Focus: What is Integrated Air Defense System Steel Dome Developed by Türkiye?.

Türkiye has decided to launch the development of an integrated and multilayered air defense system called the Steel Dome, according to a statement released by the country's leading defense industry partners on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. This decision was made during the meeting of the Defense Industry Executive Committee, chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and attended by senior civilian and military officials. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

This air Defense system will include an integrated shield with multiple platforms, network-centric and supported by artificial intelligence, covering vast territories to provide an impenetrable defense over Turkish airspace (Picture source: Aselsan)

During the meeting, the Steel Dome project was discussed, emphasizing the integration of layered air defense systems, sensors, and weapons into a network. This project aims to provide a real-time common air picture and utilize artificial intelligence to assist decision-makers. Türkiye has developed several indigenous air defense systems in recent years and plans to combine these systems under the Steel Dome, ensuring the protection of its entire airspace.

This system will include an integrated shield with multiple platforms, network-centric and supported by artificial intelligence, covering vast territories to provide an impenetrable defense over Turkish airspace. This represents years of investments that have helped Türkiye transition from foreign equipment dependency to self-sufficiency in defense systems.

However, this approach has led to tensions with the United States, particularly after acquiring the advanced S-400 missile defense system from Russia in 2019, which resulted in Türkiye's exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet program.

The Steel Dome project, approved by the Defense Industry Executive Committee chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, aims to integrate multiple layers of domestic air defense systems into a unified network structure. This project will enable real-time data delivery to operation centers and use artificial intelligence technologies to support decision-makers. Led by Aselsan, a pioneering defense electronics manufacturer, the project will also include other significant players such as Roketsan, TÜBITAK (SAGE), and MKE, each contributing essential defense components.

The illustration displays various Turkish missile systems and their respective ranges (Picture source: DHA Photos)

The air defense network will feature four layers: very short range, short range, medium range, and long range. Many components of the project, such as short and medium-range systems, are already in military inventory. For the first layer, covering a maximum range of 10 kilometers and an altitude limit of 5 kilometers, Türkiye has various options developed by Aselsan, including Korkut, Gökberk, Şahin, Göker, Ihtar, and Sungur. For the low altitude layer, ranging from 5 to 10 kilometers, Türkiye has systems such as Herikks, C-Ram, Hisar A+, Gökdemir, and Gürz. The medium altitude layer, covering 10 to 15 kilometers, could incorporate Kalkan 1, Kalkan 2, and Hisar O+.

Developed by Aselsan, the IHTAR system began production in the mid-2010s and entered service around 2018. The IHTAR anti-drone system is designed to detect, track, and neutralize unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), combining radar, electro-optical sensors, and RF jamming to disrupt drone communications. The SAHIN mobile air defense system integrates radar, electro-optical sensors, and missile launchers for short-range air defense, engaging multiple aerial targets such as drones and helicopters.

The advanced electronic warfare system GOKBERK provides critical capabilities in signal intelligence, electronic attack, and protection, enhancing situational awareness and countermeasures against enemy communications and radar systems. The KORKUT self-propelled anti-aircraft gun system, equipped with twin 35mm cannons, provides short-range air defense against aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs. The GÜRZ air and missile defense system, debuted at the World Defense Show in Riyadh, is designed as a multi-purpose short/very short range autonomous system to protect against UAVs, helicopters, fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, and mini guided bombs, effectively intercepting multiple targets simultaneously and working against low-cost threats like kamikaze drones.

Developed by Aselsan and Roketsan, the HISAR A short-range missile defense system began production in the mid-2010s and entered service around 2021, designed to intercept low-altitude threats with infrared guidance and a range of approximately 15 km. Similarly, the HISAR O medium-range air defense system, also by Aselsan and Roketsan, entered service around 2021, with a range of approximately 25 km and radar-guided missiles for engaging multiple targets.

The long-range layer, for altitudes between 15 and 30 kilometers and ranges exceeding 60 kilometers, could be provided by the Siper system, expected to enter inventory this year with an initial range of 100 kilometers and plans for future extensions.

Some elements of the Air Defense System Steel Dome, including the Korkut (top left), the Gurz (top right), the Ihtar (bottom left), and the HISAR O (bottom right) (Picture source: Aselsan)

The Defense Industry Executive Committee also discussed other critical projects and future goals, including the development of Türkiye's first indigenous fighter jet, Kaan, drones like Baykar's Bayraktar TB3 and Akıncı, TAI's Aksungur, and various other unmanned aerial and maritime vehicles. The Kaan project, launched in 2016, aims to replace the aging F-16 fleet of the Turkish Air Force starting in the 2030s, with mass production of the first block expected to begin in 2028.

Additionally, since 2023, Türkiye has been testing various ranges of ballistic missiles. The meeting also addressed projects to enhance the country's space access capabilities, improve situational awareness on land, air, and sea, develop electronic warfare systems, and defend against mini/micro UAVs and swarm-capable kamikaze maritime vehicles. The modernization of tanks and fighter jets, development of engines and power systems for vehicles, and procurement of command, control, and communication systems were also discussed.

Türkiye's decision to develop the Steel Dome marks a significant milestone in national defense, aiming to coherently integrate various air defense systems to ensure comprehensive and real-time protection of airspace. With initiatives covering advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and integrated multilayered systems, this project could position Türkiye as a regional leader in air defense.

The Steel Dome represents a strategic response to current and future threats while enhancing the autonomy and resilience of Türkiye's defense industry. Going forward, it will be interesting to see how this system evolves and integrates into Türkiye's broader defense capabilities, potentially influencing air defense strategies in other nations.