Engin Aykol, General Manager & CEO Nurol Makina

IN this exclusive interview, Asian Defence Journal sat down with Engin Aykol, general manager and CEO of Nurol Makina, a key player in the defence industry renowned for its cutting-edge military vehicles. Under Aykol’s leadership, Nurol Makina has cemented its position as a global leader in armoured vehicle production, contributing significantly to the evolving landscape of defence technology. We explore his insights into the company’s growth, its innovative advancements and the role of Nurol Makina in shaping modern defence solutions.

ADJ: Can you provide an overview of Nurol Makina’s current product portfolio and highlight any recent innovations in your vehicle designs?

EA: Nurol Makina’s product portfolio is designed to meet a broad range of security and defence needs. Our line-up includes highly-versatile and reliable armoured vehicles such as the EJDER YALCIN, NMS, NMS Light, Ejder Kunter and Ejder Toma. Each vehicle is engineered to offer superior protection, mobility and adaptability in various operational environments. Recently, we have introduced advanced modular armoured vehicle NMS L. The NMS L (light) is one of the variants of the NMS series, offering enhanced mobility, protection and adaptability for a wide range of military and security operations. Our focus on innovation ensures that our vehicles can handle the evolving challenges faced by armed and security forces.

ADJ: What is Nurol Makina’s current market strategy for expanding its presence in the Asian market?

EA: Our strategy for the Asian market centres on building strong, long-term partnerships with local stakeholders, including governments and defence industries. We are committed to understanding the unique needs of each country and tailoring our solutions accordingly. Additionally, we are focusing on establishing a robust presence through local offices, collaborations, and joint ventures, which will allow us to respond more effectively to the requirements of our Asian customers. Malaysia and Indonesia are our users in the continent. This will include some other countries as well in the soon future.

ADJ: Which specific countries in Asia are you targeting for growth, and why?

EA: We see significant growth potential in Asian countries due to their strategic focus on modernising their defence capabilities. Because of confidentiality there are some countries that we are in touch but it is not possible to explain these because of confidentiality. These countries have shown a strong interest in enhancing their armoured vehicle fleets, and we believe that our products align well with their defence needs. We are also exploring opportunities in South Asia and the Middle East, where there is an increasing demand for armoured vehicles.

ADJ: How does Nurol Makina customise its products to meet the specific needs and regulations of different countries in Asia?

EA: We work closely with local authorities and armed forces to understand their operational requirements and regulatory frameworks. Our engineering teams are adept at modifying vehicle configurations from projects to meet specific needs. For armaments and communication systems, we have strong subcontractors in local and all around the world. Additionally, we ensure that our products comply with local standards and integrate seamlessly with existing defence infrastructure.

ADJ: Can you share any ongoing or planned partnerships with local defence manufacturers or governments in Asia?

EA: We are actively pursuing collaborations with several local defence manufacturers and governments in Asia. For example, Nadicorp Holding which is a well-known group of companies in Malaysia is our partner. These partnerships are essential for technology transfer, local production and long-term sustainability. While I cannot disclose specific details due to confidentiality agreements, I can say that these partnerships are focused on co-developing and manufacturing vehicles that are specifically tailored to the needs of the region. We believe that these alliances will significantly enhance our market presence and contribute to the local defence industries.

ADJ: Can you discuss any upcoming product launches or upgrades planned for the Asian market?

EA: We have several developments in the product line for the Asian market. Our vehicles are used in UN Missions and needs attention due to high conflict. Our existing platforms are sufficient in case of protection levels, mobility and advanced situational awareness systems.  Additionally, we plan to introduce our vehicles in upcoming defence exhibitions across the region by participating in two major exhibitions; Indo Defence (Indonesia) and ADAS (Philippines). These exhibitions will be a good chance to meet our potential and existing customers and showcase our capabilities.

ADJ: What infrastructure and resources have you established in Asia to facilitate this support?

EA: We have a strong network of local partners who assist in providing on-the-ground support. These resources enable us to offer a seamless and responsive support experience to our clients, ensuring their vehicles are always mission-ready. At the moment, there is no investment necessary but we are open to collaborate in case of new establishments just like we made before when possible.

ADJ: Can you share your experience and key takeaways from Nurol Makina’s participation at Indo Defence and ADAS?

EA: Indo Defence and ADAS are excellent platforms for Nurol Makina to showcase our products and engage with key stakeholders in the region. The events provide us with valuable insights into the current defence priorities of Asian countries and allow us to demonstrate how our solutions can meet these needs. The strong interest we receive in our products reaffirms our belief in the potential of the Asian market. Our key takeaway is that there is a growing demand for advanced, adaptable, and reliable solutions, and we are well-positioned to meet this demand.