14.10.2026 06:50
The camera, sensor, and data collection features of electric cars have led to security concerns in the defense industry. Defense organizations in Turkey, including ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, HAVELSAN, and TEI, have restricted the entry of foreign electric vehicles into their facilities, while similar measures have been taken in countries such as Poland, Germany, and Czechia. Behind these decisions lies the concern that the image and location information collected by the vehicles could put sensitive military data at risk.
The advanced camera, sensor, and internet connectivity features of electric cars have brought new security measures in the defense industry. In many countries, including Türkiye, bans and restrictions have begun to be implemented on the entry of foreign-origin vehicles with data collection capabilities into military facilities.
CRITICAL DECISION FROM 4 DEFENSE INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS IN TÜRKİYE
In Türkiye, ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, HAVELSAN, and TUSAŞ Engine Industries (TEI) have restricted the entry of foreign electric cars into their campuses on security grounds.
TEI General Manager Mahmut Faruk Akşit, drawing attention to the fact that cameras and sensors in the vehicles can map the surroundings, announced that foreign electric cars are not admitted to the campuses.
According to a report by Türkiye newspaper, Akşit stated that the fact that the data collected by these vehicles is not under their control creates a security risk.
ENTRY TO MILITARY FACILITIES BANNED IN POLAND
The Polish army banned cars manufactured in China from entering protected military facilities in February 2026. The decision was influenced by intelligence risks that could arise from the vehicles' camera, microphone, location tracking, and data collection systems.
A ban was also imposed on military personnel connecting their official phones to the multimedia systems of Chinese-made vehicles.
MEASURES INCREASED IN GERMANY AND CZECHIA AS WELL
In Germany, Chinese-made cars are not allowed to enter the parking lots of some military and intelligence facilities. Drivers of these vehicles are directed to different parking areas.
In Czechia, restrictions are applied at military facilities to certain vehicles, including some Tesla and Volvo models manufactured in China. A company affiliated with the ORLEN group operating in the country also banned Chinese-made cars from entering four strategic industrial facilities.
SECURITY ALARM IN THE UK, SWITZERLAND, AND FRANCE
Although there is no general ban covering all military facilities in the UK, some defense organizations apply stricter security rules for electric cars.
In Switzerland, there are restrictions on the use of vehicles that are constantly connected to the internet near sensitive military facilities.
In France, it is stated that the military counterintelligence service has issued warnings regarding data security risks that BYD and Tesla brand vehicles may pose. However, there is no general ban on military facilities covering these vehicles in the country.
THE US AND CHINA HAVE ALSO TAKEN ACTION
In the US, legal regulations aimed at limiting the use of foreign-connected vehicles at military facilities are on the agenda. The draft defense bill includes provisions regarding the banning of certain vehicles at military facilities starting from 2027.
China, in turn, introduced restrictions in 2021 on the use of Tesla cars at military facilities. After assessments regarding the vehicles' compliance with data security standards, some restrictions were relaxed.
THE REASON FOR CONCERN IS THE DATA COLLECTED BY VEHICLES
The security measures are based on the ability of new-generation cars to view their surroundings, record location information, and transmit the data they collect over the internet.
Experts point out that these features may increase the risk of sensitive information being exposed, especially in military zones and defense industry facilities.
While the decisions taken by countries vary, the restrictions do not cover all electric cars or vehicle use throughout the country. The measures are applied mainly at military and strategic facilities.