AGP Executive Report

Counter-Drone Technology: ASELSAN demonstrated its GÖKALP system, which uses radar and electro-optical sensors to detect hostile drones and launch interceptor drones to destroy them in midair. Online Safety: Türkiye’s new rules require social platforms to verify users’ ages through government-issued tokens from Nov. 1, bar under-15s and set tighter protections for teen accounts. Security at Defense Sites: TEI’s chief says leading Turkish defense firms have barred foreign-made electric vehicles from their campuses, citing risks from onboard cameras, sensors and software. Space Cooperation: Türkiye’s space agency and South Africa’s SANSA formalized a five-year partnership, while Türksat and China Satcom signed a satellite technology deal. Smart Consumer Tech: Chinese brands are expanding in Türkiye with connected pet-care devices and consumer electronics, aided by local retail partnerships.

Digital Policy: Türkiye’s new social-media rules require government-issued age tokens for users, bar children under 15 and give platforms until March 2027 to verify existing accounts. The token confirms age without sharing a user’s identity with platforms. Defence Technology: Turkish defence firms are barring foreign-made electric vehicles from their campuses over concerns that connected-car sensors and software could pose security risks. ASELSAN also demonstrated its GÖKALP interceptor detecting and destroying a target drone using radar, command software and a direct-impact strike. Space Cooperation: Türkiye and South Africa signed a five-year partnership on space science, Earth observation and technology development at the International Astronautical Congress in Antalya. Energy Storage: Aydın-based Maxxen Energy hosted European industry representatives at its battery-storage factory, highlighting Türkiye’s growing role in grid-scale storage.

Digital Rules: Türkiye’s social media regulations take effect Nov. 1, barring under-15s and requiring age checks through a privacy-limited, e-Devlet-linked token. Teen accounts will face tighter limits on messaging, live streams and personalized ads. Defence Technology: ASELSAN has unveiled GÖKALP, a counter-drone interceptor, as Turkish defence firms step up efforts to detect and stop drone threats. Space: Türkiye is exploring renewed cooperation with the European Space Agency, while Middle East Technical University plans to launch a homegrown lunar micro-rover in 2030. Türkiye and China have also signed a satellite technology deal. Medical Research: A survey by Selçuk University researchers found that nearly three-quarters of pediatric intensive-care doctors in Türkiye have used methylene blue for severe shock, but dosing and monitoring practices vary widely, underscoring the need for stronger clinical guidance.

Online Safety: Türkiye’s new rules, effective Nov. 1, bar under-15s from social media and require age checks. Platforms must use a limited digital token that reveals eligibility without sharing identity details; teens aged 15–17 get tighter privacy settings and limits on addictive features. Counter-Drone Tech: ASELSAN demonstrated its GÖKALP interceptor, which used radar and command software to guide a drone into a target and destroy it midair. Space Technology: Türkiye and China signed a satellite technology deal, while Ankara and the European Space Agency are exploring renewed cooperation. METU is also planning a homegrown lunar micro-rover launch in 2030. Medical Research: A Turkish study found ultrasound-based tissue-stiffness measurements could detect swelling in a knee fat pad, potentially offering a cheaper, radiation-free alternative to MRI.

Digital Policy: Türkiye’s new rules require social platforms to block under-15s and verify users’ ages from Nov. 1, putting child safety and age checks at the center of the country’s online debate. Defence Technology: ASELSAN demonstrated GÖKALP, a mobile counter-drone system that uses radar and electro-optical sensors to guide an interceptor into a target drone. Medical Research: Turkish researchers found shear-wave ultrasound can detect swelling in the knee’s suprapatellar fat pad with high accuracy, potentially offering a cheaper, radiation-free alternative to MRI. Space: Türkiye is pursuing a 198-satellite network and expanding international cooperation, including a satellite technology deal between Türksat and China Satcom. Energy: Hydraulic tests have been completed at Akkuyu 1, a milestone in commissioning Türkiye’s first nuclear power plant.

Counter-Drone Technology: ASELSAN says its GÖKALP interceptor autonomously destroyed a target drone in a live test, using radar and command software to guide a direct-impact strike. Online Safety: Türkiye’s under-15 social media ban is set to take effect Nov. 1, requiring platforms to verify ages and add stricter safeguards for teenagers. Space Cooperation: Türksat and China Satcom have signed a satellite technology deal, as Türkiye advances plans for a homegrown lunar micro-rover and wider space ambitions. AI in Education: Turkish Cypriot academic Rıfat Atun has become Harvard’s first Turkish dean, overseeing education and innovation at its public health school, including the use of AI in teaching.

Technology and Space: At Antalya’s International Astronautical Congress, Baykar and T3 Foundation chair Selçuk Bayraktar warned that an unchecked technology race could threaten humanity. He also said 55,000 students have applied to TEKNOFEST space competitions. Nuclear Energy: Akkuyu Unit 1 has completed hydraulic tests, clearing the way for hot functional tests. Space Ambitions: Türkiye wants to turn its drone-industry success into a competitive space sector. Its first lunar mission is planned for 2027, and the spacecraft is undergoing environmental testing. Satellite Partnerships: Türksat and China Satcom signed a satellite technology deal, while Türkiye and the European Space Agency are exploring renewed cooperation. AI in Travel: Pegasus Airlines has invested in Zingly.ai to bring voice-based AI to customer service.

Space Ambitions: Türkiye wants to turn its drone-industry success into a competitive space sector. Its first lunar mission is due to launch next year, while Ankara is discussing renewed cooperation with the European Space Agency. Satellite Technology: Türksat and China Satcom signed a satellite technology deal at the Antalya space congress, advancing plans for joint space development. Startup Momentum: Turkish startups raised $274 million in the first nine months of 2026. Gaming drew 57% of investment, while İzmir-based AI company HubX became Türkiye’s eighth unicorn. Energy Manufacturing: Turkish company Maxxen has opened a $35 million battery-storage factory and secured a long-term cell supply agreement. Kalyon PV is also planning a U.S. solar-panel factory. Archaeology: New Hittite tablets found in Sivas describe a deadly epidemic and the death of a royal infant princess around 3,400 years ago.

Space Cooperation: At the IAC in Antalya, Türksat and China Satcom agreed to jointly develop and commercialize space technologies. Türkiye’s Space Push: Türkiye plans a 198-satellite network and a first lunar spacecraft in 2027; METU is targeting a homegrown lunar micro-rover by 2030. ASELSAN also unveiled its Astralink satellite constellation, as 21 countries backed peaceful space cooperation in the Antalya Declaration. Defence Technology: Türkiye and France agreed to deepen work on air defence, intelligence sharing, joint exercises and defence-industry projects. Research & Health: Harvard public-health scholar Rıfat Atun became the university’s first Turkish dean. An Istanbul study also linked rising air pollution to increased hospital admissions.

Lunar Exploration: METU has completed a prototype of its twin AI-powered Cheri micro-rovers, targeting a 2030 Moon mission with China’s space agency. More than 120 students are involved; the rovers are designed to map terrain and study rocks near the lunar south pole. Satellite Technology: At the Antalya space congress, Türkiye’s Türksat and China Satcom agreed to work together on satellite research, product development and commercialization. Aviation AI: Pegasus has launched agentic voice AI for customer calls, starting in Turkish. The phased rollout will cover 10 major contact-centre needs by mid-2027, with call context passed to staff when needed. Defense Engineering: Sixteen Turkish firms displayed underwater and mine-countermeasure systems at the Nusret-2026 exercise in İzmir. HAVELSAN’s remotely operated vehicle can work at depths of up to 300 metres. Solar Manufacturing: Kalyon PV has commissioned a 1.1-gigawatt cell-processing line, bringing its annual solar-cell capacity to 2.1 gigawatts and adding to Türkiye’s growing role in European solar manufacturing.

Space Summit: Artemis II crew audio from the lunar flyby was presented at Antalya’s International Astronautical Congress, where 21 nations also endorsed a pact for peaceful space cooperation. Satellite Ambitions: ASELSAN unveiled its Astralink constellation as Türkiye advances plans for a 198-satellite network. Erdoğan met SpaceX executives at the congress, while TAI is targeting a mid-2027 launch for its homegrown Hursat satellite. A Türkiye-born NASA astronaut is also preparing for a 2027 space-station mission. Energy and Climate: Türkiye set a new record for solar and wind power generation. Separate research links rising air pollution to more hospital admissions in Istanbul and finds heat-driven snow droughts affecting 15 Turkish basins.

Space Ambitions: Antalya’s International Astronautical Congress put Türkiye’s space plans in the spotlight. ASELSAN unveiled Astralink, a planned 198-satellite low-Earth-orbit network, with initial launches expected within two years. Türkiye’s lunar spacecraft is also scheduled for 2027, with research planned on the Moon’s surface and environment. Energy Technology: Maxxen Energy’s new battery factory in Aydın has a stated annual capacity of 5 GWh and is ramping up production for utility-scale storage projects. Seismic Research: The Barbaros Hayreddin Paşa has resumed seabed surveys off the Eastern Black Sea coast, collecting data to assess the region’s oil and gas potential. Underwater Archaeology: Excavations off Antalya uncovered more than 120 types of tableware from a 2,100-year-old shipwreck, preserved in stacks packed with clay.

Space & Science: Turkey says its first homegrown lunar spacecraft will launch in the first half of 2027, with production and integration finished and testing underway; the 3.5-ton craft is set for a ~100 km polar orbit, aiming for at least three months of science on solar wind, water formation, lunar magnetism, heat and radiation, before a controlled descent. Space Diplomacy: Türkiye and Italy discussed expanding their space partnership at the 77th International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, building on shared ISS participation and a push toward more structured cooperation. EU Enlargement: The European Commission proposed gradual, conditional single-market integration for candidate countries, including Türkiye, tied to reforms and strategic alignment, with access reversible and no shortcut to full membership. Public Health: A study comparing identical cigarette brands found Turkish versions emit up to 51% more fine particulate matter than German counterparts, with PM1 making up most of the smallest particles. Energy & Climate (COP31): Ahead of COP31 in Antalya, Pacific leaders and ministers urged faster action to keep warming within 1.5°C, warning that climate impacts are accelerating and adaptation finance remains far short. Tech & Media Rights: Journalist groups urged X not to accept Turkey’s requests to restrict accounts without clear, independently reviewable court decisions. Defense & Regional Security: Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia activated the “rapid deployment” part of their Makkah defense pact to help Riyadh against Houthi attacks, with parliamentary approval expected for ratification.

Space & Defense: President Erdoğan used the 77th International Astronautical Congress in Antalya to push Türkiye’s orbital ambitions, including Aselsan’s planned Astralink (Gökbağı) low-Earth constellation and a Somalia spaceport aimed at a 2027 lunar mission launch. Energy Grid Tech: A new IEA report says “grid-enhancing” digital tools could unlock up to 330GW of extra transmission and distribution capacity without major new infrastructure. Aviation Safety & AI: Turkish Airlines hosted IATA’s WSOC 2026 in Istanbul, focusing on how data, AI and automation are reshaping aviation safety and crisis management. Higher Education Policy: Erdoğan announced expanded access to higher education across all 81 provinces, highlighting tuition abolition, more scholarships, and upgraded university digital facilities. International Tech Diplomacy: Canada’s PM Mark Carney will visit Ankara and Istanbul (Oct. 21–23) to deepen ties in energy, aerospace, advanced technologies, mining and defense. Digital Rights: Journalism groups urged X not to comply with broad takedown and blocking requests in Turkey without clear judicial process. Archaeology & Public Curiosity: New work under Hagia Sophia reportedly uncovered 5.6 miles of previously unknown tunnels, reigniting debate over what they were used for.

Space & Defense Industry: Aselsan signed €2.46B contracts with Turkey’s Defense Industries Secretariat for hybrid air defense systems, boosting Steel Dome integration with Korkut, Hisar and Siper, and also unveiled its low-Earth-orbit comms constellation Gökbağı/Astralink at IAC Antalya, with first launches planned within a few years. National Space Ambition: President Erdoğan announced Turkey will build a spaceport in Somalia as part of the National Space Programme, aiming for independent access to space and broader Africa cooperation. IAC Antalya Spotlight: At the 77th International Astronautical Congress, Turkish officials pushed commercialization and sovereignty in orbit, while global leaders stressed cooperation for Moon and Mars missions. Tech Talent & Ecosystem: The UK ambassador to Ankara praised TEKNOFEST as a showcase for Türkiye’s young engineers and said it could open new UK–Türkiye cooperation paths. AI Adoption (UAE): A new survey says UAE firms are leading in agentic AI uptake, with many CIOs reporting hundreds of AI agents in use. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders urged that the fossil-fuel transition deal not be left open for renegotiation ahead of COP31 in Türkiye. Cyber/Identity Risk: Denmark faced a major Central Person Register leak via abused access pathways, raising concerns for phishing and impersonation.

Space & Diplomacy: President Erdoğan used the opening of the 77th International Astronautical Congress in Antalya to stress that Türkiye won’t fall behind in the space race, warning against militarizing space and highlighting lunar spacecraft integration and Türksat 6A. Global Space Cooperation: A special IAC session brought together space-agency leaders from Türkiye, the US, Europe, China, India, Canada and Japan to push collaboration for sustainable, secure access to orbit. Industry & Connectivity: Turkcell CEO Dr. Ali Taha Koc was elected to the GSMA Board for 2027–2028, as the mobile industry shifts toward AI, 5G/6G and cybersecurity. Defense Tech: Reports say Türkiye supplied Ukraine with Korkut air-defense systems earlier this year, and Ukraine is deploying AI-enabled robotic gun turrets to counter fast Russian drones. Domestic Tech & Security: Turkish police records obtained by Nordic Monitor allege profiling of 207 university students over relatives’ alleged Gülen links, while separate reporting says suspects were jailed over alleged unauthorized access to MASAK’s EMIS financial intelligence system. Online Controls: Turkey ordered access blocks for at least 88 X accounts, including a freedom-of-expression group. Public Health: Russia quarantined dozens after a Siberian plague institute worker died, prompting an emergency response by health authorities.