Turkish Aerospace Industries

What Turkish Aerospace Industries does

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) is Turkey's national aerospace prime contractor, established in 1973 and headquartered in Kahramankazan, Ankara. The company designs, develops, and manufactures a full spectrum of military and civilian aerospace platforms — most notably the indigenous fifth-generation KAAN fighter (targeted for initial Turkish Air Force delivery in 2028), the T129 ATAK and T625 GÖKBEY helicopters, the ANKA / ANKA III / AKSUNGUR UAV families, the HÜRJET jet trainer and HÜRKUŞ turboprop trainer, the GÖKTÜRK-2 earth observation satellite, and proprietary satellite subsystems such as the DÖNENCE Moment Control Gyroscope. It also exports aerospace structures and components to global OEMs. TUSAŞ is publicly listed on Borsa İstanbul under THYAO but operates as a subsidiary of TAFF (Turkish Armed Forces Foundation) and an affiliate of SSB (Presidency of Defence Industries), reflecting deep state alignment with Turkish defense industrial policy.

The business is built around indigenous systems development supplemented by international co-development partnerships — notably with General Electric (F110 engines for KAAN) and Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin (T-70 utility helicopter). TUSAŞ supports its platforms with comprehensive in-house testing capabilities and R&D centers embedded across eight Turkish university technoparks, plus an engineering and design office in Cyberjaya, Malaysia. Technology focus areas include fifth-generation stealth aircraft architecture, ECSS-qualified space subsystems, control moment gyroscopes, foresight analysis methodologies for future technology planning, and integrated power/attitude control systems.

TUSAŞ generates revenue through direct government-to-government defense procurement (primarily the Turkish Ministry of National Defense and Turkish Armed Forces), international defense exports bundled with technology transfer and local production arrangements, and aerostructures supply to global aerospace manufacturers. Reported 2024 sales were $3.2 billion, with $723 million in exports — targeting a stated $30 billion turnover within ten years. Customer concentration is heavily weighted toward the Turkish government, with growing diversification into Latin America (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay) and Southeast Asia (Malaysia).

Name

Turkish Aerospace Industries

Legal name

Türk Havacılık ve Uzay Sanayii A.Ş.

Website

https://tusas.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) is Turkey's national aerospace prime contractor, designing and manufacturing indigenous military and civilian aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, satellites, and aerostructures for the Turkish Armed Forces and international defense buyers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense Aerospace Manufacturing

NAICS

Aircraft Manufacturing (336411), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Aircraft (3721), Aircraft & Parts (3720), Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

Military Fixed-Wing Aircraft Manufacturing (IMABAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Military Aircraft Structures, Airframes & Composites (IMABAMAH), Space Payloads & Instruments (Sensors, Comms, EO/IR) (IMABACAD), Special-Mission Fixed-Wing Aircraft Manufacturing (ISR, AEW&C, Patrol) (IMABAAAH), Military Avionics, Mission Computers & Flight Controls (IMABAMAE)

Keywords

• Military aircraft manufacturing
• Defense aerospace systems
• Unmanned aerial vehicles
• Helicopter production
• Satellite systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Kahramankazan, Ankara

HQ country

Türkiye

HQ region

Europe

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Defense Aircraft Manufacturing: Design, development and manufacturing of indigenous defense aircraft including KAAN fighter, HÜRKUŞ trainer aircraft, and HÜRJET jet trainer for Turkish Armed Forces and export customers.
2. Helicopter Production: Production of utility and attack helicopters including T625 GÖKBEY, T129 ATAK, and T925 heavy-class helicopters for military and potentially civilian applications.
3. UAV Systems: Development and production of unmanned aerial vehicle systems including ANKA, ANKA III, and AKSUNGUR for reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat missions.
4. Aerospace Structures: Export of aerospace structures and components to international aerospace manufacturers, contributing to export volume with high value-added products.
5. Space Systems: Satellite systems including GÖKTÜRK-2 earth observation satellite and satellite subsystems such as control moment gyroscopes.
6. R&D and Engineering Services: R&D collaboration services, technology development projects with universities and research institutions, supported by national/international research programs.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

TUSAŞ designs, develops, and manufactures indigenous and co-developed military and civilian aerospace platforms. Core product lines include the KAAN fifth-generation fighter aircraft, attack and utility helicopters (T129 ATAK, T625 GÖKBEY, T925), unmanned aerial vehicle systems (ANKA, ANKA III, AKSUNGUR), trainer aircraft (HÜRJET, HÜRKUŞ), and satellite systems including GÖKTÜRK-2 and space subsystems such as the DÖNENCE Moment Control Gyroscope. The company also produces aerostructures for global commercial and defense programs and operates comprehensive testing and qualification facilities.

Product overview

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) operates as Turkey's premier aerospace and defense company with a comprehensive portfolio of indigenous and co-developed platforms spanning fighter aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and space systems. The product portfolio centers on the KAAN fifth-generation indigenous fighter program, alongside attack and utility helicopters (T129 ATAK, T625 GÖKBEY, T925 Heavy Utility, T70), UAV systems (ANKA, ANKA III, AKSUNGUR), training aircraft (HÜRJET, HÜRKUŞ), and satellite subsystems (GÖKTÜRK-2, DÖNENCE Moment Control Gyroscope). The company also produces aerospace structures for global commercial and defense programs. TUSAŞ functions as a platform-plus-subsystems architecture with core indigenous developments supplemented by international partnerships for certain programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• KAAN Fifth-Generation Fighter Turkey's indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft with twin-engine configuration, 21-meter length, 14-meter wingspan, capable of Mach 1.8 speed. Built for Turkish Air Force with target initial deliveries in 2028.
• T129 ATAK Attack Helicopter Attack helicopter developed in partnership for reconnaissance and attack missions with advanced weapon systems and tactical capabilities.
• T625 GÖKBEY Utility Helicopter Indigenous utility helicopter developed for both military and civilian applications, featuring advanced flight systems and multi-role capabilities. Civil certification completed.
• T925 Heavy-Class Utility Helicopter Indigenous heavy-class general purpose helicopter program for military transport and utility operations.
• T70 Utility Helicopter Multi-role utility helicopter produced in partnership with Sikorsky for military transport, search and rescue, and tactical operations. Original target of 109 total deliveries.
• ANKA UAV System Operative strategic UAV system designed for surveillance, reconnaissance and intelligence gathering missions with extended endurance capabilities.
• ANKA III Stealth UAV Stealth unmanned aerial vehicle designed for advanced reconnaissance and strategic missions with reduced radar signature.
• AKSUNGUR High-Payload UAV High payload capacity UAV system designed for extended surveillance, reconnaissance and cargo delivery missions.
• HÜRJET Jet Trainer Indigenous jet trainer aircraft designed for advanced pilot training with combat capability, contributing to the training pipeline for fifth-generation fighters.
• HÜRKUŞ Turboprop Trainer Indigenous turboprop training aircraft for basic and intermediate flight training with multi-role capability.
• GÖKTÜRK-2 Earth Observation Satellite Indigenous Earth observation and reconnaissance satellite system providing high-resolution imagery for defense and civilian applications.
• Aerostructures Aerospace structural components and assemblies for both domestic and international aircraft programs, including major commercial and defense platforms.
• DÖNENCE Moment Control Gyroscope Space-qualified Moment Control Gyroscope (MCG) flight models for satellite attitude and orientation control. Features 6000 RPM angular speed, 0.304 Nms angular momentum, 91.2% reliability.

Quantifiable outcome

• Ranked 47th among aerospace companies internationally in 2025
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• MyAeroSatucoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 August 2026Strategic collaboration between TUSAS (Turkish Aerospace Malaysia) and MyAeroSatu to integrate Malaysian and Turkish SMEs into the global aviation and defense supply chain. TUSAS serves as anchor with its Southeast Asian Engineering and Design office in Cyberjaya, while MyAeroSatu acts as local industry connector representing Tier-2/Tier-3 suppliers. Partnership targets establishing Malaysia as Asia-Pacific hub for commercial and defense aviation through joint ventures in advanced manufacturing, including contributions to Hurjet jet trainer and ANKA 3 stealth drone programs.
• Metropolitan University - METU (Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity-industry collaboration protocols signed for education, teaching, research collaborations, joint R&D projects, and scientific activities including conferences, seminars, symposia, workshops, panels. METU Technopark hosts TUSAŞ R&D Center and Rotary Wing Technology Center (DKTM) established under Indigenous Helicopter Program Agreement.
• Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity collaboration for R&D activities and technology development. ITU ARI Technopark hosts TUSAŞ Technopark facility for aerospace research and development operations.
• Hacettepe UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration in researcher training for defense industry through SAYP (Defense Industry Researcher Training Program) and joint research activities. University hosts TUSAŞ Technopark facility.
• TUBITAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment research council providing R&D support through programs including TEYDEB, ARDEB, and 1007 public institutions R&D project support. TUBITAK invested 1,350,000 TL for 3% stake in HANGAR BIGG acceleration program for dual-use aviation and aerospace entrepreneurs.
• Gebze Technical UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity collaboration through SAYP (Defense Industry Researcher Training Program) for graduate thesis projects relevant to TUSAŞ Technology Roadmap in areas needed by the company.
• Bilkent UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration through SAYP program for training researchers in defense industry through graduate thesis projects aligned with TUSAŞ technology priorities.
• Air Force AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration through SAYP program for researcher training in defense industry with focus on air force-related technologies and systems.
• Gazi UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity collaboration through SAYP program for training researchers in defense industry through thesis projects relevant to TUSAŞ technology needs.
• Ankara UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partnership through SAYP researcher training program for defense industry graduate thesis projects aligned with TUSAŞ technology roadmap.
• TOBB Economy and Technology UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration through SAYP program for researcher training in defense industry with technology thesis projects.
• InnotalentPluscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in HANGAR BIGG open innovation and entrepreneurship program supported by TUBITAK, aiming to mature innovative business ideas into viable business plans for aviation and aerospace entrepreneurs.
• Teknopark AnkaracoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in HANGAR BIGG acceleration program for aviation and aerospace entrepreneurs, providing infrastructure and ecosystem support for startup development.
• European Union (H2020, CleanSky)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerR&D collaboration through EU research programs Horizon 2020 and CleanSky-2 where TUSAŞ participates as consortium member with universities. EU Commission allocates budget based on work share, covering 100% of university budget expenditures.
• General Electric (GE)coreTechnology or IntegrationEngine supplier for KAAN fighter program. U.S. Congress granted export license approval for F110 turbofan engines on July 9. TAI acquiring 80 additional F110 engines for serial production. Over $700 million in U.S.-approved F110 engines secured for the program.
• Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin subsidiary)coreTechnology or IntegrationLicensor for T-70 utility helicopter program. Following US sanctions relief from S-400 purchase, TAI reached agreement with Sikorsky for 39 additional T-70 units and secured export licenses to resume production toward original target of 109 total deliveries.
• Turkish Defense Industry (Aselsan, Havelsan, Baykar, FNSS, MKE, Otokar)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTurkish defense industry ecosystem partners. Turkish defense exports reached $10 billion in 2025 with major Turkish defense companies securing large-scale orders at international exhibitions.

Scale indicators22 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• BAE Systems: British defense prime active in combat aircraft (Eurofighter consortium), military aerospace electronics and aerostructures — directly comparable to TUSAŞ across fighter, helicopter and avionics lines.
• Lockheed Martin: US defense prime that manufactures the F-22 and F-35 fifth-generation fighters directly comparable to TUSAŞ's KAAN, alongside military helicopters and missile systems. TUSAŞ is explicitly positioning KAAN as an alternative to F-35 in non-aligned export markets.
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL): India's national aerospace and helicopter manufacturer producing the Tejas fighter, light combat helicopters and UAVs — operates a state-backed national-champion defense aerospace model nearly identical to TUSAŞ's structure.
• Dassault Aviation: French manufacturer of the Rafale multirole fighter, the most direct Western competitor to KAAN in the mid-to-heavy fighter export market. Both companies target nations seeking sovereign, non-US fighter solutions.
• Saab: Swedish manufacturer of the Gripen fighter and a broad aerospace portfolio, frequently competing head-to-head with KAAN for mid-tier fighter opportunities among nations seeking cost-effective sovereign fighters.

Broad incumbents

• Airbus Defence and Space: European manufacturer of the Eurofighter, A400M transport, Tiger/NH90 helicopters and a major satellite business — directly comparable in portfolio breadth and competes for both KAAN-adjacent fighter and transport/aerostructure work globally.
• Boeing Defense, Space & Security: US major producing the F-15 family, Apache helicopters, MQ-25 UAVs and satellites — competes with TUSAŞ across fixed-wing, rotorcraft and space and is the parent of major component suppliers including some that license tech to KAAN.
• Leonardo: Italian aerospace, helicopter (AW139/AW149/AW249) and electronics prime; comparable to TUSAŞ in helicopter segments (T625 GÖKBEY, T129 ATAK, T925) and defense electronics, often partnering or competing in the same tenders.

Emerging players

• Baykar: Turkish UAV manufacturer behind the Bayraktar TB2, Akıncı and Kızılelma UCAV programs — both a domestic peer competing for the same indigenous defense budget and the most prominent Turkish defense export brand, partnered with TUSAŞ in the Turkish defense ecosystem.
• Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI): South Korean manufacturer of the KF-21 fighter, KT-1/T-50 trainers, Surion helicopter and FA-50 — the closest emerging-market analog to TUSAŞ, exporting platforms (especially trainers and light fighters) that compete directly with HÜRKUŞ/HÜRJET and adjacent to KAAN.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/turkishaerospace
• Instagraminstagram.com/tusaskariyer
• Xx.com/TUSAS_EN
• Facebookfacebook.com/Turkishaerospaceindustries
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/turkish-aerospace

Compliance15 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Turkish Aerospace Industries