Newsletters
Türkiye's national integrated air defense architecture, known as Steel Dome (Celik Kubbe), continues to enhance its capabilities as a comprehensive multi-layered defense system protecting against aerial threats at low, medium, and high altitudes.
According to information compiled by Anadolu Agency (AA), the Steel Dome was developed with a "system of systems" approach following approval by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a Defense Industry Executive Committee (SSIK) meeting.
The layered air and missile defense architecture grows stronger each day.
Defense Industry President Haluk Gorgun explained the integrated approach: "Defense industry elements must now work 'together' rather than just 'alongside each other'; systems must operate in coordinated and integrated fashion, not just 'simultaneously.' Our security understanding is not limited to deterrence alone; it is based on area superiority."
The KORKUT system forms one of the foundational elements of Steel Dome's continued development under Defense Industry coordination.
Developed by Aselsan to meet the Turkish Armed Forces' (TAF) low-altitude air defense needs, KORKUT is a gun-based air defense system that provides effective, mobile, and rapid response capabilities against low-altitude threats.
The HISAR-A+ and HISAR-O+ air defense family represent other Steel Dome components, serving as low- and medium-altitude air defense systems developed through Türkiye's domestic and national capabilities.
These systems, developed by Aselsan and Roketsan under Defense Industry coordination, provide effective protection against aircraft, cruise missiles, UAVs, and helicopters.
The SIPER strategic air defense system was developed through domestic and national capabilities to protect against high-altitude and long-range air threats.
Developed through collaboration between Aselsan, Roketsan, and TUBITAK SAGE, SIPER targets the protection of critical facilities, military units, and cities against fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missile-type threats, UAVs, and other aircraft.
The SIPER air defense system's Block 1 product entered TAF inventory while work continues on SIPER Block 2.
Serial production of these inventory systems continues alongside exports to friendly and allied nations.
Türkiye has also enhanced air-to-air engagement capabilities with the shoulder-fired SUNGUR system developed by Roketsan to protect military units at low altitudes and TUBITAK SAGE's Gokdogan missile that can be launched from air platforms.
The Turkish defense industry leads next-generation defense concepts with laser-based high-precision systems, including Aselsan's GOKBERK and Roketsan's ALKA, designing all systems to work together in integrated architecture.
Products of this approach include Aselsan's GURZ air defense system with a hybrid structure integrating missile, gun, and laser systems, and systems developed with the same vision, including GOKER, GOKDENIZ, GOKSUR, and Roketsan's LEVENT, offering need-specific solutions.
Türkiye continues developing national solutions to detect and neutralize threats at their source alongside defense capabilities.
Strategic missile systems developed by Roketsan, including MAM family munitions, OMTAS, UMTAS, KARAOK anti-tank systems, TRLG-122/230, UAV-122/230, K+ guided rockets, TAYFUN, AKYA, CAKIR, ATMACA, and SOM, increase Türkiye's field impact power.
Gorgun emphasized the comprehensive nature of the system: "Steel Dome operates as a system of systems at the center of multi-layered air defense architecture."
"This structure, where all elements from sensors to air defense missiles and other launcher systems come together in a common network, not only detects threats but also creates an absolute security umbrella in the field by producing real-time and integrated responses," he concluded.
6 min read
