Aselsan debuts 20-Cell Göksur Air Defense System with advanced BOZDOĞAN missiles.

At the upcoming Euronaval expo in Paris, ASELSAN, Turkey’s leading defense technology enterprise, will unveil an advanced 20-cell version of its Göksur naval air defense system. Designed to elevate Turkey's naval defense capabilities, the new Göksur configuration integrates the BOZDOĞAN missile, an advanced Infrared Imaging (IIR) guided missile that was initially developed for air-to-air combat but has been adapted for use in maritime defense.
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Artist rendering of the 20-Cell Göksur Air Defense System with Bozdogan missiles. (Picture source: Aselsan)

The Göksur’s new 20-cell configuration maximizes its engagement potential, allowing it to handle a greater volume of simultaneous threats. This development is particularly timely, as modern naval vessels increasingly operate in contested zones where the presence of drones, missiles, and stealth aircraft demands a highly responsive, multi-target defensive capability. With its increased cell capacity, Göksur not only provides greater operational flexibility but also enhances the vessel’s overall situational awareness through advanced threat-tracking capabilities.

At the heart of this enhanced capability is the BOZDOĞAN IIR-guided missile, which adds a sophisticated layer to Turkey’s naval defense arsenal. Traditionally deployed in air-to-air combat, the BOZDOĞAN has proven to be an agile, resilient weapon in intercepting fast-moving targets, qualities that make it highly suitable for naval application. Its infrared imaging seeker enables it to lock onto targets with remarkable accuracy, even in conditions of electronic interference or adverse weather, providing a strategic edge for Turkish forces.

The adaptation of BOZDOĞAN for naval use underscores a broader shift within ASELSAN’s defense strategy: leveraging Turkey’s domestically developed technologies for multi-domain applications. By repurposing the missile for Göksur, ASELSAN demonstrates a highly adaptive design philosophy, ensuring that Turkey’s technological investments serve multiple defense needs and can be rapidly adapted to respond to evolving threats.

ASELSAN’s showcase at the Euronaval expo represents not just a product launch but a statement on Turkey’s increasing role as a defense technology provider on the global stage. As Turkey continues to expand its indigenous production of defense systems, it reduces dependency on foreign technology—a critical goal that aligns with its broader defense strategy. Furthermore, Turkey’s success with the Göksur system and the BOZDOĞAN missile could attract attention from countries looking for cost-effective, adaptable air defense solutions to strengthen their own naval assets.

For potential international customers, the Göksur system offers several advantages. First, it provides a versatile solution that can be configured for various vessel types, from fast attack crafts to larger surface combatants, making it an attractive option for navies with diverse fleets. Secondly, the Göksur’s modular design allows it to integrate with a variety of command and control systems, a feature that is expected to appeal to nations with existing, mixed-technology defense fleets seeking upgrades compatible with NATO and non-NATO platforms alike.