Türkiye’s ‘Steel Dome’ Air Defence System Built Entirely from Domestic Components
Türkiye’s AI-Backed ‘Steel Dome’ Air Defence System Fully Built with Indigenous Components
Türkiye’s new multi-layered air defence system, dubbed the “Steel Dome,” has been developed entirely using domestically produced technologies and platforms, and is powered by artificial intelligence to support real-time decision-making, the head of the Defence Industries Presidency (SSB) announced on Wednesday.
Speaking at an event organized by SAHA Istanbul, SSB President Haluk Görgün said the Steel Dome was designed to counter threats ranging from long-distance missile attacks to close-range drone and artillery threats. The system features a fully integrated command-and-control structure, synchronizing layered platforms such as SİPER, HİSAR-A+ and O+, KORKUT, and SUNGUR.
“The architecture brings together radars, electro-optical sensors, signal jammers, and laser systems under a unified AI-powered system that enhances the speed and accuracy of responses,” Görgün stated.
He emphasized that AI integration into the system’s decision-making process allows the most optimal response scenarios to be generated and communicated instantly, while human operators remain in the loop for oversight.
“If we had bought these systems rather than developed them in-house, achieving this level of seamless interoperability would have posed enormous engineering challenges,” he added.
Görgün also revealed that the SSB is advancing a next-generation “sensor fusion” framework to support sixth-generation warfare, enabling full interoperability between manned and unmanned platforms like the Kızılelma, Anka-3, Hürjet, and KAAN.
He further noted that over 50% of Türkiye’s defence exports now go to NATO and EU member states, and that a dedicated NATO-Türkiye coordination directorate has been established to strengthen strategic defence relations.
The Steel Dome is seen as a critical leap forward in Türkiye’s quest for full defence autonomy, combining advanced indigenous weaponry with cutting-edge AI and system integration.
