Turkey plans to develop its own multi-layer air defense system called "Steel Dome", the Turkish authorities announced, quoted by DPA, writes BTA.
A meeting of the Defense Industry Executive Committee, chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, approved the "Steel Dome" project, which we will develop locally, Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz announced on the social platform "X". late last night.
The program aims to integrate a network of sensors and weapons supported by artificial intelligence (AI), added Yilmaz, who described the project as a "historic decision".
"We are determined to bring our country to a much stronger position against all kinds of threats,", the vice president added.
TRT state television reported today that work is underway on a four-tier defense system – from short to long range that provides real-time situational warning.
Other details about the system and when it will go into operation are still unclear, DPA notes.
V. "Hurriet Daily News" notes that Turkey has developed a number of its own air defense systems in recent years and plans to combine all these systems under the "Steel Dome", which will provide protection for the country's entire airspace.
At the committee meeting, other defense industry projects were discussed, including the Turkish-developed Kaan fighter, the Bayraktar TB3, Akinci and Aksungur drones and a number of unmanned aerial vehicles and marine vehicles.
Turkey has been investing heavily in the local defense system for quite some time, DPA notes. In February, Ankara unveiled its first Kaan fighter jet. Separately, the country has been testing ballistic missiles with different ranges since 2023