Turkish defence giant Aselsan expands presence in Oman as part of global strategy

In a bold move to strengthen its ties with the Gulf region, Türkiye’s electronics powerhouse, Aselsan, has officially opened its first office in the Sultanate of Oman, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy.

The new office, located on the southern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, is poised to enhance Aselsan’s services and solidify its presence in the Middle East and Gulf, Caliber.Az reports, citing international media outlets.

Aselsan’s new office in Oman is not about starting fresh but rather amplifying its already established presence in the Arab world. The company has long had a footprint in other Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Jordan. This new office will serve to deepen its connections and offer enhanced support to its partners in Oman and across the region.

Renowned for its cutting-edge defence electronics, Aselsan develops a broad range of technologies, including electronic warfare software, radar systems, electro-optics, and communication platforms. The company is also part of a consortium working on the Steel Dome air defence system, further reinforcing its technological leadership.

Turkish Secretary of Defense Industries, Haluk Görgün, expressed pride at the inauguration of Aselsan’s Muscat office. “In recent years, the Turkish defence industry has seen remarkable global success thanks to the technologies it has developed and the increasing demand for its exports. This office opening is a testament to that success and reflects our strong commitment to deepening ties with the Gulf region,” Görgün stated.

CEO of Aselsan, Ahmet Akyol, emphasized that the new office would focus on critical aspects like marketing, business development, customer satisfaction, and providing comprehensive post-sales support for users of Aselsan’s advanced technologies.

The inauguration follows Aselsan’s announcement that it had set a new defence export record of $1 billion in 2024, contributing to Türkiye’s overall defence exports reaching an impressive $7.15 billion last year.

Commenting on the broader shift in relations between Türkiye and Gulf states, Serhat Süha Çubukçuoğlu, an expert at Trends Research & Advisory in Abu Dhabi, noted the growing synergy between Türkiye’s expertise and the Gulf’s vast resources.

“The Gulf states are keen on diversifying their economies and positioning themselves as leaders in emerging technologies like AI and robotics,” he explained. “Türkiye offers a unique advantage as an alternative supplier with fewer political conditions attached, unlike Western powers such as the EU and the US. This aligns well with the Gulf’s ambition to enhance their defence capabilities and reduce dependence on Western security guarantees.”

Aselsan’s new office in Oman is poised to serve as a key hub in this evolving partnership, helping both Türkiye and the Gulf states navigate the future of defence and high-tech innovation.

By Tamilla Hasanova