Turkish Defense Industry Highlights Digital Innovation and International Partnerships at World Defense Show
The Turkish defense industry showcased its air, land, and weapons systems capabilities at the World Defense Show (WDS) in Saudi Arabia, underlining its growing emphasis on digital presentation, manned-unmanned teaming concepts, and international cooperation.
Key highlights included a new-generation concept presentation of the KAAN National Combat Aircraft, ASELSAN’s integration of the SEDA 100 Acoustic Firing Point Detection System into a South Korean armored vehicle, and SARSILMAZ’s announcement that it will attend World Defense Show 2026 with an expanded product portfolio.
Digital and Interactive Concept from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ)
At the exhibition in Riyadh, TUSAŞ introduced a digitally driven and interactive approach to product promotion, presenting its platforms to international delegations through immersive visual and scenario-based displays.
Unlike previous exhibitions dominated by static scale models, TUSAŞ this year unveiled the OKU (Autonomous Wing Flight) concept through a dynamic presentation combining physical platforms and synchronized LED screen visuals.
OKU Concept Demonstrated with KAAN and ANKA III
In the moving presentation, the KAAN fighter aircraft and ANKA III unmanned combat aerial vehicles exited a virtual hangar and executed coordinated mission maneuvers. The display drew strong interest from visitors and highlighted Türkiye’s approach to manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), an increasingly central element of modern air combat doctrine.
The OKU concept envisions piloted combat aircraft operating in close coordination with unmanned systems acting as loyal wingmen, enhancing operational flexibility and survivability.
Personalized Digital Stands and AI-Ready Presentations
TUSAŞ also introduced a fully digital stand concept featuring four interactive touch screens, allowing visitors to examine platforms in 360 degrees, access technical data, and view tailored video content.
The company plans to deploy the same digital presentation model at upcoming defense exhibitions in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom. Similar applications are also planned for the HÜRJET jet trainer and GÖKBEY helicopter programs.
TUSAŞ CEO: “Presentations Are Becoming Tailor-Made”
TUSAŞ General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu said digitalization allows product presentations to be supported by highly realistic operational scenarios.
“Our aim is to make presentations faster, more effective, and more comprehensive,” Demiroğlu said. “We will provide concise, targeted information for senior decision-makers, while offering deeper technical content for visitors seeking detail. Artificial intelligence will be integrated into this structure in the near future. This is the first time we are showcasing this concept.”
ASELSAN–Hanwha Cooperation Showcased with SEDA 100
ASELSAN presented the SEDA 100 Acoustic Shot Location Detection System for the first time at WDS, integrated into the new-generation 8×8 Tigon armored vehicle developed by Hanwha Aerospace.
Displayed in the static exhibition area, the system represents the first visible outcome of a memorandum of understanding signed last year between ASELSAN and Hanwha Aerospace, covering the integration of SEDA systems into Hanwha platforms for domestic and international markets.
Key Capabilities of the SEDA 100 System
The SEDA 100 uses advanced acoustic sensors to detect supersonic projectiles and accurately identify the shooter’s location. Core features include:
- All-weather operational capability
- GIS-based real-time alerts
- Rapid integration without calibration
Microphone arrays detect both the muzzle blast and the shock wave generated by the projectile. The system analyzes millisecond-level timing differences to instantly provide firing coordinates, distance, direction, and elevation data to operators.
SARSILMAZ Targets Deeper Regional Partnerships at WDS 2026
SARSILMAZ announced it will participate in World Defense Show 2026, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia from February 8–12, with a strong focus on new-generation weapons and systems.
According to the company, highlights will include the 25 mm TRM Cannon, along with machine guns, pistols, and infantry rifles designed for diverse operational environments.
With more than 140 years of history and exports to over 80 countries, SARSILMAZ aims to deepen its cooperation with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and GAMI during the exhibition.
Systems to Be Displayed at WDS 2026
Products scheduled for exhibition include:
- 25 mm TRM Cannon, developed by TR Mekatronik under the SARSILMAZ–TUSAŞ partnership
- 12.7 mm SAR 127 MT and 7.62 mm SAR 762 MT machine guns
- New-generation SAR9 pistol variants
- SAR15T (7.62×39) and MPT76 (7.62×51) infantry rifles
Organizers expect around 800 companies from 80 countries, more than 440 official delegations, over 106,000 visitors, and approximately 950 accredited media representatives to attend WDS 2026, reinforcing the event’s role as a key platform for global defense cooperation.
