EXCLUSIVE FROM ANKARA Turkey presented 'Steel Dome' - Strategic response from sea and land!

From Ankara reports Delvin Kovač

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan solemnly announced in Ankara the operational deployment of the system named "Steel Dome", marking a milestone for the Turkish defense industry. On this occasion, Erdoğan emphasized that it is a fully integrated system - a "system of systems" - that connects land and sea-based defense platforms, sensors, and command centers into a unified network.

The project was launched in August 2024, and the current phase includes the delivery of 47 specialized vehicles worth approximately 460 million dollars. These vehicles include components such as the Hisar O and Siper systems, radar, Puhu and Redet electronic warfare systems, and Korkut gun vehicles.

"Steel Dome" is a strategic response to increasing regional threats and attacks on Turkey's free airspace, with its key objective being protection against short and medium-range missiles, drones, and other aerial threats.

This system is being developed by domestic companies – Aselsan, Roketsan, TÜBİTAK SAGE, and MKE – with the support of the Presidency of Defense Industry. It establishes layered defense: from the Korkut SPAAG for low altitudes, through Hisar A+/O+ for short and medium ranges, up to the Siper system for medium and long distances. All elements are connected through an AI-powered radar and command-and-control system that provides a unified real-time situational picture.



Furthermore, during the opening ceremony, Erdoğan announced the construction of a new technological base, Oğulbey, worth 1.5 billion dollars, which will more than double Aselsan's production capacity and become the largest single investment in Turkey's defense industry. The first part of this base is planned to be operational by mid-2026.

Overall, Turkey's "Steel Dome" represents a strategic leap towards technological independence in the defense sector, symbolizes the capability for domestic integration of advanced systems, and supports the ambition for Turkey to become a leader in global technology sectors.

Main segments of "Steel Dome" and their function

Korkut
– Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun system (SPAAG)
– Operates at low altitudes (drones, helicopters, short-range missiles)
– Fast response and high mobility

Hisar A+ and Hisar O+
– Short-range (A+) and medium-range (O+) missiles
– Designed for intercepting aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles
– Mobile, integrated into the command network

Siper
– Long-range missile system
– Capable of intercepting ballistic missiles and high-altitude aircraft
– The main "umbrella" of the system



Puhu and Redet
– Electronic warfare and jamming systems
– Used for neutralizing enemy radars, communications, and guided weapons
– Key for protecting own units

Radar and sensor system
– Multifunctional, long-range 3D radars
– Provide real-time detection and tracking of targets
– Connected to AI systems for automatic threat assessment

Command and control system (C4I)
– The central "brain" of the system
– Coordinates all units and enables rapid response
– Networked with land, sea, and air units

AI support and automation
– Artificial intelligence assists in threat recognition, prioritization, and automated decision-making
– Reduces reaction time and increases efficiency

Industrial and infrastructural support
– Bases for system production and maintenance, such as the new Oğulbey technology zone
– Includes companies Aselsan, Roketsan, TÜBİTAK SAGE, MKE