Yetkin KARAKAŞ

Chairman of the Board, ARMELSAN

Born in 1975 in Silivri, Yetkin Karakaş graduated from Marmara University, School of Physical Education and Sports, Department of Coaching, in 2000.

Gaining sector experience by taking part in defense industry projects starting from 2002, Karakaş founded ARMELSAN Defense Technologies Inc. in 2012 in line with Türkiye’s goal of strengthening its national defense capabilities.

ARMELSAN Defense is one of Türkiye’s leading defense industry companies operating in the field of underwater technologies.

The company develops indigenous and nationally engineered systems in advanced sonar technologies, underwater acoustic solutions, and heavy-duty remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs).

Its key products include:

• Türkiye’s first indigenous and national diver detection sonar: ARAS-2023

• Türkiye’s first indigenous and national mine-hunting sonar: NUSRAT-1915

• Türkiye’s first indigenous and national dipping sonar: ORKUN-2053

• KAŞİF, the world’s most powerful heavy-duty remotely operated underwater vehicle in its class

With these high-technology products, ARMELSAN has significantly contributed to Türkiye’s anti-submarine warfare and underwater reconnaissance capabilities, achieving a strong position both within the Turkish Armed Forces and the international defense market.

ARMELSAN Defense operates with the mission of:

• Reducing Türkiye’s foreign dependency in underwater acoustic systems,

• Enhancing national engineering capacity,

• Promoting a sustainable culture of domestic production in defense technologies.

In 2024, Karakaş founded ARMELSAN Energy, which operates in the energy sector in line with Türkiye’s Development Plans and the National Technology Initiative.

The company conducts R&D-driven projects focusing on renewable energy technologies, energy storage systems, and efficiency-oriented engineering solutions.

ARMELSAN Energy aims to contribute to Türkiye’s energy independence by transferring the engineering expertise gained in defense technologies to the energy sector.

In addition to his work in business, Karakaş collaborates with various non-governmental organizations in fields such as:

• Encouraging young people to pursue technology,

• Promoting national production awareness,

• Supporting social solidarity and educational projects.

Yetkin Karakaş is married and has two children.