Newsletters
Türkiye's domestically developed Gurz air defense system has begun field activities, with a live-fire test successfully completed on Sept. 5, according to a statement from manufacturer Aselsan.
Gurz offers layered short-range air defense against a range of aerial threats from a single platform, combining both gun and missile interceptors.
Aselsan said the test achieved high success rates in radar and electro-optical detection and tracking, tracking continuity, and range accuracy.
The system's four-faced AESA radar, electro-optical suites, and communication systems all performed as expected during the test. The Goksur missile used in the activity executed demanding maneuvers while successfully following its expected trajectory.
"If there's a threat in the sky, Gurz stands against it. Offering close-range air defense in a single vehicle, Aselsan's Gurz will be a game-changer against different aerial threats," Aselsan said in a post on social media.
Gurz combines capabilities drawn from Aselsan's Hisar and Korkut programs into a single hybrid air defense platform. The vehicle carries a 35mm Korkut cannon along with rear-mounted launchers holding four Sungur missiles and four Goksur missiles, allowing multiple types of interceptors to be deployed from one platform.
The version shown in the recently released test footage was the same variant most recently unveiled at the SAHA EXPO 2026 fair, following the presentation of several different Gurz variants over time.
Gurz was first introduced in its initial serial production configuration at SAHA 2026 in May 2026.
Aselsan General Manager Ahmet Akyol said at the time that the system had become "a real product" and would enter the inventory the following year.
The live-fire field activity represents part of the operational verification process following the system's transition from prototype to serial production.
Gurz is regarded as a more advanced, NATO-compatible counterpart to Russia's Pantsir air defense system.
Both the Turkish Land Forces and the Turkish Air Force are known to have placed orders for the system, which will be delivered in 6x6 and 8x8 vehicle configurations.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
3 min read
