The Korkut is a short-range self-propelled air defense 35mm gun system developed an manufactured in Turkey by the Companies Aselsan and FNSS. It was unveiled during IDEF, Defense Exhibition in Istanbul in May 2013. The Korkut is designed to offer an effective ground-based short-range air defense system able to destroy modern air threats at a maximum range of 4 km. The Korkut system consists of one tracked Command and Control Vehicle and three 35mm twin-cannon Gun System Tracked Armoured Vehicles. Following the Pedestal Mounted Stinger system, the KORKUT Project will be the second air defense system indigenously developed by the Turkish defense industry to be delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces. The Korkut project was conducted by the Turkish Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM) together with ASELSAN as the prime contractor and FNSS as the subcontractor, to meet the need of Turkish Land Forces for a new short-range air defense system. In the context of the development phase of the KORKUT Project, the contract for the development of a tracked carrying platform was signed between ASELSAN and FNSS on June 25, 2011. One Command and Control Vehicle and two Gun System Vehicles developed and tests were successfully completed, with final acceptance occurring October 31, 2016. Production line qualification and serial production activities will be carried out in accordance with the Serial Production Phase of the KORKUT Project that started on May 19, 2016, with the signing of the related agreement between SSM and ASELSAN. Work on the Serial Production Phase of the KORKUT Project started after the serial production agreement was signed between SSM and ASELSAN, and subsequently, a sub-contract agreement was signed between ASELSAN and FNSS on December 2, 2016, for the delivery of the tracked platforms. In March 2017, Turkish Army has signed a contract with the Company Aselsan of Turkey for the purchase of an undisclosed number of new Korkut 35mm short-range air defense systems. According to Internet source, the Turkish army plans to order 42 35mm weapon systems and 14 command/control vehicles, with first delivery in 2018.
The weapon system of Korkut short-range air defense system consists of one tracked armoured vehicle fitted with 35mm twin-cannon using Air Burst Ammunition able to destroy air-to-ground missiles, cruises missile, and UAVs. It can be also used against helicopters and fighter aircraft flying at low altitudes with a maximum range of 4 km.
Combat use
The Korkut is a mobile air defense system based on ACV30 tracked armoured vehicle capable to follow mechanized units while providing air defense for tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. The Korkut Gun System vehicle is able to fire on the move and maneuver natural obstacles such as river crossings, offering a significant tactical advantage. The Korkut 35mm cannons can fire 1,100 rounds per minute and will destroy rockets before they hit the ground. The whole Korkut system can realize all the functions of detection, tracking, recognition, identification and destruction of air targets. ,
Command and Control Vehicle
The Korkut short-range air defense systems consist of one Command and Control tracked vehicle and three 35mm Gun System tracked vehicles. The Command and Control Vehicle detects and tracks targets with its 3D search radar and while developing a local air picture, evaluates threats and assigns targets to the Weapon System Vehicles. Meanwhile, the Weapon System Vehicles trace the target with fire control radar and generates firepower with two 35 mm guns using fragmentation ammunition.
Twin-35mm cannon Gun System Tracked Armoured
One of the main components of the Korkut self-propelled air defense is the 35mm twin-cannon Gun System mounted on an ACV-30 tracked armored vehicle chassis. The vehicle was unveiled in May 2013 during the Defense Exhibition IDEF in Istanbul, Turkey.
The Korkut Command and Control System vehicle detects and tracks targets with its 3D search radar and while developing a local air picture, evaluates threats and assigns targets to the 35mm Gun System Vehicles. The vehicle provides command mission execution with armored mechanized troops. It is connected with three 35mm Gun System.
