Turkey reveals plans for ‘Steel Dome’ air defense shield

Turkey has unveiled plans for a comprehensive, multi-layered air defense system named “Steel Dome” to create an impenetrable defense over Turkish airspace, pro-government media reported on Wednesday.

The Defense Industry Executive Committee, chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, approved the project on Tuesday. The Steel Dome will integrate domestic air defense systems, sensors and weapons under a unified network structure, featuring real-time data delivery and AI-supported decision-making.

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz called the decision “historic,” emphasizing Turkey’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities.

The system will feature four layers of defense, covering ranges from very short to long distances. The very short-range layer will include systems such as Korkut, a self-propelled air defense gun, and Gökberk, a mobile air defense radar. For medium-altitude threats, the Hisar O+, a system designed to protect against aircraft, helicopters and missiles, will be integrated. The long-range layer will include Siper, Turkey’s first long-range air defense system, expected to enter service this year with a range of up to 100 kilometers (62 miles).

The initiative aims to reduce Turkey’s reliance on foreign defense systems, building on two decades of efforts to enhance domestic defense production. Turkey’s defense exports reached $5.5 billion in 2023, with a target of $7 billion for 2024.

The S-400 missile system, purchased from Russia, remains a point of contention, with its inclusion in the Steel Dome project still uncertain. Turkey’s acquisition of the S-400 led to its removal from the F-35 joint strike fighter program by the United States.

The Defense Industry Executive Committee also discussed projects for air defense, missile systems, the Kaan fighter jet, drones and other unmanned vehicles. The Kaan, Turkey’s first homegrown fighter jet, aims to replace the aging F-16 fleet by the 2030s, with mass production set for 2028.