Turkey’s Air Defense Power Will Increase with the Steel Dome Project
According to information obtained by AA correspondents, an agreement was reached on a new project that will increase Turkey’s defense potential at the latest Defense Industry Executive Committee meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This project includes the Steel Dome Project, a system that will “steel” the security circle in the sky.
The Steel Dome Project is called a “system of systems” because it brings together weapons of different qualities and power. In this context, important companies such as ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, TÜBİTAK SAGE and MKE will cooperate to develop domestic and national systems. The project will also provide the integration of these systems by utilizing artificial intelligence.
Systems in the Project Scope
The Steel Dome will be supported by a series of air defense systems developed by ASELSAN. These systems include:
- SCARE:It was developed to effectively provide air defense for mechanized units with mobile elements.
- HISAR-A+:The low-altitude air defense missile system is designed to neutralize air threats at low altitude.
- GÖKDEMİR:It aims to use nationally developed air-to-air missiles for land-based air defense purposes.
- GOKER:It is designed to meet current very low altitude air and land defense needs.
- GÖKBERK:The Mobile Laser Weapon System was developed with the support of radar and electro-optical sensors.
- HISAR-O+:As a medium altitude air defense missile system, it provides air defense of stationary units.
- TRENCH:It is designed as a long-range regional air and missile defense system.
ROKETSAN’s Contributions
ROKETSAN will play an important role in the Steel Dome Project with its air defense and missile systems. In this context, the following systems will be included in the project:
- ALKA:It is equipped with a laser system that can neutralize swarms of mini/micro unmanned aerial vehicles.
- HOROSCOPE:Mobile air defense systems provide effective solutions against air threats on the battlefield.
- SUNGUR:It is designed as a short-range air defense missile system for the protection of mobile and fixed units.
- LEVENT:The close-in air defense missile system has the capacity to neutralize threats against naval elements.
- FORTRESS:Air defense missiles will be used to protect military bases and facilities.
- TRENCH:It is a long-range regional air and missile defense system.
The Role of TUBITAK and MKE
TÜBİTAK and MKE will also be important players in the Steel Dome Project. TÜBİTAK SAGE carries out engineering and prototype production activities, and also develops the domestic and national missiles GÖKDOĞAN and BOZDOĞAN. MKE meets the various weapons, ammunition and system needs of the Turkish Armed Forces and develops important products in the field of defense.
Integrated Work with Artificial Intelligence
The Steel Dome Project will create 4 critical opportunities with the integration of domestic and national systems. These systems will provide integrated operation of all sensors and weapons under a network together with layered air defense systems. Real-time data will reach operation centers and will be presented to decision makers with artificial intelligence-supported analysis. In addition to the defense provided by Turkey in the sky dome, the project will also create a deterrent effect for enemy elements.
