Turkish defense companies have signed contracts worth a total of $6.5 billion to develop and improve the country's integrated multi-layered "Steel Dome" air defense system, Reuters reports, News.bg reports.
Ankara, a NATO member that has significantly expanded its defense industry production and reduced its dependence on external suppliers, announced plans to build its own system, similar to Israel's "Iron Dome", in July 2024.
The project includes 47 components, including radars, missiles, electro-optical sensors, command and control centers and air defense elements with different ranges.
Increased tensions in the region, including Israeli strikes on neighboring countries such as Iran, Syria, Lebanon and Qatar, have forced Turkey to strengthen its air power and air defense systems. The country has already established itself as a leading manufacturer and exporter of combat drones used in conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, Nagorno-Karabakh and Africa.
Defense Industry Agency Chairman Haluk Gorgun said that the contracts include combat systems and their advanced versions, which will be developed by Roketsan, and that the “Steel Dome“ will be built entirely with local technology.
Gorgun said that the project will increase Turkey's deterrence and expand the scope and scale of its combat systems. Representatives of Aselsan and Roketsan said that the contracts are of strategic importance and cover space systems, air and anti-tank defense, as well as other key defense technologies.
Although officials and experts warn that the “Steel Dome“ project is years away from full completion, Turkey continues to develop its defense industry and is now among the world's leading exporters.