TURKSAT and China-based satellite operator China Satcom have signed a protocol covering joint research and development, product development and commercialisation. Announced during the 77th International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, the agreement focuses on UAV communications, satellite-based Internet of Things systems and smart border security technologies.
Partnership moves from capacity sharing to product development
According to TURKSAT, cooperation between the two organisations began last year with capacity sharing. Its scope was expanded through decisions reached at World Space Business Week in Paris, and the new protocol moves the relationship into direct hardware and software development. TURKSAT Deputy General Manager for Satellite Services Selman Demirel and China Satcom chief executive Ma Haiquan signed the agreement.
The protocol covers more than joint research. It is intended to span market-needs analysis, initial prototype development, testing, validation and commercialisation. Turkish and Chinese engineers are expected to work in joint teams, turning the partnership from a capacity arrangement into a structured product-development programme.
Satellite-based IoT is a central target
One of the main goals is to develop satellite-enabled Internet of Things solutions for areas without terrestrial communications infrastructure. The partners plan specialised hardware that could allow devices used in energy, agriculture and logistics to be monitored and managed where mobile networks are unavailable.
Satellite-linked IoT systems can connect remote sensors and equipment beyond the reach of cellular base stations or fibre networks. The announced programme envisages developing hardware and software components capable of transmitting data from such locations. The products covered by the protocol are development targets, however; they have not yet been completed or launched commercially.
UAV communications and border security
UAV communication systems are another planned field of work. Satellite connectivity could support communications with airborne platforms operating outside terrestrial network coverage. Under the smart border security heading, the companies aim to develop systems that improve monitoring and data transmission in remote areas.
TURKSAT says the deal is intended to extend its existing end-to-end satellite and communications capabilities into new application areas. Those capabilities will be combined with China Satcom's satellite operating experience, with cooperation expected to continue through prototyping and validation.
Joint committee to review work every three months
A joint steering committee with equal representation from both organisations will oversee R&D and product-development activities. The work is scheduled to be reviewed every three months, providing a formal mechanism for assessing technical targets and progress toward commercialisation.
IAC 2026 is organised by the International Astronautical Federation and hosted in Antalya by the Turkish Space Agency and SAHA Istanbul under the coordination of Türkiye's Ministry of Industry and Technology. Signing the agreement at the congress places it within a broader effort by Türkiye's satellite sector to build international technology partnerships.
What comes next
The practical impact of the protocol will become clearer when the partners disclose the scope of initial prototypes, testing schedules and commercialisation milestones. At this stage, the announcement establishes joint-development goals in three technology fields and sets out the governance mechanism. No details have yet been provided on product performance, delivery dates or prospective commercial customers.
The distinction matters because the agreement describes a development pathway rather than finished systems. Future updates from the two companies will be needed to assess whether the planned technologies move from prototypes through validation and into operational use.
