Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday inaugurated the country’s new Steel Dome air defense system, which he called a turning point for national security and the defense industry.
Developed by state-owned firms and led by contractor Aselsan, the system integrates missile batteries, radar units, electronic warfare platforms, and command centers into a multi-layered shield against aerial threats.
Erdogan’s government first announced the start of the Steel Dome’s development in August last year.
Ülkemizin semalarını her türlü tehdide karşı teknolojik bir zırhla koruyacak, vatanımızın güvenliği için gece gündüz görev başında olacak Çok Katmanlı Entegre Hava Savunma Sistemi #ÇELİKKUBBE unsurlarının teslimatı, Cumhurbaşkanımız Sayın Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’ın teşrifleriyle… pic.twitter.com/RoupPYv09H
— ASELSAN (@aselsan) August 27, 2025
“Today we are providing our army with the Steel Dome system, consisting of 47 vehicles worth $460 million, which will inspire confidence in friends and fear in enemies,” Erdogan said at the inauguration ceremony at Aselsan’s Golbasi campus in Ankara. “This system will make a world of difference for Turkey’s air defense. This is a turning point for Turkey,” he added.
The delivery reportedly included Hisar O 100 and Siper missile systems, Alp radar units, Korkut short-range defense vehicles, and electronic warfare platforms.
Turkey’s Steel Dome is modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome, a highly effective air defense system that has been operational since 2011. The U.S. is also developing a similar system, known as Golden Dome.
Erdogan said recent conflicts have highlighted the importance of radar systems in detecting incoming threats.
“Unless a country can develop its own radar and air defense system, it cannot look to its future with confidence in the face of current security challenges, especially in our region. We are aware of the importance of not leaving anything to chance… With the Steel Dome, we will now be in a different class in terms of air defense,” he added.
At the same event, Erdogan announced construction of a $1.5 billion Aselsan technology base, scheduled to open in 2026, describing it as Turkey’s largest single defense investment. He said the project would position the country as a global player in defense technology.
