a production agreement with the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) for the Barkan Unmanned Ground Vehicle.
Q: How does HAVELSAN envision its role on the international stage moving forward, especially after SAHA EXPO 2024?
Our motto at HAVELSAN, “Coding The Trusted Future,” has once again proven to be a perfect match with our performance during SAHA EXPO. Our objective is not only to address today’s defense needs but also to develop the technologies that will shape tomorrow’s defense landscape. With our advanced technologies in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and digital troops, we are continuously working to support Türkiye’s defense priorities and position in the global defense arena.
Looking ahead, we aim to build on our success at SAHA EXPO by solidifying our presence in international markets and driving further export growth. Our recent agreements, particularly the global use of systems like ADVENT, are significant milestones. Our goal remains clear: to contribute to advancing the Turkish defense industry’s capabilities and making our country a global leader in defense technology.
Q: Any final thoughts or words of gratitude you would like to share regarding SAHA EXPO 2024?
The achievements, partnerships, and new opportunities realized here at SAHA EXPO 2024 affirm Türkiye’s strong and growing role in the global defense industry. At HAVELSAN, our commitment to innovation and excellence is shaping the future of defense technology. I am confident that our ongoing efforts will lead to even greater success and elevate Türkiye to the top tier on the global stage.
I’d like to thank all stakeholders, including esteemed delegations, participants, visitors, national and global partners, and press members, for being part of this journey with us throughout this important event.
