HAVELSAN flight simulator manufacturer has broken ground on a new production and integration facility in Ankara, Türkiye, marking a significant expansion of its manufacturing capacity for civil and military simulators.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on March 12, 2026. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan chaired the event, alongside HAVELSAN Chairman Prof. Dr. Hacı Ali Mantar and CEO Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar. Senior government officials and industry representatives also attended.
Facility Specifications and Production Targets
The new facility covers 17,000 square meters and targets production of more than 30 flight simulators annually. Moreover, it will enable the simultaneous development of up to 16 simulators at different stages of production and integration.
Combined with HAVELSAN’s existing infrastructure in Ankara, the company’s total 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.
HAVELSAN Flight Simulator Center: Europe and Middle East Positioning
The expansion positions HAVELSAN as the largest full flight simulator production center in Europe and the Middle East. Consequently, this reinforces Türkiye’s growing role in the global flight simulation and aviation training industry.
The facility is expected to create hundreds of high-skilled engineering and technical jobs in the Ankara region. Furthermore, it will strengthen Türkiye’s aviation and defense technology ecosystem.
STARVIEW-B Display System and Technology Development
The new facility will support HAVELSAN’s simulator technologies, including the recently introduced STARVIEW-B collimated display system. Developed in-house by HAVELSAN’s Display Systems team, STARVIEW-B delivers high-fidelity visual representation designed to enhance pilot immersion and procedural accuracy in advanced training environments.
The system supports HAVELSAN’s strategy of developing globally competitive full flight simulators through its STARLINE FSTD product portfolio. It also represents a step toward greater technological independence in simulator subsystems.
“The new Simulator Production and Integration Facility will allow HAVELSAN to produce more than 30 flight simulators annually while enabling the simultaneous development of up to 16 simulators at different stages of production and integration.”
Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar, CEO, HAVELSAN
Customers, Programs, and Delivery Milestones
In recent years, HAVELSAN has expanded its simulator production activities, supporting the domestic commercial aviation sector. Customers include Turkish Airlines, SunExpress, and IFTC.
The company also contributes to national aerospace initiatives including the HÜRJET, HÜRKUŞ, KAAN, and GÖKBEY programs. With more than 40 years of experience, HAVELSAN will have delivered over 400 simulators for more than 60 military and civil platforms upon completion of its current backlog.
The defense technology company’s expansion reflects broader investment in Türkiye’s manufacturing base, with the Ankara facility serving both domestic and international markets across Europe and the Middle East.