By sponsoring the Türkiye–U.S. Defense Industry Cooperation Roundtable Meeting organized within the framework of the NATO Summit, CANiK contributed to strengthening defense industry cooperation between the two countries.
As part of the 2026 NATO Summit, the Türkiye–U.S. Defense Industry Cooperation Roundtable Meeting was organized by the Türkiye-U.S. Business Council (TAİK).
Held to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries in the field of defense, the meeting featured CANiK, the global defense brand of SYS Group, among its sponsors.
The meeting brought together public institutions, defense industry companies, and leading decision-makers from both countries. Participants discussed joint production models, technology sharing, strengthening critical supply chains, mutual investment opportunities, and long-term industrial cooperation.
The opening speeches were delivered by U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Michael P. Duffy and Deputy Minister of National Defense Salih Ayhan. Both officials emphasized the need to further strengthen the strategic defense industry partnership between Türkiye and the United States, increase joint production capabilities, and reinforce the industrial infrastructure that will contribute to NATO’s deterrence.
Throughout the NATO Summit, the main agenda items included establishing resilient supply chains, increasing production capacity, ammunition manufacturing, advanced technology sharing, and industrial integration among allied countries.
CANiK was represented at the summit as one of the key stakeholders of this vision with its high production capacity, effective product portfolio against today’s threats, and manufacturing infrastructure in Türkiye, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
CANiK Represents a Strong Ecosystem
CANiK is an important part of the NATO defense ecosystem with its light and medium caliber weapon systems, remotely controlled robotic integration solutions, radar-integrated AI-based target tracking systems, and after-sales training and sustainment services.
With seven production facilities located across Türkiye, the United States, and the United Kingdom, spanning three continents, CANiK continues to make strategic contributions to the defense capabilities, industrial production capacity, and supply continuity of NATO and allied countries.
Thanks to its manufacturing facilities in Türkiye, the United States, and the United Kingdom, the Group continues to provide high-tech defense solutions to many allied countries around the world, particularly NATO member states.
Target: $100 Billion Trade Volume
Commenting on the meeting, CANiK CEO Cahit Utku Aral said that the NATO Summit is not only one of the most important international platforms where security policies are discussed, but also where the future of joint production, technology development, and industrial cooperation in the defense industry is shaped.
Emphasizing that the defense and aerospace industry is the strongest pillar of the economic and strategic partnership between Türkiye and the United States, Aral stated:
“The goal of increasing the current trade volume of approximately $42 billion to $100 billion is a shared vision set forth by the leaders of both countries.
This goal is a realistic one that can be achieved by combining the United States’ technological development capabilities with Türkiye’s large-scale and competitive manufacturing strength. Especially considering NATO’s growing defense needs and its approach toward resilient supply chains, the industrial infrastructures of the two countries possess complementary advantages.
With stronger mutual trust and strategic cooperation, the Turkish and U.S. defense industries will make even greater contributions not only to the two countries but also to NATO’s collective security architecture.”
About CANiK and Samsun Yurt Savunma:
Samsun Yurt Savunma (SYS Group), known through its CANiK brand, is a global technology company operating in the defense industry with production facilities in Türkiye, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and is entirely backed by Turkish capital. Founded in 1998, SYS Group specializes in the design and manufacture of light and medium caliber weapon systems, fire control systems, and weapon accessories.
In addition to its facilities in Istanbul and Samsun, the Group operates a total of seven production centers through its subsidiaries in Florida, USA, and the United Kingdom, exporting 95% of its production in Türkiye to more than 80 countries. SYS has an annual production capacity of 600,000 pistols, 5,000 machine guns, 300 cannons, and remote-controlled fire control systems.
SYS Group is one of only three companies in the world capable of manufacturing 30×113 mm medium caliber weapons and offers these systems with solutions that can be integrated into manned or unmanned land, naval, and air platforms. Its UK subsidiary, AEI Systems, manufactures 20 mm and 25 mm weapon systems for fighter aircraft, land, and naval platforms in addition to 30 mm weapons.
Since 2020, SYS Group has ranked among the top three exporters of pistols to the United States. In 2024, it became Türkiye’s largest exporter in the “Barreled Weapons” category and ranked among the country’s top 10 defense industry exporters.
