Turkish AI defense firm secures investment at valuation of $12.5M

Türkiye-based artificial intelligence (AI) defense firm RobotEye AI secured an investment from ARZ Portfoy, a firm known to invest in Turkish tech startups, at a valuation of $12.5 million.

RobotEye AI, which produces next-generation smart surveillance and reconnaissance systems, has provided a strong resource to develop border security solutions to meet the defense and security demands from Western Europe, North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific countries.

RobotEye AI responds to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance needs with devices specifically developed for large and difficult terrains where traditional human-based border security systems do not deliver as effectively as the firm's solutions due to insufficient communication infrastructure.

The firm's innovative systems offer cost-effective and fully autonomous solutions thanks to specially developed, field-proven AI algorithms. The command and control software platform, “Central,” boosts the efficiency of existing defense systems by making old generation devices smarter, thereby reducing human dependency.

“Smart Trailcam – Solo,” the firm's patented core product, combines satellite connectivity and on-device edge AI to ensure security in critical crossings.

The “Eye” system, developed for tactical and special operations units, provides situational awareness in the field without the need for a communication infrastructure, enhancing the units operating in sensitive border and cross-border zones against infiltration and sabotage targets.

“Thanks to this investment, we will accelerate our growth, expand our technological capabilities and increase our capacity to respond to international security threats,” said Ferit Cakici, the CEO of RobotEye AI.

“Defense industry startups that produce smart and AI-based next-generation solutions without human intervention requirement have started to appear all over the world,” said Murat Onuk, the CEO of Arz Portfoy.

“The Turkish startup RobotEye AI fills a critical gap in border protection and surveillance with smart solutions, and we are very pleased to support a visionary Turkish firm like RobotEye AI,” he added.

The recent security issues in various parts of the world have made it clear that there is a pressing need for AI-supported defense technologies and that companies working in this field must step up.

A number of companies, including Anduril Industries, Helsing and Shield AI, have attracted significant attention with their unmanned and smart defense solutions, which have reached billion-dollar valuations.

Athens-based Lambda Automata has recently attracted investments from European Union countries, with €6 million ($6.4 million) being invested in the company, further demonstrating the growing momentum behind AI-powered defense solutions worldwide.