Aselsan has given Turkey a domestically produced infrared sensing capability, providing a key building block for military systems that rely on thermal vision, target detection, and precision tracking.
The Turkish defense giant’s new electro-optical system can be configured in both cooled and uncooled modes, allowing it to adapt to different mission requirements.
It is designed to span nearly every corner of Turkey’s military arsenal, with potential applications across drones, missiles, combat aircraft, and armored vehicles.
Infrared detectors serve as the core of electro-optical systems, enabling capabilities such as thermal imaging, target acquisition, and heat-based tracking.
They also support advanced targeting systems and form part of the electro-optical suite powering Turkey’s KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet.
Due to the complexity of developing military-grade infrared detectors, only a limited number of countries have been able to produce the technology domestically.
Aselsan’s achievement could give Turkey a strategic advantage by reducing reliance on foreign suppliers while improving how its military systems detect and track targets in low-visibility environments.
Putting the Tech to Work
According to Aselsan, the new infrared detectors are already being integrated into some of Turkey’s major defense programs.
The technology is reportedly being used in Baykar’s Kizilelma unmanned combat aircraft, the Altay main battle tank’s surveillance system, and elements of the country’s Steel Dome air defense architecture.
Beyond defense applications, the detectors could also support civilian uses including industrial inspection, urban security, and environmental monitoring.
