3E Electro Optics: Ankara’s rifle-sight maker joins Turkey’s top 1,000 exporters
3E Electro Optics, the Ankara company that designed the standard day optic for the Turkish Army’s MPT-76 rifle, says it has entered the Turkish Exporters Assembly’s (TİM) list of the country’s top 1,000 exporters. The announcement marks a shift for a firm whose business has historically been tied to domestic small-arms programmes.
From national rifle programmes to export
Founded in 2005, 3E designs and builds electro-optical systems for military, police and civilian users at its plant in the Sincan industrial zone. Its catalogue runs to 68 products, spanning day sights, thermal weapon sights, pilot night-vision goggles and laser rangefinders.
According to DefenceTurk, the AVCI 1x-4x was developed by 3E for the MPT-76 and is in service. The KESKIN 3-12×50 sniper scope, developed in 2009 and produced from 2010, equips the Bora-12 (JNG-90) sniper rifle. The AVCI 1.5-6X was developed for the national machine gun programme, and the P 4X sight for the BORAN 105 mm airborne howitzer.
Thermal portfolio
In thermal imaging, 3E markets the PARS weapon-sight family, the BOZKURT thermal sight, reported at under 500 g with roughly eight hours of runtime, and the FELIS and PHOENIX handheld cameras. Clip-on thermal devices that mount in front of existing day optics are part of the line-up.
For NATO buyers, this segment is crowded, with established suppliers in the US, France, Israel and Germany. The appeal of Turkish optics typically lies in price and in proven integration with fielded rifles. Allied forces that already operate Turkish small arms are the most natural early adopters.
What remains unclear
No verified public data was found on 3E’s export value, destination countries or foreign military contracts. The company’s legal form has changed from a limited company to a joint-stock company (A.Ş.), according to OSTİM and SAHA Istanbul records.
FAQ
Who makes the MPT-76 rifle optic?
3E Electro Optics developed the AVCI 1x-4x day sight used on the MPT-76.
Where is 3E based?
In the Sincan 1st Organised Industrial Zone, Ankara.
Related: 3E company profile (Turkish)
