New-generation air and land platform tires developed for the Turkish defense industry were unveiled for the first time.
Petlas introduced its new-generation military aircraft tire developed for the Airbus A400M at SAHA Expo 2026. The company also announced that it has launched the development process for Türkiye’s first radial aircraft tire for the F-16 Block 50.
Petlas, one of Türkiye’s well-established tire manufacturers, showcased its new-generation products developed for the defense and aviation sectors as part of SAHA Expo 2026. The company’s most striking move at the exhibition was the heavy military transport aircraft tire developed for the Airbus A400M Atlas.
At a time when localization targets in the defense industry are accelerating, the products exhibited by Petlas demonstrated not only its manufacturing capacity but also the technical level Türkiye has achieved in platforms requiring advanced engineering.
Türkiye’s first radial aircraft tire is being developed for the F-16
Ümit Berber, Public Sales and Tender Manager at Petlas, made important statements regarding the company’s new projects in military aviation. Berber announced that they had launched the development process for Türkiye’s first radial-body aircraft tire for the F-16 Fighting Falcon Block 50 platform.
This step is considered strategically important not only as a new product development process but also in terms of Türkiye’s goal of reducing foreign dependency in fighter jet logistics. Tires used in fighter aircraft require advanced technology capable of withstanding high speeds, sudden braking, heavy loads, and harsh operational conditions.
A broad defense ecosystem extending from KAAN to Kızılelma
Petlas’ product portfolio for the defense industry has expanded significantly in recent years. The company plays an active role in the tire production processes of national air platforms such as KAAN, Bayraktar Kızılelma, Bayraktar TB2, Bayraktar TB3, Akıncı, HÜRJET, and HÜRKUŞ.
On the rotary-wing side, tires developed for the ATAK II and T625 GÖKBEY were also among the projects highlighted at the exhibition.
The company is developing solutions not only for aviation but also for military logistics and operational needs on the land vehicle side. Products developed for various platforms ranging from 6×6 and 8×8 tactical wheeled armored vehicles to airport crash and rescue response vehicles attracted attention from the defense sector during the exhibition.
The A400M project represents a new threshold for Petlas
Tire production for heavy military transport aircraft is considered one of the most challenging engineering fields in the aviation industry. These platforms operate under extremely high weight, harsh runway conditions, and intense operational tempos.
The tire developed by Petlas for the A400M is regarded as part of the company’s goal to become a stronger player not only in military aviation but also in the global civil aviation market. Company executives state that this experience will also make significant contributions to future civil aircraft tire development processes.
SAHA Expo has become a hub for new collaborations
Organized by SAHA Istanbul, SAHA Expo has in recent years become a showcase for Türkiye’s defense industry. Throughout the exhibition, Petlas both strengthened its ties with existing business partners and held talks for new international projects.
These new products showcased during the company’s 50th anniversary stood out as one of the examples demonstrating how Türkiye’s high value-added manufacturing goals in the defense industry are taking shape through the private sector.
