Overview:
Turkey’s Steel Dome air defense system, developed by Aselsan and other Turkish defense industry leaders, represents a sophisticated approach to airspace protection. The potential integration of the Russian S-400 missile system into this multilayered defense network could provide enhanced capabilities. This report outlines the operational specifics of the Steel Dome, the role of the S-400, and the implications for Turkey’s defense posture.
1. Steel Dome Air Defense System
Development and Capabilities:
– Lead Developer: Aselsan, with significant contributions from Roketsan, TÜBITAK SAGE, and MKE.
– System Architecture: The Steel Dome is designed to be a comprehensive, network-centric air defense system with integrated AI for real-time data analysis and decision-making.
Overview:
Turkey’s Steel Dome air defense system, developed by Aselsan and other Turkish defense industry leaders, represents a sophisticated approach to airspace protection. The potential integration of the Russian S-400 missile system into this multilayered defense network could provide enhanced capabilities. This report outlines the operational specifics of the Steel Dome, the role of the S-400, and the implications for Turkey’s defense posture.
1. Steel Dome Air Defense System
Development and Capabilities:
– Lead Developer: Aselsan, with significant contributions from Roketsan, TÜBITAK SAGE, and MKE.
– System Architecture: The Steel Dome is designed to be a comprehensive, network-centric air defense system with integrated AI for real-time data analysis and decision-making.
Layers of Defense:
1. Very Short Range (0-10 km):
– Korkut: Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun system with twin 35mm cannons, effective against low-flying targets and UAVs.
– Gökberk: Mobile air defense radar providing early warning and tracking capabilities.
– Şahin: Mobile air defense system combining radar, electro-optical sensors, and missiles.
– Göker: Short-range air defense system focusing on quick reaction to incoming threats.
– Ihtar and Sungur: Systems for intercepting close-range threats, including drones and helicopters.
2. Short Range (5-10 km):
– Herikks: Close-in weapon system for defense against low and slow aerial threats.
– C-Ram: Counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar system, also effective against drones.
– Hisar A+: Short-range air defense system designed to intercept low-altitude threats with infrared guidance.
– Gökdemir and Gürz: Multi-purpose systems for short-range and very short-range defense.
3. Medium Range (10-24 km):
– Hisar O+: Advanced version of Hisar, featuring improved radar-guided missiles with a range of approximately 25 km.
– Kalkan 1 and Kalkan 2: Mobile air defense radars enhancing target detection and tracking capabilities.
4. Long Range (24-100 km):
– Siper: Turkey’s first long-range air defense system, featuring an initial range of 100 km with plans to extend its range in future iterations.