ASELSAN Electro-Optic Systems (ASELFLIR)
ASELSAN electro-optic systems act as a platform’s “eye,” using visible light and infrared energy to detect, identify and track targets day or night and in poor weather. At the heart of this field is thermal imaging; infrared cameras that sense the heat objects emit (FLIR = forward looking infrared imaging) make a person or vehicle visible even in darkness and smoke. ASELSAN is Turkey’s leading organization in this area, developing a broad electro-optic family for air, land and naval platforms as well as guided munitions. This guide introduces the leading systems.
ASELSAN electro-optic systems at a glance
| System | Type / function | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ASELFLIR-300T | Gimbal thermal/EO targeting | Reconnaissance-targeting ball for drones and helicopters |
| ASELFLIR-500 | Advanced gimbal EO/IR system | High-resolution reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting |
| CATS | Reconnaissance-surveillance and targeting system | Land/platform surveillance solution |
| Seeker head | Missile guidance head (IIR/RF seeker) | Target lock for guided munitions |
The ASELFLIR family: 300T and 500
ASELSAN’s flagship in electro-optics is the ASELFLIR family. ASELFLIR-300T is a gimbal-type (stabilized, rotating ball-shaped) reconnaissance and targeting system developed for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), helicopters and reconnaissance platforms. Housing a thermal camera, a day camera and a laser rangefinder/designator, it both detects targets and marks them for guided munitions. ASELFLIR-500 is the family’s more advanced member, offering higher resolution, longer detection range and improved image processing to meet the reconnaissance-surveillance-targeting (ISR) needs of fighter-class platforms.
Reconnaissance and surveillance: CATS
CATS is a reconnaissance-surveillance and targeting system developed for land platforms and fixed installations. By combining thermal and day cameras with laser sensors, it enables wide areas to be monitored from long distances and targets to be detected and classified. Such systems create strong synergy with surveillance radars: the radar detects movement across a wide area, and the electro-optic system focuses on that point to visually confirm what the target is.
Missile seeker heads
One of the most critical applications of electro-optic technology is missile seeker heads. A seeker is like a missile’s “eye and brain,” detecting and locking onto the target through imagery and guiding the missile to the last instant. ASELSAN develops imaging infrared (IIR = processing the target’s heat image) and radio-frequency (RF)-based seeker heads. The critical division of labor appears again here: seeker heads and guidance electronics are ASELSAN’s expertise, while the missile body and motor are ROKETSAN’s, and the warhead and some guidance solutions may fall to TÜBİTAK SAGE. This complementary structure forms the backbone of national guided munitions.
The role of electro-optics in defense
Electro-optic systems work “quietly” compared with radar; because they emit no signal, they are hard to detect and they provide visual confirmation of a target. That is why radar and electro-optics complement each other on modern platforms: radar gives range and speed, electro-optics gives identity and imagery. ASELSAN’s capability here supports a broad range, from UAVs to tanks and from helicopters to guided munitions, with national solutions.
FAQ
What is ASELFLIR?
ASELFLIR is ASELSAN’s family of gimbal-type electro-optic reconnaissance and targeting systems. Housing a thermal camera, a day camera and laser sensors together, it performs target detection and designation on platforms such as UAVs, helicopters and aircraft.
What is the difference between ASELFLIR-300T and 500?
ASELFLIR-300T is used mostly on UAV- and helicopter-class platforms, while ASELFLIR-500 is a more advanced, fighter-class system offering higher resolution and longer range.
What does FLIR mean?
FLIR means “forward looking infrared” imaging. By sensing the heat objects emit, it produces images in darkness, smoke and bad weather.
Does ASELSAN make the missile seeker head?
The seeker head and guidance electronics are ASELSAN’s area of expertise. The missile body and motor may be ROKETSAN’s, and the warhead and some guidance solutions TÜBİTAK SAGE’s responsibility.
Sources
- ASELSAN — Electro-Optic Systems product pages (aselsan.com, accessed July 2026).
- ASELSAN — Microelectronics, Guidance and Electro-Optics (MGEO) sector page.
- ASELSAN 2025 Annual Report (for electro-optic programs).
