Exclusive Interview with President & CEO HAVELSAN Mr Mehmet Akif NACAR

HAVELSAN is fundamentally a software and systems integration company. Rather than focusing on individual platforms, we develop interoperable and modular architectures that integrate sensors, platforms, command centres, and decision-support layers into a unified operational picture.

Our platform-agnostic solutions allow customers to modernise incrementally without costly system replacements, enabling faster decision-making and operational flexibility.

Equally important is our partnership approach. Particularly in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, we work closely with local players, positioning ourselves not as a supplier but as a long-term technology partner. Localisation, technology transfer, and joint capability development are central to our sustainable relationships.

Rather than prioritising a single technology domain, we evaluate operational needs holistically when defining our technology priorities. HAVELSAN’s approach is built on ensuring that critical functions—such as command and control, decision-making, training, and operational preparedness—operate in an integrated and coherent manner.

Within this structure, software and systems integration capabilities form our core foundation. Our solutions focus on sensor data fusion, the creation of a shared operational picture across multiple platforms, and decision-support mechanisms that enhance operational effectiveness. This enables us to deliver flexible solutions adaptable to different force structures and mission profiles.

Simulation and training are also among HAVELSAN’s core fields of activity. We consider training not as a supporting function, but as a direct operational capability. Through simulation-based environments, forces can assess readiness, rehearse complex scenarios, and enhance performance in risk-free settings.

All these capabilities are developed on flexible and sustainable architectures designed to meet current requirements while remaining adaptable to future operational environments. Within this framework, artificial intelligence is positioned as a decision-support enabler that enhances situational awareness and supports human operators rather than replacing them.

Each of the air, land, and maritime domains has its own specific mission requirements. However, effectiveness is achieved through shared data, shared situational awareness, and coordinated decision-making across these domains. Swarm capabilities and joint missions play a critical role in this context.

Compatibility with existing platforms is also a key element of our strategy. For example, through our expertise and deep technological capability in network centered C4I systems, autonomous systems can be integrated into existing command-and-control structures. This provides customers with the ability to expand their capabilities in a gradual and controlled manner.

Interoperability has never been an add-on feature for us; it has always been a fundamental design principle. Our system architectures are developed in compliance with NATO standards and STANAG requirements. The experience we have gained through NATO projects and exercises has also played an important role in reinforcing this approach.

At the same time, we are aware that not all customers operate within a NATO framework. Thanks to our modular and layered software architectures, we can preserve NATO compliance while adapting interfaces and operational logic for non-NATO users.

HAVELSAN does not approach modernisation as a conventional product sale. We view it as a transformation partnership based on close collaboration and shared understanding.

Modernisation is not only about meeting today’s operational needs, but also about building resilient structures capable of responding to future uncertainties. Through our expertise in software-oriented technologies, data management, and systems integration, we deliver tailored solutions adapted to different geographies, threat environments, and institutional requirements.

While threat perceptions may vary across regions, fundamental needs such as integration, effective decision-making, and long-term sustainability remain largely common. Our role is to transform these shared needs into flexible and future-proof defence architectures.

By 2030, I believe HAVELSAN will not merely aim to become a globally recognised defence technologies brand; rather, we will elevate today’s already strong level of international recognition to a significantly higher position. We expect to expand our presence across many more countries, develop some of the most advanced technologies in our fields, and strengthen our role as one of the leading global players in entirety of our business areas.

Establishing a sustained presence in selected geographies and remaining close to the operational field through local offices and long-term partnerships are among our key priorities. Proximity to the customer is essential not only from a commercial perspective, but also for gaining deep operational insight.

Increasing our role in NATO and allied projects, becoming a reference company in AI-enabled and autonomous solutions, and continuing strong investments in human capital and R&D form the cornerstones of this vision. Our ultimate objective is to achieve a global positioning built on trust, technological leadership, and long term sustainability.