Turkish firm Sarsilmaz to equip European unmanned vehicles with weapons systems
2026-02-27 - 21:32
Turkish defense manufacturer Sarsilmaz has forged strategic partnerships with two European companies to integrate its remote-controlled weapons systems into unmanned and autonomous ground vehicles, marking a significant expansion of Turkish defense technology into European markets. Agreements were signed with Hungary's HT Division and Slovenia's PK Auto during the Enforce Tac international defense fair held in Germany Feb. 23-25. Hungarian Collaboration Under the agreement with HT Division, Sarsilmaz's Best Defense remote-controlled weapon system (RCWS) will be integrated into a newly developed unmanned ground vehicle designed specifically for fire support missions. A fully integrated prototype was unveiled during the defense fair, demonstrating the compatibility and performance of the combined systems. The partnership represents a concrete step in Turkish-Hungarian defense industrial cooperation. Slovenian Expansion Parallel talks with Slovenia-based PK Auto resulted in expanded cooperation on low-voltage autonomous electric vehicles for defense and search-and-rescue operations. PK Auto currently equips its platforms with medium-caliber weapons produced by TR Mekatronik, a joint venture between Sarsilmaz and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). The deepening relationship builds on existing ties and opens new opportunities for integrated systems development. Export Growth Nuri Kiziltan, general manager of Sarsilmaz's foreign trade division, said the partnerships demonstrate the performance, reliability, and compatibility of the company's systems. He emphasized that such collaborations enhance the industry's ability to develop innovative solutions in response to evolving global security challenges and will further strengthen Türkiye's position in the global defense export market. The agreements underscore growing international demand for Turkish defense technology and Ankara's expanding footprint in European defense industrial collaboration.