Türkiye’s Steel Dome air defense system—a multi-layered, AI-assisted “security umbrella”—is evolving into a fully integrated national shield, covering threats from very low to high altitude and beyond.
Enhanced Integration & AI-Enabled C4ISR
First unveiled in August 2024 by Aselsan’s CEO Ahmet Akyol, Steel Dome emphasizes an AI-assisted command-and-control architecture called HAKİM, linking radar feeds (via RADNET) with centralized decision-making and rapid engagement across low, medium, and long-range defense layers.
It employs a system‑of‑systems approach—early-warning radars, electronic warfare modules (like KORAL), and satellites feed a unified Recognized Air Picture (RAP), enabling rapid detection, classification, and intercepting of multi-altitude threats “Türkiye’s Steel Dome Air Defense Solution”.
Layer-by-Layer Components
Includes Aselsan’s Korkut self‑propelled 35 mm gun, Gökdeniz naval variant, laser-based Gürk, CIWS Gürz, and mobile platforms like Göker, Şahin, C‑RAM, Burç — all detailed in the Anadolu Agency piece “Türkiye’s homegrown missiles ensure national security”.
Very Short–Range (≤ 10 km)
Includes Aselsan’s Korkut self‑propelled 35 mm gun, Gökdeniz naval variant, laser-based Gürk, CIWS Gürz, and mobile platforms like Göker, Şahin, C‑RAM, Burç — all detailed in the Anadolu Agency piece “Türkiye’s homegrown missiles ensure national security”.
Short to Medium-Range (10–40 km)
Roketsan’s Hisar‑A+ and Hisar‑O+ missiles counter aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles. The AA article “Turkey’s HISAR missile systems boost defense capabilities” provides further details.
Long-Range (> 100 km)
At high altitudes, the Siper system—led by AselSAN, Roketsan and TÜBİTAK—safeguards strategic assets from fighter jets to ballistic missiles. Its Blok 1 version is already fielded, while Blok 2 remains under development. Further details are available in Daily Sabah’s report on Türkiye’s full-spectrum air defense.
Air‑to‑Air & Offensive Assets
Roketsan’s Sungur shoulder‑fired missile supports frontline units, alongside TÜBİTAK’s Göktuğ for aircraft‑launched engagements, showcasing Turkey’s expanding air‑to‑air reach. For technical specifications and deployment details, see the AA article “Türkiye’s homegrown missiles ensure national security”.
Command & Control – “Absolute Security Umbrella”
Haluk Görgün (SSB) emphasizes integrated real-time interoperability: “a networked system of systems… producing real‑time and integrated responses as an absolute security umbrella,” reflecting Türkiye’s shift beyond deterrence. See full remarks in the TRENDS Research article on Türkiye’s Steel Dome.
From guns to long‑range missiles—Steel Dome integrates systems across all airspace layers
Strategic Investment & Export Potential
Aselsan received a $616 million “super incentive” package in March 2025 to boost radar, sensor, munitions, and defense technologies for Steel Dome. See full coverage in The Defense Post’s article on the Steel Dome investment.
According to Anadolu Agency, Turkish firms are eyeing exports in the Gulf and NATO markets — positioning Steel Dome as both a sovereign shield and a global defense export product. See more in the article “Türkiye’s Steel Dome gains more capabilities”.
Challenges & Future Pathways
Integrating AI, laser systems, satellite links, and radars at scale presents engineering, cybersecurity, and cost challenges similar to Western equivalents. For a detailed technical discussion, refer to Türkiye’s Steel Dome Air Defense Solution by TRENDS Research.
Work is underway to develop a **national GPS alternative** and secure Link-16-like data resilience to reduce NATO dependency.
Further Reading
For deeper insight into Türkiye’s defence evolution, integration and strategic direction:
• Türkiye’s homegrown missiles ensure national security (Anadolu Agency) — covers Burç, Sungur, Levent, Alka systems
• Turkey’s HISAR missile systems boost defense capabilities (Anadolu Agency) — Hisar-A+, Hisar-O+ deployment details
• Turkey tests mid-range air defense system (Anadolu Agency) — original Hisar-O unveiling
• Aselsan promotes Steel Dome integrated air defense system (The Jakarta Post) — strategic overview
• Aselsan Secures $616M to Develop Equipment for Turkey’s ‘Steel Dome’ (The Defense Post) — R&D funding analysis
• Steel Dome advances in Türkiye’s full-spectrum air defense quest (Daily Sabah) — tech-layer breakdown
• Türkiye’s Steel Dome Air Defense Solution (TRENDS Research) — academic technical analysis
