Are HAVELSAN and ASELSAN the Same? What Is the Difference?
HAVELSAN and ASELSAN are not the same company, but they are related. Both are affiliates of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation (TSKGV) — that is, sister companies under the same foundation umbrella. The key difference lies in their areas of expertise: ASELSAN mainly produces electronics, sensors and hardware; HAVELSAN works in software and systems integration. This article looks at the similarities, differences and reasons the two are confused, based on open sources.
For HAVELSAN’s general profile see What is HAVELSAN?, and for its ownership, Who owns HAVELSAN?
What they share: the same foundation, the same ecosystem
The most important thing HAVELSAN and ASELSAN share is that both have TSKGV as their principal shareholder. The same foundation is also the main shareholder of companies such as TUSAŞ (TAI) and ROKETSAN. These companies are therefore sister institutions of the Turkish defence industry under the same umbrella, and from time to time they work together on the same projects. For example, in the Pakistan MILGEM corvette programme, ASELSAN and HAVELSAN both take part on the combat-systems side.
The key difference: hardware or software?
The main line separating the two companies is their area of expertise. ASELSAN develops electronics and hardware-focused products such as radar, electronic warfare, communications, optics and sensor systems. HAVELSAN, by contrast, specialises in software and systems integration such as combat management systems, simulators, autonomy and artificial intelligence. On a warship, ASELSAN’s radar working together with HAVELSAN’s combat management software is a concrete example of this division of labour.
Another difference: publicly listed or not
Another difference between the two companies is their listing status. ASELSAN is a publicly listed company whose shares are traded on Borsa İstanbul. HAVELSAN, by contrast, is not publicly listed; its shares are not traded on the stock exchange. This is a point where, although both are under public control, they differ in capital structure.
Why are they confused?
The two companies are confused because they belong to the same foundation, are often mentioned together in the same projects, and are both prominent names in the Turkish defence industry. But their areas of expertise are complementary: one handles the hardware, the other the software. So rather than competitors, they should be thought of as complementary sister companies.
HAVELSAN vs ASELSAN comparison
| Feature | HAVELSAN | ASELSAN |
|---|---|---|
| Principal shareholder | TSKGV | TSKGV |
| Expertise | Software, systems integration | Electronics, sensors, hardware |
| Example product | ADVENT, simulators, MAIN | Radar, EW, communications systems |
| Stock exchange | Not publicly listed | Traded on Borsa İstanbul |
| Relationship | Sister companies; complementary, cooperating on the same projects | |
Frequently asked questions
Are HAVELSAN and ASELSAN the same company?
No. They are sister companies affiliated with the same foundation (TSKGV), but separate companies specialised in different fields.
What is the difference between HAVELSAN and ASELSAN?
ASELSAN mainly produces electronics and hardware, while HAVELSAN produces software and systems integration.
Are HAVELSAN and ASELSAN competitors?
Usually not competitors but complementary; on the same projects one handles the hardware and the other the software.
Are both publicly listed?
No. ASELSAN is traded on Borsa İstanbul; HAVELSAN is not publicly listed.
Do they belong to the same foundation?
Yes. Both have the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation (TSKGV) as their principal shareholder.
Sources
- TSKGV, Affiliates — tskgv.org.tr
- HAVELSAN Corporate — havelsan.com
- ASELSAN Corporate / Investor Relations — aselsan.com.tr
