Turkish missile producer Roketsan inks strategic defense deals at IDEF

ISTANBUL

Türkiye's missile producer Roketsan signed new foreign and domestic strategic cooperation agreements at the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025 in Istanbul.

The 17th edition of the six-day defense fair IDEF, starting on Tuesday, is being held simultaneously at the Istanbul Fair Center, Ataturk Airport, Wow Hotel, and Atakoy Marina.

The event, organized by KFA Fairs with support from Türkiye's Defense Industries Secretariat (SSB) and the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, has Anadolu as its global communication partner.

Roketsan attracted great interest at the fair with its innovative products and field-proven systems, becoming one of the most notable companies at the event.

The company finalized critical agreements covering product deliveries and new projects during signing ceremonies held on the first two days of the fair.

Artillery systems cooperation with Azerbaijan

Roketsan took its strategic partnership with Azerbaijan in the defense sector a step further by signing a new cooperation protocol in the field of artillery systems.

The “Artillery Systems Cooperation Protocol,” which came into effect on July 22, was signed by Agil Gurbanov, Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Faruk Yigit, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Roketsan.

Historic Agreement on Gokbora Project

The development contract for the Gokbora Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile project, which was introduced at IDEF 2025, was also signed on Wednesday between the Secretariat of Defense Industries (SSB) and Roketsan.

The contract was signed by SSB President Haluk Gorgun and Roketsan General Manager Murat Ikinci.

The Gokbora, which will be used with both manned and unmanned combat aircraft, is planned to become the new striking power of the air force with its range exceeding 100 nautical miles and superior guidance capability.

Additionally, a contract was signed between Roketsan and another Turkish defense firm Aselsan for the development of RF seeker heads and missile-mounted data link subsystems under the project.

Strategic agreements with SSB

Two more important agreements were also signed between Roketsan and the SSB.

The two institutions signed the Mixed Rocket/Missile System Project Agreement and the TRLG-122 Missile System Supply Cooperation Protocol.

These agreements aim to develop and procure critical systems that will advance Türkiye's defense capabilities.

Fuel rod agreement with MKE

Roketsan and a Turkish defense firm MKE also signed an agreement for the supply of fuel rods to be used in various projects.

The agreement was signed by Roketsan General Manager Murat Ikinci and MKE General Manager Ilhami Keles.

Deal with Teknopark Istanbul

Roketsan also signed a new protocol with Teknopark Istanbul to support new ventures in the defense and technology sectors.

The “Incubation Center-Focused Corporate Cooperation Protocol” was signed by Roketsan General Manager Murat Ikinci and Teknopark Istanbul General Manager Abdurrahman Akyol.

This cooperation aims to commercialize innovative ideas, support startups, and contribute to the defense ecosystem.

Localization efforts

On Thursday, Roketsan inked “Memorandum of Understanding on Localization Efforts” with companies it has collaborated with so far; Armsto Konnektor, Asil Celik, Sensorsan Sensor Technologies, Iveo Electronic Defense Systems, Korel Elektronik, and Pavezyum Kimya.

Roketsan's Rise for Tomorrow platform, launched last year, also plays a significant role in the localization initiative.

The platform, which was launched to increase the effectiveness of nationalization efforts, strengthen supplier relationships and the ecosystem with potential suppliers, is positioned as a sharing platform established to minimize supply risks and dependence on foreign countries.

Halid Bulut said that it is very important for Roketsan to continue its localization efforts without slowing down in order to reduce dependence on external sources in the supply process and become more independent.