Turkish defense firm to integrate weapons systems in autonomous European vehicles

By Tolga Yanik

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish defense manufacturer Sarsilmaz has entered strategic partnerships with Hungary’s HT Division and Slovenia’s PK Auto to integrate its remote-controlled weapons systems into European unmanned and autonomous ground vehicles.

The agreement with the HT Division was signed on the sidelines of the Enforce Tac international defense fair held in Germany on Feb. 23–25. Under the deal, Sarsilmaz’s Best Defense remote-controlled weapon system (RCWS) will be integrated into a newly developed unmanned ground vehicle designed for fire support missions.

A fully integrated prototype was recently unveiled during the event.

In parallel, Sarsilmaz held talks with Slovenia-based PK Auto to expand their existing cooperation. PK Auto specializes in low-voltage autonomous electric vehicles for defense and search-and-rescue operations.

The Slovenian company currently equips its platforms with medium-caliber weapons produced by TR Mekatronik, a joint venture between Sarsilmaz and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).

Nuri Kiziltan, general manager of Sarsilmaz’s foreign trade division, said the partnerships demonstrate the performance, reliability, and compatibility of the company’s systems.

He added that such collaborations enhance the industry’s ability to develop innovative solutions in response to evolving global security challenges and will further strengthen Türkiye’s position in the global defense export market.

* Writing by Emir Yildirim.