Samsun Yurt Savunma (SYS) Group Companies Strengthen Türkiye with Defense Investments
In 2022, Samsun Yurt Savunma (SYS), under its CANiK brand, became the first company to produce and qualify a 12.7x99 mm heavy machine gun in Türkiye.
Samsun Yurt Savunma (SYS) Group Companies Strengthen Türkiye with Defense Investments
In 2022, Samsun Yurt Savunma (SYS), under its CANiK brand, became the first company to produce and qualify a 12.7x99 mm heavy machine gun in Türkiye. This accomplishment marked a significant milestone, and SYS continued its trajectory of growth by acquiring the well-known British company AEI Systems, thereby expanding its capabilities to include medium-caliber cannons. As SYS group companies step into the 100th year of the Republic, they are making substantial contributions to Türkiye's defense sector through a commitment to cutting-edge technology, integrity, and ethical principles.
CANiK News: CANiK, an integral part of the SYS group of companies, has reached the position of the world’s fifth-largest firearms manufacturer. Can you summarize the global position of SYS group companies as a whole?
Cahit Utku ARAL: CANiK, our globally renowned firearm brand, achieved its leading position in the industry five years ago with an annual sale of 350,000 pistols. In 2022, it completed the qualification of its 12.7x99 mm M2 heavy machine gun, becoming the first Türkiye-based company and the fifth globally to produce this firearm. The Russo-Ukrainian war further validated CANiK's status as the world's premier producer of this heavy machine gun. In 2022, SYS entered the medium-caliber gun market by acquiring the UK-based AEI Systems. SYS is now one of only three companies globally capable of producing a low-recoil 30x113 mm cannon, firing munitions such as TP, HEI, Proximity rounds, and more. Our strategic planning includes investments beyond 12.7 mm machine guns, such as the production of 20 mm, 25 mm, and 30 mm cannons. Our subsidiary, UNIROBOTICS, established in 2020, focuses on designing and producing Remote-Controlled Weapon Systems (RCWS). We have successfully positioned ourselves as leaders in our respective fields, and the synergy among our group companies positions us for unprecedented success. In 2024, our operational facility in the US will enable us to offer our products to the US military, expanding our reach to a region with a total annual defense expenditure of 1 trillion dollars, spanning Türkiye, the UK, and the USA.
CANiK News: When did SYS start its work on medium-caliber cannon production?
Cahit Utku ARAL: SYS formulated its vision to produce medium-caliber cannons and their fire control systems in 2012. It is crucial to clarify that 'medium-caliber guns' refer to weapons that cannot be transported and set up by a single operator, with the 12.7 mm heavy machine gun being the smallest in this category. SYS's entry into the medium-caliber market addresses a crucial need for Türkiye's land, naval, and air platform manufacturers. These platforms require medium-caliber guns, and SYS has not only taken a significant step for itself but has also filled a crucial gap for the entire sector, facilitating potential exports.
CANiK News: How has SYS's acquisition of AEI Systems contributed to the Turkish defense and aerospace sector?
Cahit Utku ARAL: Intense competition characterizes the production of land, naval, and air platforms globally. The differentiator in these fields lies in possessing the right weapon systems. SYS's entry into the medium-caliber gun market addresses the common need of Turkish platform manufacturers, filling a crucial gap and paving the way for exports.
CANiK News: Can you provide information about the qualification and production processes of medium-caliber cannons?
Cahit Utku ARAL: Qualification tests for the final configuration of our 30x113 mm VENOM LR cannon, comprising both British and Turkish components, began in early 2023 and were successfully completed in November 2023. Part lifecycle tests for the firearm will conclude by early 2024. Simultaneously, we will produce a total of 55 cannons, with shipments starting from May 2024. UNIROBOTICS will build the 30 mm turrets concurrently and commence their shipments along with our cannons. Our goal is to complete the industrialization processes of the 100 percent indigenous weapon by June 2024. In parallel, we will undertake the indigenization of the ammunition, aiming to finish this effort by the end of 2024.
CANiK News: What will be your motto in the 100th year of the Republic? How will you shape your new investments and general strategies in domestic and international markets? What is your target in terms of sales volume?
Cahit Utku ARAL: In the 100th year of the Republic, SYS group companies, with an annual production capacity of 600,000 handguns, 6,000 12.7 mm heavy machine guns, 250 medium-caliber guns, and 250 remote-controlled weapon systems across three different countries, have become a significant force. Our goal is to raise the annual total revenue of our group companies above $400 million within the next five years, entirely through exports. Achieving this goal involves developing projects in line with our strategy, adhering strictly to honesty and ethical standards, and leveraging our human resources effectively with cutting-edge technology. As stated in our company's vision, we will invest in people and work for many more centuries of our Republic.
On behalf of our readers, we would like to thank Cahit Utku Aral, General Manager of SYS, for taking the time to answer our questions, and for providing us with such valuable information.
