What Is the Difference Between ASELSAN and HAVELSAN?

ASELSAN corporate logo. Source: Wikimedia Commons, public domain (PD-textlogo).

What is the difference between ASELSAN and HAVELSAN? Most concisely: ASELSAN is mainly a hardware (defence electronics) company, while HAVELSAN is mainly a software-focused company. Both are under the TSKGV umbrella, yet what they build differs. Below we compare the two clearly.

Hardware or software? The core difference

ASELSAN makes physical hardware and electronic systems such as radar, electronic warfare, electro-optics and communications. HAVELSAN develops software-centric solutions such as command and control (C4ISR), simulation and training systems, cyber security and management information systems. It is apt to say ASELSAN builds the ‘hardware’ and HAVELSAN the ‘intelligence/software’.

ASELSAN thermal imaging device. Source: VoidWanderer / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where they come together

Although the difference is clear, the two complement each other. ASELSAN’s sensors and hardware can integrate with HAVELSAN’s command-and-control or simulation software. Both have TSKGV as their main shareholder, and this common umbrella eases cooperation. They are therefore seen as complementary, not rivals.

Comparison	ASELSAN	HAVELSAN
Emphasis	Hardware/electronics	Software
Example area	Radar, EW, EO, communications	C4ISR, simulation, cyber
Analogy	Hardware/body	Software/mind
Common ground	Main shareholder TSKGV	Main shareholder TSKGV

Source: public defence-industry information.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between ASELSAN and HAVELSAN?

ASELSAN makes hardware-centric defence electronics (radar, EW, EO); HAVELSAN focuses on software, command and control (C4ISR) and simulation.

Is HAVELSAN a software company?

HAVELSAN mainly works in software, command and control, simulation and cyber security.

Are ASELSAN and HAVELSAN rivals?

No, they are complementary. ASELSAN’s hardware can integrate with HAVELSAN’s software, and they share TSKGV as their main shareholder.

Which of the two is bigger?

ASELSAN is generally larger than HAVELSAN by revenue and headcount; but both are leaders in their own areas.

Sources

ASELSAN, TUSAŞ, SSB, ROKETSAN, HAVELSAN corporate information; public defence-industry sources (2026).
Images: Wikimedia Commons (attributions under each image).