Türkiye Levent Air Defense System Completes First Successful Live-Fire Test.

According to information published by Roketsan on October 10, 2024, Turkey's domestically developed Levent Close-In Air Defense System has successfully completed its first live-fire test. Developed by Roketsan, the system is designed to protect naval assets from threats posed by aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles.
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The Turkish air defense system Levent successfully tested in a live firing. (Picture source: Roketsan)

The LEVENT Close Air Defense System is an advanced, short-range missile system developed by Turkey’s Roketsan to protect naval platforms from a variety of airborne threats. Designed to counter anti-ship missiles, helicopters, UAVs, and other aerial targets, LEVENT plays a crucial role in Turkey’s strategy to enhance its maritime defense capabilities.

LEVENT is derived from the SUNGUR missile, another Roketsan product, and shares several technological innovations. The system is equipped with an advanced dual-mode seeker—Passive RF (Radio Frequency) and Imaging Infrared (IIR)—which enhances its ability to lock onto and intercept various threats with high precision. This makes LEVENT particularly effective against modern anti-ship missiles that often employ complex evasion tactics, such as low-altitude sea-skimming maneuvers or supersonic speeds​.

The missile has a range of approximately 11 kilometers and is mounted in an 11-missile vertical launcher. It offers 360-degree coverage and is capable of operating in different modes, including manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic. LEVENT integrates seamlessly with a ship's onboard sensor systems, including radar and electro-optic sensors, providing it with advanced target acquisition and tracking capabilities​.

LEVENT is envisioned as a replacement for foreign close-in weapon systems (CIWS) like the American-made RIM-116 RAM (Rolling Airframe Missile), which Turkey has previously integrated into its MİLGEM-class corvettes. LEVENT's non-rolling airframe and sophisticated seeker technology provide it with an edge in intercepting faster and more evasive targets. It can operate autonomously or be integrated with a ship's combat management system, making it versatile across various naval platforms​.

The system was showcased at several defense exhibitions, including DIMDEX 2024 in Qatar. Its future applications include deployment on Turkey's next-generation naval assets, such as fast attack craft and corvettes. In addition to its naval role, LEVENT may also be adapted for use on helicopters and other platforms​.