The agreement with Samaş aims to develop the strategically important sodium bentonite production, while the agreement with Tekatron aims to increase capacity, support R&D activities, and contribute to the Turkish economy.

Both agreements will bring a total of $30 million in foreign capital to Samaş and €15 million to Tekatron.

OYAK Turkoman Yatırım A.Ş. (TOI), established in 2025 by the Army Mutual Aid Association (OYAK), Türkiye's largest supplementary occupational pension fund, and the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), signed a share purchase, capital participation, and shareholder agreement with Samaş, an OYAK subsidiary. OYAK Turkoman Yatırım A.Ş. also signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Tekatron, a manufacturer of unmanned ground vehicles, for the purpose of acquiring shares.

The signing ceremony, held at the Istanbul SAHA Expo 2026 Fair, was attended by Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler, Commander of the Naval Forces Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, and Chairman of the OYAK Board of Directors Zekai Aksakallı.

The agreement for Samaş, an operator of sodium bentonite reserves, was signed by OYAK General Manager Murat Yalçıntaş and TOI Board Member İbrahim Al Eisri. The agreement resulted in a total foreign capital investment of 30 million USD for Samaş.

The protocol aims to support the company's growth, modernization, and strengthen its capital through direct foreign investment in the partnership. OYAK will remain the majority shareholder in Samaş. In addition, TOI will support Samaş's entry into new sectors and markets by utilizing its international connections.

The agreement is a sign of confidence in Türkiye

These agreements aim to expand the sales network and increase production volume to ensure that the strategically important sodium bentonite reserves contribute more quickly to the Turkish economy and support the development of the region.

On the other hand, the recent increase in foreign investments in OYAK's various subsidiaries is considered important in terms of demonstrating the confidence in Türkiye in foreign markets and OYAK's international corporate reputation.

Türkiye is rich in sodium bentonite reserves

The world's largest known sodium bentonite reserves are concentrated in the USA and Türkiye, especially in Samaş's licensed area. Samaş, which joined OYAK's subsidiaries in 2024, operates as one of the world's leading companies in sodium bentonite mining with its bentonite reserves in Tokat/Reşadiye and its history spanning over 50 years. The sodium bentonite products offered by the company are used as strategic raw materials in the production processes of leading companies worldwide in various sectors, primarily oil drilling, iron ore pelletizing, and cosmetics, in different geographies.

Tekatron receives €15 million in foreign capital

On the other hand, TOI also signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Tekatron Teknoloji A.Ş., a manufacturer of unmanned ground vehicles, for the purpose of acquiring shares.

The agreement was signed by OYAK General Manager Murat Yalçıntaş, TOI Board Member İbrahim Al Eisri, and Tekatron's founding partner Rıdvan Özdemir.

The agreement secured €15 million in foreign capital for Tekatron.

In an assessment of the Tekatron agreement, it was stated: “This transaction is a result of Turkey's progress in the defense industry. Foreign investors are investing with great expectations in the technologies developed by our country's defense industry initiatives and the opportunities our country offers in this context. Capital will be provided following the fulfillment of certain conditions and the signing of final contracts. If negotiations between the parties progress positively, the signing of binding contracts is planned for May of this year.”

Tekatron is among Türkiye's leading defense industry companies in the field of unmanned ground vehicles. With the capital increase that TOI plans to carry out in Tekatron, subject to certain conditions, the aim is to support the company's capacity increase and R&D projects in Türkiye, as well as to provide financing for potential production facility investments abroad.