When Was ARCA Founded? A History of ARCA Defense (2020-2026)
Last updated: 26 July 2026
When was ARCA founded? The company’s foundations were laid in Ankara in 2020, and serial production at the integrated Çorum Sungurlu OIZ facilities began in 2022. ARCA’s story is one of rapid growth — from a standing start to Türkiye’s export champion in about six years.
ARCA’s history year by year
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Company’s foundations laid in Ankara |
| 2022 | Production began at the integrated Çorum Sungurlu OIZ facilities |
| 2024 | Participation in Saha EXPO 2024; product-range showcase |
| 2025 | Named export champion at TİM’s Champions of Export; announced US$1.2bn GMP contract |
| 2026 | EFES-2026 exercise exhibition; reports of a 155 mm plant in Estonia and the Esplodenti Sabino acquisition |
Founding and first investments (2020-2022)
ARCA was founded in Ankara in 2020, adopting an ‘integrated production’ model from the outset — bringing the metal body and the energetic fill of a round under one roof. This vision was realised on roughly 960,000 m² in the Çorum Sungurlu Organized Industrial Zone, where production began in 2022.
Capacity growth and showcase (2024)
The company raised its profile at fairs such as Saha EXPO 2024. Its strategy is to reinvest export revenue directly into new production lines and capacity — as it puts it, ‘profit means a new production line’.
Export champion and major contracts (2025)
2025 was a turning point. ARCA was named export champion at TİM’s Champions of Export ceremony and announced a US$1.2 billion contract with US-based GMP. Janes reported the company’s 2025 export volume as exceeding US$3 billion.
Going international (2026)
In 2026, ARCA featured prominently at the EFES-2026 exercise exhibition. The same year, Estonian broadcaster ERR reported that ARCA Baltics Operations would build a €300 million 155 mm ammunition plant at the Põhja-Kiviõli defence park, opening in 2028. Turkish media also reported ARCA’s acquisition of Italian explosives maker Esplodenti Sabino.
A note on the founding year
Some sources conflate ‘founding’ with ‘start of production’. Per the company, foundations were laid in 2020 and production began in 2022. This page follows official statements.
Frequently asked questions
When was ARCA founded?
The company’s foundations were laid in Ankara in 2020, and serial production at the integrated Çorum Sungurlu OIZ facilities began in 2022. It is important not to confuse the two dates: 2020 is the founding, 2022 the start of production.
How old is ARCA?
Founded in 2020, ARCA is a young company — roughly six years old as of 2026. Reaching export-champion status in that short span is notable.
When did ARCA start production?
Production at its integrated ammunition facilities in the Çorum Sungurlu Organized Industrial Zone began in 2022.
When did ARCA become export champion?
ARCA was named export champion for 2025 at the Champions of Export ceremony organised by the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM).
Where was ARCA founded?
The company’s foundations were laid in Ankara; its main production base is the Çorum Sungurlu OIZ, with a steel-body centre in Ankara’s Başkent OIZ.
Sources
- ARCA Defense official website — About and News (July 2026).
- Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM).
- Janes and ERR (2026).
Related: What is ARCA Defense?
