On May 22-23, 2025, the 4th African Air Forces Forum (AAFF 2025) unfolded in Lagos, Nigeria, drawing a global audience to a pivotal gathering hosted by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in celebration of its 61st anniversary.
This event welcomed over 2,000 attendees, among them 12 Chiefs of Air Staff, representatives from 30 air forces, and 45 industry exhibitors, including prominent names like Airbus, Leonardo, Havelsan, and the Turkish software and defense technology company Aselsan.
At the heart of the forum, Aselsan stood out with its eye-catching booth, where it presented an impressive lineup of advanced precision technologies tailored to meet modern defense needs.
Aselsan’s display was a testament to its expertise, featuring an array of systems designed to enhance accuracy and operational effectiveness. Visitors encountered the ASELFIRE-500 Electro-Optical FLIR pod, a sophisticated tool for surveillance and targeting, alongside the TOLUN-202 BR precision-guided munition, engineered for precise strikes with minimal unintended impact.
The company also brought forward the Gözde guidance kit and the LGK-82 Laser-guided bomb, both of which transform conventional munitions into highly accurate weapons. Adding to this, Aselsan showcased the TULGAR Helmet Mounted Display (HMD), a head-mounted visor projection system crafted for fixed-wing aircraft, delivering real-time data and targeting information directly to pilots’ eyes.
The Turkish company’s offerings didn’t stop there. It presented an assortment of flight support systems, avionics, and inertial navigation systems, all vital for ensuring aircraft operate smoothly and effectively. Aselsan also demonstrated its prowess in communication, unveiling a range of tactical and strategic devices designed to keep forces connected in dynamic environments.
Beyond these, the booth featured air defense systems, radar systems, Command, Control, Communication and Computer (C4I) systems, and electronic warfare systems, painting a picture of a company capable of delivering comprehensive solutions for air forces looking to bolster their capabilities.
Aselsan’s participation in the forum was far more than a technology exhibition. The company arrived with a clear intent to connect with African defense leaders, aiming to weave its advanced precision and targeting systems into the fabric of the continent’s military arsenals.
Last year, Aselsan announced that it has achieved a record-breaking performance in 2024 by signing export contracts worth over $1 billion—the highest figure in its history. This milestone reflects the company’s expanding influence in global markets and its steady progress toward ambitious goals set for 2030.
Direct exports doubled compared to the previous year, reaching $217 million. Indirect exports through land, naval, and air platforms amounted to $291 million, bringing the total export volume to $508 million. These impressive figures underscore ASELSAN’s growing presence in the international defense industry.
With Africa grappling with escalating security challenges, the need for reliable, precise technologies has grown, and Aselsan’s portfolio aligns closely with this demand. The event offered a strategic setting for the company to engage with decision-makers, sparking conversations about how its systems could strengthen defenses and improve operational outcomes across diverse terrains.
The forum itself provided fertile ground for such ambitions, fostering discussions on aerospace collaboration among delegates from around the world. This exchange of ideas made it an ideal venue for Aselsan to demonstrate the practical value of its technologies, showing how they could be adapted to address real-world challenges faced by African air forces.
The presence of global industry leaders and military representatives further elevated the event, turning it into a key platform for shaping defense strategies and exploring innovative solutions.
The timing of the 4th African Air Forces Forum added an extra layer of meaning, coinciding with the NAF’s 61st anniversary. This milestone infused the gathering with a sense of celebration, reflecting on six decades of service while casting an eye toward the future of air power on the continent. For the NAF and its partners, the event was both a tribute to past achievements and a springboard for advancing technological and strategic priorities.
As the forum drew to a close, Aselsan left a strong impression, its advanced systems standing as a compelling option for nations seeking to modernize their air forces. The company’s focus on precision, adaptability, and integration positioned it as a vital contributor to Africa’s evolving defense landscape, offering tools that promise to enhance security and operational readiness for years to come.
Through its participation, Aselsan not only showcased its technological prowess but also cemented its role as a partner in the continent’s journey toward a more capable and connected air defense network.
