Cahit Utku Aral

General Manager SYS Group

Cahit Utku Aral is a visionary entrepreneur and seasoned business leader, renowned for his deep industrial roots and strategic leadership in the global defense industry. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and skillfully combines technical expertise with a strong grasp of international business dynamics. He was born in 1982 as part of the Aral Family, a distinguished industrial lineage with over 60 years of legacy in manufacturing and enterprise, and represents the third generation of this long-standing tradition. Throughout his academic and professional journey, Aral has consistently focused on engineering and management disciplines, beginning his career in the private sector where he held various technical and executive roles.

Today, he serves as the General Manager of SYS Group, where he oversees the strategic coordination and growth of several affiliated companies operating across critical areas of the defense sector. These include CANIK, a leading manufacturer of light and heavy firearms in both Turkey and the United States; AEI Systems, a UK-based company specializing in medium-caliber cannon production; CANIK EUROPE, based in France and responsible for distribution and sales across the European Union; UNIROBOTICS, which develops remote-controlled weapon systems (RCWS); MECANIK, a manufacturer of tactical accessories and optics; and CANIK Academy, a dedicated training and development platform. Under Aral's leadership, SYS Group has quickly gained recognition as a prominent global player in the defense industry, propelled by a strong focus on research and development, advanced manufacturing technologies, and export-oriented growth strategies.

One of the group's most strategic milestones under his guidance was the acquisition of AEI Systems, which enabled SYS Group to become a major global supplier of 30x113mm medium-caliber cannons. In parallel, the group's in-house development of next-generation RCWS platforms and innovative firearm solutions has positioned SYS as a trusted partner to armed forces and security institutions worldwide. By combining cutting-edge technology with long-term strategic vision, Cahit Utku Aral has not only led the transformation of a dynamic group of companies but has also played a vital role in advancing Turkey's global competitiveness in the defense industry.