Türkiye's Aspilsan targets drone energy independence by 2026
Aspilsan Energy is manufacturing customized battery cells and specialized packs tailored to the specific energy requirements of various drone platforms, from fixed-wing UAVs to agile FPV drones, as part of a broader push to secure Türkiye’s drone energy independence by 2026.
Aspilsan Energy, a Kayseri-based defense firm, is developing customized battery cells and specialized packs for unmanned aerial vehicles in a bid to secure Türkiye’s drone energy independence by 2026, tailoring power solutions to the distinct performance needs of fixed-wing platforms and agile FPV drones alike.
Platform-specific power solutions
General manager Ahmet Turan Ozdemir told Anadolu that the company manufactures battery formulations designed to deliver distinct performance metrics for each drone category. Fixed-wing platforms prioritize high energy capacity for extended flight times, while FPV drones require rapid bursts of power for acrobatic maneuvering — a demand that generates significant heat during operation.
Engineers have implemented advanced safety features at both the cell and pack levels to prevent thermal runaway, fires and explosions resulting from these rapid power draws. The heat management systems address the specific thermal profiles generated during high-draw maneuvers, ensuring operational stability across diverse flight envelopes.
Single-use tactical applications
Ozdemir noted that Aspilsan is currently developing new battery models specifically for single-use kamikaze drones, a platform that does not require long-term cycle life. The firm has collaborated with Türkiye’s drone manufacturers to design custom formulations for their exact power requirements, optimizing cell chemistry for mission-specific duration and discharge rates rather than longevity.
Roadmap to energy independence
The firm is working to increase the energy density of its existing cells through high-impact solutions leveraging current manufacturing capabilities without requiring significant initial capital spending. Ozdemir stated that Aspilsan plans to secure future investments to expand its mechanical and electrochemical infrastructure, aiming to add new cell types to its portfolio within the next two years to achieve complete energy independence for Türkiye’s drone sector.
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