HAVELSAN Expands Flight Simulator Production Capacity in Ankara

This article is based on an official press release from HAVELSAN.

Ankara-based flight simulator manufacturer HAVELSAN has officially broken ground on a major new production and integration facility. According to a company press release, the new site is designed to significantly expand the firm’s manufacturing capacity for both civil and military flight simulators, reinforcing Türkiye’s growing footprint in the global aviation training industry.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the 17,000-square-meter facility drew high-profile attendance, chaired by the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He was joined by HAVELSAN Chairman Prof. Dr. Hacı Ali Mantar, CEO Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar, and various senior government and industry officials, underscoring the strategic national importance of the project.

Once operational, the expansion is projected to transform the regional aerospace manufacturing landscape. The company stated that the development will position HAVELSAN as the largest full flight simulator production center across Europe and the Middle-East.

Expanding Manufacturing Capacity and Infrastructure

The new Simulator Production and Integration Facility will drastically increase HAVELSAN’s output capabilities. The official press release details that the site will allow the company to produce more than 30 flight simulators annually. Furthermore, the expansive floor plan will enable the simultaneous development of up to 16 simulators at various stages of production and integration.

When combined with HAVELSAN’s existing infrastructure in Ankara, the manufacturer’s total concurrent capacity will reach up to 40 commercial and military simulators under development and operation at any given time. The facility is scheduled to enter service in 2027. According to the company, this expansion is expected to create hundreds of high-skilled engineering and technical jobs in the Ankara region, bolstering the local aviation and defense technology ecosystem.

“The expansion will position HAVELSAN as the largest full flight simulator production center in Europe and the Middle East, reinforcing Türkiye’s growing role in the global flight simulation and aviation training industry,” the company noted in its release.

Advancing Simulator Technology and National Aerospace

Beyond sheer volume, the new center will serve as a hub for HAVELSAN’s next-generation simulator technologies. A key highlight from the announcement is the integration of the recently introduced STARVIEW-B collimated display system. Developed entirely in-house by HAVELSAN’s Display Systems team, STARVIEW-B is engineered to deliver high-fidelity visual representation, enhancing pilot immersion and procedural accuracy in advanced training environments.

This technological push aligns with a broader strategy of achieving greater independence in simulator subsystems. The company emphasized that these advancements support its goal of developing globally competitive full flight simulators through its STARLINE FSTD product portfolio. HAVELSAN brings more than 40 years of experience to the table, noting that upon completion of its current backlog, it will have delivered over 400 simulators for more than 60 military and civil platforms worldwide.

Supporting Domestic and Defense Aviation

In recent years, HAVELSAN has actively expanded its simulator production to support the domestic commercial aviation sector. The press release highlights key customers including Turkish Airlines, SunExpress, and the International Flight Training Center (IFTC). Additionally, the company plays a critical role in national aerospace defense initiatives, contributing simulator technology to the HÜRJET, HÜRKUŞ, KAAN, and GÖKBEY programs.

AirPro News analysis

We view HAVELSAN’s infrastructure investment as a clear indicator of Türkiye’s broader ambition to localize critical aerospace supply chains and reduce reliance on Western defense and aviation imports. By scaling up to produce 30 simulators annually and developing proprietary subsystems like the STARVIEW-B display, HAVELSAN is not only securing domestic contracts for high-profile programs like the KAAN fighter but also positioning itself as a formidable export competitor in the Middle Eastern and European markets. The 2027 timeline suggests a rapid construction phase, reflecting strong governmental backing, as evidenced by the presidential presence at the groundbreaking.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new HAVELSAN simulator facility open?
The new 17,000-square-meter facility is scheduled to enter service in 2027.

What will the production capacity of the new center be?
According to the company, the facility will be capable of producing more than 30 flight simulators annually and developing up to 16 simulators simultaneously.

What new technologies will be supported at the site?
The facility will support next-generation technologies, including HAVELSAN’s in-house STARVIEW-B collimated display system, designed for high-fidelity visual training environments.

Sources

• HAVELSAN