ASELSAN Balkans Office: Enhancing Regional Defense Strategy
**The factory acceptance tests for the North Macedonia Fire Support Command and Control System Project were successfully concluded with a delegation from North Macedonia visiting ASELSAN’s Gölbaşı campus. Originally scheduled for 2025, these tests were completed ahead of time in 2024. This contract marks a significant milestone as it represents the first procurement agreement between the North Macedonia Ministry of Defense and the Republic of Turkey, making this system the inaugural command and control system exported to a NATO member nation. The system’s advanced capabilities impressed the visiting delegation, highlighting ASELSAN’s innovative approach in developing portable fire support command and control systems.**
North Macedonia is poised to continue its acquisitions of this cutting-edge system, reflecting its commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities. This initiative aligns with ASELSAN’s broader strategy to strengthen regional partnerships and support allied nations with advanced defense technologies.
In addition to these developments, ASELSAN recently inaugurated its Balkans office in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. This new regional hub is part of ASELSAN’s global expansion strategy, aimed at delivering improved services to clients across the Balkans. Since 2014, ASELSAN has been actively involved in North Macedonia, and the establishment of the Skopje office is expected to bolster its presence in the region.
The opening ceremony, attended by key figures such as Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, President of the Defense Industry, and ASELSAN General Manager Ahmet Akyol, marks a pivotal moment in the company’s growth trajectory. The new office is strategically located to facilitate access to both Western and Eastern European markets, enhancing ASELSAN’s ability to collaborate with neighboring countries like Serbia, Kosovo, Bulgaria, and Albania.
With a focus on customer satisfaction and after-sales support, the ASELSAN Balkans office will engage in marketing and business development activities tailored to regional needs. Currently, ASELSAN has a strong presence across nearly all Balkan countries, and this office aims to expand its user base while increasing satisfaction with its military and civilian solutions.
In addition to military applications, the office is expected to make significant contributions to civilian sectors, particularly in areas such as highway toll collection systems and smart transportation solutions. This dual-focus strategy will enable ASELSAN to address a broader range of regional challenges and opportunities.
Commenting on the official opening, ASELSAN General Manager Ahmet Akyol expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are pleased to see the increasing trust of our customers reflected in the projects we undertake in the Balkans. While ASELSAN continues to expand its global footprint, we are excited to strengthen our presence in the region with our new office in Skopje. This office will serve as a strategic center for our activities in the Balkans and will enhance our collaboration with regional countries and local partners.”
The launch of the ASELSAN Balkans office signifies a promising step toward enhancing regional defense strategies and fostering collaborative efforts in both military and civilian fields.