Turkish defense firm SYS Group expands pacts with Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Bangladesh

By Mucahithan Avcioglu and Kerem Alp Eren Kaya

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish defense firm SYS Group signed contracts and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, expanding its cooperation with the three countries at the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025.

SYS Group strengthened its cooperation in the defense sector with the three friendly nations through meetings held at the fair, according to a company statement released on Friday.

The memorandum of understanding signed with the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense officially initiated the procurement of 9x19 mm pistols and accessories developed by CANiK, a division of the SYS Group. The parties expressed mutual goodwill toward developing sustainable cooperation.

The agreement signed with Pakistan, details of which will be announced soon, represents the next phase of a long-term procurement program and strategic cooperation. The agreement stands out as a demonstration of SYS Group's growing influence in the region, according to the statement.

- CANiK systems increase in prevalence in Bangladesh Navy

Under the agreement signed with Bangladesh, the country's naval forces will receive an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Countermeasure System (C-UAS) featuring the low-recoil 30x113mm VENOM LR cannon, developed by UNIROBOTICS.

In addition, CANiK-developed M2 QCB 12.7x99mm heavy machine guns integrated with gun bay solutions were delivered to the Bangladesh Navy.

CANiK-developed systems now constitute approximately 40% of the navy's M2 heavy machine gun inventory.

SYS Group Board Member Didem Aral said the relationships they have built in various countries are shaped by a strategic vision rooted in mutual trust, not just commercial interests.

Emphasizing that they view IDEF 2025 as more than a product showcase, Aral said, "The agreements we signed with three different countries at the fair this year demonstrate that CANiK is a trusted brand not only in the field but also at decision-making tables. Our international collaborations clearly demonstrate the progress of our production power and engineering infrastructure."

The 17th edition of the six-day IDEF fair, which began Tuesday, is being held simultaneously at the Istanbul Fair Center, Atatürk Airport, WOW Hotel, and Atakoy Marina.

The event is organized by KFA Fairs with support from Türkiye’s Defense Industries Secretariat and the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, with Anadolu as its global communication partner.