ASELSAN has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Czech-based Excalibur International. The KORKUT Air Defence System will be integrated onto the Tatra Force 6×6 platform.
Turkish defence electronics company ASELSAN has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Czech defence firm Excalibur International for the integration of the KORKUT Air Defence System onto the Tatra Force 6×6 wheeled platform and the establishment of a joint EU-based venture.
Joint venture targets European and global markets
In a statement by CSG Group, the parent company of Excalibur International, it was noted that the cooperation aims to expand joint defence capabilities for European and global markets. The agreement was highlighted as an important step in strengthening defence industry cooperation worldwide, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe.
The planned joint venture will focus on technical cooperation in critical areas such as:
- air defence,
- electronic warfare,
- smart munitions,
- border security.
Within the scope of localisation, production is planned to be shifted to CSG facilities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
First concrete step: KORKUT–Tatra integration
The first tangible outcome of the cooperation will be the integration of the KORKUT Air Defence System onto the third-generation Tatra Force 6×6 armoured truck platform. The system is designed for both European customers and the global market and is positioned as a comprehensive and cost-effective alternative to European-origin air defence solutions.
The wider availability and lower cost of truck-based platforms compared with armoured combat vehicles make KORKUT attractive for countries seeking wheeled air defence systems. The new configuration had previously been exhibited at the Tatra stand during the IDEF 2025 Exhibition.
“Highly cost-effective against UAVs”
Excalibur International CEO Milos Šivara emphasised that KORKUT provides high effectiveness especially against unmanned aerial vehicles and stated:
“KORKUT uses highly precise programmable ammunition. As a result, the cost of neutralising a single UAV is often comparable to the UAV’s own cost. Such cost efficiency is not possible with conventional missile-based air defence systems.”
ASELSAN: Our industrial presence in Europe is strengthening
ASELSAN CEO Ahmet Akyol underlined that the agreement with Excalibur International and CSG Group strengthens ASELSAN’s industrial footprint in Europe and globally.
Akyol stated:
“The integration of KORKUT onto the Tatra platform combines advanced sensor and fire control technologies with an extremely mobile and reliable vehicle. In this way, we offer a flexible and proven solution for today’s dynamic battlefield conditions.”
A combat-proven system
Actively used in the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces, KORKUT serves as a mobile air defence system equipped with:
- two 35 mm GDF automatic cannons,
- AKREP 100-G fire control radar,
- ATOM airburst ammunition.
The ATOM munition is programmed at the muzzle exit to detonate tungsten particles in the air over the target, providing a high probability of destruction, particularly against UAVs.
Thanks to its large-calibre gun, KORKUT can also provide effective fire support against ground targets.
Can be integrated onto different platforms
The KORKUT family has so far been integrated onto various platforms:
- KORKUT 150/35: FNSS ACV-AD tracked vehicle
- KORKUT 140/35: Otokar ARMA 8×8
- KORKUT 141/35: UAE-made Wahash 8×8
In addition, ASELSAN has developed the KORKUT SB family for mobile use.
- KORKUT 120/25 SB: 4×4 tactical vehicle
- KORKUT 130/25 SB: towed system
- KORKUT 100/35 SB: 6×6 truck platform, used together with KALKAN 050-G AESA radars and the KANGAL electronic warfare system.
