President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced Tuesday that Turkey will develop its own “Steel Dome” air defense system and expand long-range missile capabilities to strengthen national defense. The new system, modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome, will help protect Turkey from aerial threats and is part of Turkey’s goal to increase self-reliance in defense production.
Following a recent Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries that killed five people, Turkish forces responded by targeting over 470 PKK-linked sites, reportedly neutralizing 213 militants. Erdoğan pledged that Turkey will continue anti-terror operations along its borders with Iraq and Syria, aiming to eliminate the PKK and its affiliates. The PKK, recognized as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU, has waged an insurgency against Turkey since 1984.
#Türkiye has finished manufacturing its long-range SIPER air defense system and officially put it into service.
This system, along with other locally-made systems, will form a “steel dome” to intercept enemy aircraft and missiles. pic.twitter.com/LiHxB8P07N— Hamdan News (@HamdanWahe57839) October 29, 2024
Erdoğan also highlighted Turkey’s role as a major producer of armed drones, now responsible for 65% of global sales since 2018. He added that Turkey will advance its defense capabilities independently and maintain a firm stance on countering terrorism.
On economic matters, Erdoğan said recent inflation is stabilizing and emphasized Turkey’s resilience in the face of global challenges. He also reiterated that Turkey’s growing ties with BRICS countries are intended to support its interests without affecting existing alliances.
Expanded Coverage:
