Turkey announced its intention to develop a comprehensive national air defense system, codenamed "Steel Dome," to bolster its defense capabilities. The announcement was made by Haluk Gorgun, the president of the SSB (Presidency of Defence Industries), the country's defense industry agency.
The ambitious project aims to integrate various air defense systems, sensors, and weapons into a unified network, enhancing Turkey's ability to detect and respond to threats across different altitudes and ranges. The initiative is being spearheaded by state-owned defense companies like Aselsan, Roketsan, and MKE, along with the public research group Tubitak Sage.
According to reports from Turkish public television TRT Haber, Steel Dome is envisioned as an all-encompassing shield for Turkish airspace, capable of addressing threats from both low and high altitudes, as well as short and long distances. However, the SSB has refrained from disclosing further details about the project at this time.
This development aligns with Turkey's recent rise as a prominent defense exporter, particularly in the realm of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been a staunch advocate for the defense industry, and this initiative underscores Turkey's commitment to strengthening its domestic defense capabilities.
Additional information from open sources reveals that Turkey has been actively pursuing the development of its own air defense systems, including the Hisar and Siper systems. The Steel Dome project appears to be a culmination of these efforts, aiming to create a comprehensive and integrated air defense network.
