Türkiye unveils ‘Steel Dome’ air defense system

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at Aselsan Gölbaşı Campus, 27 August 2025.
X / Social media

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday formally inaugurated Türkiye’s new integrated air defense system, the “Steel Dome,” calling it a milestone for the country’s defense industry.

The system, developed by state defense contractor Aselsan, links land- and sea-based platforms and sensors into a network aimed at strengthening protection of Türkiye’s airspace. Erdoğan said the latest stage of the project includes 47 vehicles worth $460 million.

“No country that cannot develop its own radar and air defense system can look to the future with confidence in the face of today’s security challenges,” he said at the launch ceremony in Ankara.

The president added that Türkiye would be in “a different league” once the system becomes fully operational.

Erdoğan also opened new facilities at Aselsan’s Ogulbey campus.

Defence Industries Secretary Haluk Görgün said Türkiye’s defense sector has reached an 83 percent localization rate, with exports of nearly $7.5 billion to 185 countries last year.

Tags