Through a multi-tiered, domestically designed framework, Turkey’s integrated air defense system, known as the Steel Dome, is expanding its capabilities and improving the country’s aerial security.
The Korkut anti-aircraft gun from Turkish defense firm Aselsan successfully meets the Turkish Armed Forces’ low-altitude defensive needs as a mobile and quick-response system against threats.
Aselsan and Roketsan developed the indigenous low- and medium-altitude Hisar-A+ and Hisar-O+ systems, which provide effective defense against helicopters, aircraft, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Turkey’s SAGE air defense system
Turkey’s SAGE air defense system, developed by Aselsan, Roketsan, and TUBITAK, protects against high-altitude and long-range threats. It can intercept fighter jets, cruise missiles, UAVs, and ballistic missiles targeting cities, bases, and vital infrastructure.
Moreover, the Turkish Armed Forces recently inducted the Siper Blok 1 into active service. Meanwhile, engineers are actively developing the more advanced Siper Blok 2 to enhance its layered defense capability.
TUBITAK also contributed the Goktug missile, which aircraft can launch during air-to-air missions. Additionally, Roketsan’s shoulder-fired system, Sungur, helps protect frontline units from low-flying aerial threats.
These systems significantly boost Turkey’s air-to-air combat and defense capabilities. On another front, Aselsan and Roketsan introduced Gökberk and Alka, two advanced laser-based weapons.
Notably, both laser systems rely on high precision and integrated architecture to quickly neutralise aerial threats. Together, these innovations reflect Turkey’s ongoing push to strengthen its defense industry and reduce foreign dependence.
Göker, Gökdeniz, Göksur
While other systems, such as Göker, Gökdeniz, Göksur, and Roketsan Levent, offer customised solutions based on similar integrated design principles, Aselsan’s Gurz hybrid air defense system combines missile, artillery, and laser technologies. To counter threats at their source, the Turkish defense industry is developing domestic technologies.
Pakistani officials are said to be increasingly interested in procuring Turkey’s cutting-edge Steel Dome air defense system as part of its drive towards national security and military capacity building.
Turkish firms Aselsan, Roketsan, and TUBITAK have developed the Steel Dome, which combines multi-layered UAVs with ballistic missile defenses.
Pakistan, aware of its regional aerial threats, has been considering this domestically proven system as a transformational solution for its air defense.
Strategic cooperation between Islamabad and Ankara is bound to include technology transfers or co-production agreements, in line with Pakistan’s vision for autonomy and strong defense infrastructure.
Haluk Gorgün
Roketsan’s MAM munitions and advanced anti-tank systems such as OMTAS, UMTAS, and Karaok enhance Türkiye’s battlefield strength. It also fields guided rockets such as TRLG-122/230, IHA-122/230, and K+, alongside strategic missiles like Tayfun, Akya, Cakir, Atmaca, and SOM.
Haluk Gorgün, president of Türkiye’s Defence Industry Agency, told Anadolu Agency that the country’s defence forces must work together. “Our view of security focuses on influence and extends well beyond simple deterrence,” he explained.
At the core of Türkiye’s multi-layered air defence is the Steel Dome system. This network links sensors, missiles, and launchers to deliver real-time, integrated responses against threats. The system acts as a comprehensive shield, protecting Türkiye from aerial and missile attacks.
References
- Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- The News: thenews.com.pk
- The Print: theprint.in
- Reddit: reddit.com
- Reuters: reuters.com
- Daily Sabah: dailysabah.com
- VOA News: voanews.com
- APP News (Associated Press of Pakistan): app.com.pk
- Dawn: dawn.com
- Anadolu Agency: aa.com.tr
- Aselsan: aselsan.com.tr
- Roketsan: roketsan.com.tr
- TÜBİTAK SAGE: sage.tubitak.gov.tr
