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Türkiye has signed $6.5 billion worth of contracts with leading domestic defense companies to further strengthen its integrated air defense architecture known as Steel Dome, officials announced Tuesday.
The signing ceremony, hosted by Havelsan, was attended by the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) head Haluk Gorgun, SSB Vice President Huseyin Avsar, Aselsan General Manager Ahmet Akyol, Roketsan General Manager Murat Ikinci, Turkish Armed Forces representatives and industry officials.
According to the SSB, the newly signed contracts cover a wide range of projects coordinated under the Steel Dome framework and represent a total economic value of approximately $6.5 billion.
Gorgun said the decisions adopted during the Defense Industry Executive Committee (SSIK) meeting were being systematically converted into contracts.
He recalled that the latest meeting approved procurements for offensive weapons and air defense systems.
He noted that Roketsan and Aselsan would advance previously fielded short- and long-range air defense systems while also developing enhanced versions of offensive systems.
“Companies are working around the clock to improve, develop and increase the impact power of existing systems, and to boost capabilities that will enhance the deterrence of our heroic army,” he said.
Gorgun emphasized that Türkiye has “climbed classes” in the defense sector and has become one of the world’s top 10 defense exporters.
He added that Türkiye now meets its own air defense needs while exporting systems across multiple tiers.
Gorgun highlighted the importance of the indigenous, layered air defense doctrine embodied in the Steel Dome concept.
He said Türkiye now produces both the software and hardware for integrated systems capable of operating across a unified network and continues serial production of long-range offensive capabilities that enhance deterrence.
Gorgun attributed progress over the last 23 years to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s support for defense companies and young engineers, saying it helped build a self-sufficient and sustainable ecosystem.
Akyol said the new contracts are “strategically important” for Türkiye, noting that significant quantities of air defense systems will enter mass production.
Ikinci said many new projects, ranging from space systems to air defense, anti-tank and strategic platforms, will now move into serial production.
“With today’s signatures, we have taken steps that will significantly strengthen the strategic power of our Armed Forces,” he said.
Avsar added that the projects signed will make a “serious contribution” to Türkiye’s national security, deterrence and striking power, thanking all institutions involved.
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