Defence Turkey: Mr. OKUMUŞ, first of all, we would like to thank you for taking the time to speak with our readers. Can we start the interview with a brief introduction to ASSAN Group Defence Industry Inc., which exports its products to over 200 customers across 60 countries on six continents? Why was it established, and what has it accomplished in the last ten years? To what extent have you achieved your initial goals at the beginning of this journey?

Gürcan OKUMUŞ: ASSAN Group was established in 1986 as a manufacturer of spare parts for construction machinery. In 2014, the company took a significant step in spare parts production by receiving the Caterpillar Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certification. In 2016, with a decision by the Board of Directors, the company aimed to contribute to the Turkish defense industry by leveraging its existing production expertise. In the early stages, ASSAN Group provided mechanical production services as a subcontractor to organizations such as MKEK, ASELSAN, and ROKETSAN. We have strengthened our machinery over the past four years and introduced horizontal and vertical forging presses. In 2020, we acquired land in Bolu/Gerede to produce explosives. In December 2023, the first phase of the GEPAT Explosive Production and Filling Facility was commissioned, and PBXN filling started. We plan to open the remaining sections of this facility in 2025. In conclusion, we are progressing according to plan, but we continue to update our strategies to respond quickly to evolving needs.