SARSILMAZ, one of Türkiye’s leading defence industry companies, attracted considerable attention with its next-generation weapons and systems at the 17th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF 2025), where it participated alongside its group companies. Developed through domestic engineering capabilities and unveiled for the first time at IDEF 2025, the company’s new product portfolio received strong interest from leading industry stakeholders and procurement authorities.
Through its advanced technology and integrated solutions, SARSILMAZ demonstrated not only its high-level engineering capabilities in defence, but also its commitment to R&D and innovation-driven vision. The company once again reaffirmed the strategic role it plays in strengthening Türkiye’s global competitiveness in the defence industry.
Bringing together weapon systems and integrated solutions for land, air and naval platforms under a single structure, SARSILMAZ enables users to access the full spectrum of weapons and system solutions they require from a single source, further consolidating its leadership in the sector.
Türkiye’s SARSILMAZ Takes the Stage with New Products
The new SARSILMAZ products unveiled on the first day of IDEF 2025 generated significant interest across the industry. Among the prominent systems were the 20 mm nose-mounted gun developed by TR MEKATRONİK, a joint venture between SARSILMAZ and Turkish Aerospace, specifically for the T129 ATAK attack helicopter; an anti-drone weapon developed in response to emerging threats; artificial intelligence-assisted remote-controlled weapon stations; Türkiye’s first armed robotic system, SARBOT; and the SAR KNT 762 semi-automatic designated marksman rifle.
The SAR9 METE CE, developed for individual users and law enforcement agencies; the 11-inch and 14.5-inch barrel variants of the SAR 39; the SAR9 SP Special; and the SAR9 SOCOM showcased the breadth of SARSILMAZ’s small-arms portfolio.
Displaying a broad range of products together with its group companies, SARSILMAZ presented an integrated structure through which users can access solutions for land, air and naval platforms under one roof. With its strong presence at the fair and its “SARSILMAZ Is All an Army Needs” approach, the company further reinforced its position in the defence industry.
The Weapon System Ending Türkiye’s Import Dependency: The 20 mm ATAK Nose Gun
Having successfully completed demanding endurance tests involving 100,000 rounds, the 20 mm ATAK Nose Gun stands out with its superior operational performance.
Developed by TR MEKATRONİK, the joint venture established by SARSILMAZ and Turkish Aerospace, in response to a requirement issued by the Presidency of Defence Industries, the system was among the most prominent products displayed at the SARSILMAZ stand during IDEF 2025.
Serving as the principal firepower element of Türkiye’s indigenous T129 ATAK attack helicopter, the 20 mm gun also demonstrates the platform’s domestic engineering capability. Meeting stringent reliability and accuracy requirements, the system eliminates Türkiye’s foreign dependency in this field and represents a strategically important achievement for the national defence industry.
Decisive Effect from the Sky to the Ground Across Every Operational Domain
Developed through domestic engineering by TR MEKATRONİK, the six-barrel 20 mm Gatling Gun System features a modular architecture that enables integration into air, land and naval platforms.
The system can be employed across a broad mission spectrum, ranging from attack helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles to armoured vehicles and naval defence systems, providing a high degree of adaptability to diverse operational requirements.
Delivering substantial firepower on the modern battlefield, the 20 mm Gun System represents a strategic capability that supports Türkiye’s technological competence in the defence industry and its objective of reducing foreign dependency. Testing of a new version capable of firing 3,000 rounds per minute was planned to begin in the second half of 2025.
SA-X 700D Anti-Drone Weapon: High Performance Against Unmanned Aerial Threats
Another important product displayed at IDEF, the SA-X 700D provides rapid and effective engagement against unmanned aerial vehicle threats.
Developed through SARSILMAZ’s R&D capabilities and supported by specialised ammunition manufactured by group company BPS, the system offers a robust response to contemporary security requirements.
BEST Defence Remote-Controlled Weapon Stations Draw Strong Interest at IDEF
The Remote-Controlled Weapon Stations developed by BEST Defence, a member of the SARSILMAZ Group, attracted considerable attention at the SARSILMAZ stand.
Designed for urban operations, the concealable 7.62 mm remote-controlled weapon station can be integrated into discreetly armoured civilian-type vehicles. Its retractable architecture enables the system to deliver substantial firepower without revealing its presence in advance. The system can be deployed in just 50 seconds and retracted safely at the same speed after completing its mission.
The BEST Defence 25 mm Remote-Controlled Weapon Station, which remains under development and testing, is being designed in cooperation with TR MEKATRONİK to operate in full compatibility with the domestically developed 25 mm land-based cannon.
The next-generation counter-UAS capability of the remote-controlled weapon station family is expected to transform future security concepts. Capable of detecting and tracking unmanned aerial vehicles immediately, the system will provide effective protection against both ground and aerial threats, delivering a significant tactical and strategic advantage.
SARBOT: The Security and Defence Robot of the Future
Türkiye’s first armed robot, SARBOT, was initially unveiled at SAHA EXPO 2022, where its original design attracted considerable attention.
Developed by LA2 Dynamics, a member of the SARSILMAZ Group, the first-generation platform was designed to support security forces in high-risk environments through its agile architecture and integrated LiDAR and camera systems.
Intensive R&D activities are currently being conducted for the second-generation SARBOT platform, with completion of the advanced configuration targeted for 2025. The new-generation SARBOT is being optimised for enhanced durability, stability and extended mission endurance in difficult and uneven terrain.
With its advanced sensor architecture, increased payload capacity and more powerful weapon and turret integration options, the platform is intended to provide security forces with a substantial tactical advantage in the field.
Ambidextrous Duty Pistol: SAR9 METE CE
The SAR9 METE CE carries the design DNA of the SAR9, Türkiye’s first domestically developed duty pistol to enter the Turkish Armed Forces inventory after demonstrating superior performance in accordance with NATO standards.
Built on the proven foundation of the SAR9 platform, the SAR9 METE CE was among the products unveiled for the first time at IDEF 2025. Developed by SARSILMAZ in line with the specific requirements of security forces, its fully ambidextrous configuration delivers enhanced handling and ergonomics for both right- and left-handed users.
SARSILMAZ Unveils Its Semi-Automatic Designated Marksman Rifle
Developed on the basis of SARSILMAZ’s nearly 150 years of firearms manufacturing experience, the SAR KNT 762 was introduced for the first time at the exhibition.
Designed for potential use by the Turkish Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies and border security units, the semi-automatic designated marksman rifle is intended to provide high accuracy, reliability and ergonomics during medium- and long-range missions.
Still under development for operational deployment, the SAR KNT 762 continues to be refined in line with the requirements of professional users.
A Trusted Platform for Special Operations Units: SAR 39 Infantry Rifle
Developed from SARSILMAZ’s SAR 56 platform, the SAR 39 is a new-generation infantry rifle chambered in 7.62×39 mm and designed to address modern battlefield requirements.
Available with 11-inch and 14.5-inch barrel configurations, the rifle delivers high performance in close- and medium-range operations conducted by infantry, commando, gendarmerie and special operations units.
SAR9 SP Special and SAR9 SOCOM in Operational Use
Developed on the SAR 2023 platform, the SAR9 SP Special was designed for special forces and professional users. It provides high durability, accuracy and operational reliability for special operations units, law enforcement personnel and sport shooters.
The SAR9 family, which has received international recognition in the United States, is also used by police departments in the country. The SAR9 SOCOM model was among the products presented to visitors at the exhibition.
Operational Synergy Through Specialised Group Companies
At IDEF 2025, SARSILMAZ brought all of its group companies together under a single roof.
TR MEKATRONİK, the manufacturer of the T129 ATAK helicopter’s nose-mounted gun, participated in the exhibition with domestically produced 20 mm, 25 mm and 30 mm weapon systems.
BEST Defence attracted attention with its remote-controlled weapon stations, while Balıkesir Patlayıcı Sanayi, BPS, demonstrated its position as one of Türkiye’s leading ammunition manufacturers.
ÜNİMETAL, a specialist in precision casting and metal injection moulding technologies, showcased its advanced manufacturing capabilities at the SARSILMAZ stand.
LA2 Dynamics, the developer of SARBOT, Türkiye’s first armed robotic system, presented its technological competence and growing capabilities in the field of advanced robotic platforms.
