There have been claims circulating on social media that ASELSAN might be sold or that it has drawn interest from U.S. investment funds — narratives being shaped to serve certain agendas. We must say “enough” to those trying to profit off ASELSAN. At the same time, we should stand by our defence industry as a pillar of our national security policy — without letting the issue descend into political polemics or hiding behind shallow slogans like “don’t touch our national pride.”
Under today’s conditions, such a sale is simply not on the cards.
The leading companies in our defence industry fall into three broad groups. First is the “public” structure: MKEK (now operating under a new commercial framework) and ASFAT, which consolidates military factories under a single roof — we celebrate its 573rd year. ASELSAN is not part of this group. The second group comprises private enterprises, including Baykar, FNSS, OTOKAR, Alp Aviation, Nurol, Sarsılmaz, and hundreds of other Turkish defence firms and subcontractors listed in the SSB catalogue — companies we always hold close to our hearts.
ASELSAN, however, stands apart. It belongs to a third category, positioned between the two above. The Turkish Armed Forces Foundation (TSKGV) is neither a state body nor private capital. It is a foundation governed by its own special laws, with the status of a “private legal entity” — a structure entirely distinct from the others.
From the Cyprus Operation to Today: The Founding Purpose of TSKGV
The 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation is etched in public memory as a turning point, when the importance of meeting modern military needs through domestic means was truly understood. Following our entry into NATO in 1952, the Land, Naval, and Air Forces Strengthening Foundations were established as separate entities, each with a single purpose.
These three separate foundations were brought together under one roof in 1987 through Law No. 3388, forming the TSKGV. In essence, this structure was built on the contributions of hundreds of thousands of Turkish citizens — from gold coins given at circumcisions to gold rings on fingers — all donated to strengthen the nation’s defence. The main goal has always been to create a spiritual bond between the Turkish people and the Turkish Armed Forces, using these donations to establish defence industry companies.
The key point here is that we are not talking about state tax revenues or private capital. We are talking about the savings of every Turkish family — their sacrifices — and the role these have played in building a modern domestic defence industry and strengthening the military.
Now let’s take a closer look: ASELSAN, TUSAŞ (TAI), ROKETSAN, HAVELSAN, İŞBİR, and ASPİLSAN are all foundation establishments, with dozens of important TSKGV affiliates beneath them, such as TEI.
Over the years, numerous global investors have shown interest in TSKGV affiliates. But in the end, the Turkish people have always stood by their defence industry.
It must never be forgotten: ASELSAN is not just a corporate entity. It is the product of the hard work and voluntary donations of hundreds of thousands of Turkish citizens. This trust is neither for sale, nor transferable, nor negotiable.
Source: C4Defence
