Turkiye's Erdogan unveils 'Steel Dome' air defence system

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday formally inaugurated Turkiye's integrated air defence system known as the "Steel Dome," which he described as a watershed moment for the country and its defence industry.

""These systems are a show of strength for Turkey," Erdogan said at an event at the Ankara facilities of defence contractor Aselsan. "In air defence we are ushering in a new era for our beloved Turkey."

Erdogan's government announced in August of last year the start of development of the Steel Dome, which integrates sea-based and land-based air defence platforms and sensors into a network to protect Turkiye's skies.


Erdogan said the latest stage of the project consisted of 47 vehicles worth USD 460 million that would "inspire confidence in our friends and fear in our enemies." The government hasn't said exactly when the system will be fully operational.

"No country that cannot develop its own radar and air defence system can look to its future with confidence in the face of current security challenges, especially in our region," Erdogan said.

Turkiye previously had sought to bolster its air defences by acquiring S-400 missile systems from Russia in 2019. That move, however, saw the country kicked off the US-led F-35 stealth jet program in a setback for Ankara's defence goals.

Nearby conflicts in Syria and Ukraine, as well as Israel's recent attacks on Iran, have heightened the need to develop better air defences.

The president also was unveiling new production facilities at the Aselsan that are due to open in 2026. "In the next 50 years, Turkyie will be a country that not only meets its own needs but also leads the world with its technology," Erdogan said.

Turkey has invested heavily in its defence industry, seeking to become self-sufficient in arms ever since it was subjected to an arms embargo by the United States in response to the 1974 invasion of Cyprus.