Can you provide an introduction to Vestel Defence and AYESAS?

Vestel Defence and AYESAS are sister companies belonging to the Zorlu Group. Vestel Defence is wholly owned by the Turkish Zorlu Group, while AYESAS is a joint venture with the American company L-3 Communications, owning 40% of the company. Vestel Defence is a platforms manufacturer, focused on the production of UAVs, and AYESAS is a systems supplier of avionics and electronics. Both companies are headquartered in Ankara, Turkey and are led by Aziz Sipahi.

Is Vestel Defence working on any new projects to meet Turkey’s demands for armed and all-weather surveillance UAVs?

Vestel Defence has already developed indigenous UAV systems in three categories – the mini UAV EFE, a tactical UAV KARAYEL, and training aircraft BORA. To develop new UAV systems such as armed or rotary, in-house technology is required. The advantage of Vestel Defence is that the domestic UAV field has matured significantly enough to design and develop almost everything indigenously. Vestel Defence has already started making necessary modifications for an armed version of KARAYEL, which is almost ready. Vestel Defence is also leading other confidential indigenous development UAV programs for different purposes and working with Turkish sub-system manufacturers.

What challenges are preventing the successful development and sale of UAVs?

One primary issue is payloads. Only select payloads that are critical for UAVs are manufactured in Turkey, and as per U.S. specifications, Turkey is obliged to import. On the other hand, Turkish company ASELSAN is developing payload technology, and Vestel Defence hopes that they succeed.

Can you provide an introduction to AYESAS and its presence in the Turkish market?

AYESAS does not manufacture any kind of land, air, or sea platform, but rather supplies electronic systems for such platforms, mainly working in command and control and avionics. The company was established in 1990, making it one of the oldest private defense companies in Turkey. AYESAS is pioneers in avionics software and maintains its position as market leaders in this field. AYESAS is the primary avionics supplier for Turkish platform makers such as TAI and ASELSAN but works mainly for American civilian aerospace companies. AYESAS is also an electronics manufacturer and is the first company in the world to secure a software share outside the United States within the F35 program. They are still the only company in Turkey to have a software, electronic manufacturing, and design share in the program.

What goals would you like both Vestel Defence and AYESAS to achieve in the next three to five years?

Our goal for Vestel Defence is to become one of the leading UAV suppliers in the region. We are engaged in negotiations with some Middle Eastern, Eastern European, and African countries, and we believe we can achieve this goal within the next three to five years. For AYESAS, we would like to maintain our competitive position in the market with respect to the main global players and improve our business volume with those companies. Additionally, as per our long-term strategic plan, we plan to leverage our expertise and enter the healthcare market where quality and technology expectations are similar.