- November 26, 2025
- 10:02 pm
- Middle East
Turkey has signed contracts to create the “Steel Dome” air defense system worth $6.5 billion. The documents, confirmed by the country’s Defense Industry Directorate, mark the start of one of Ankara’s largest defense projects in recent years.
The system is described as multi-layered: about 47 elements, including radars, interceptors of short, medium, and extended range. The structure is divided into segments that should cover different threats — from low-flying drones to missile attacks. The initial idea is an analogue of Israel’s “Iron Dome,” adapted to Turkish requirements and geography.
Haluk Görgün, head of the defense department, emphasizes that the modernization will be carried out by Turkish companies Roketsan and Aselsan. The decision is expected: domestic production reduces dependence on external suppliers, strengthens control over technologies, and provides additional arguments in the arms market.
Against the backdrop of recent regional events, the project does not seem accidental. Israeli operations against Iran’s infrastructure, episodes in Syria and Lebanon, the growth of targeted threats — all this accelerated Ankara’s decision to invest in air defense. Turkey points to the need for its own means of protection, rather than a reaction to allied or external structures.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has effectively cemented the political line: reliable radars and multi-layered complexes are a key element of national security. The production base is the second element. Turkey seeks to strengthen both aspects in parallel, without waiting for external changes.
The delivery of the first systems is scheduled for August 2025. This includes 47 units equipped with SUNGUR, KORKUT, GÜRZ, Hisar-A, Hisar-O, and SİPER complexes. Full operational readiness will come later — timelines remain fluid, which is typical for large defense programs. But the production line is already deployed, and Turkey continues to position itself as a player capable of exporting drones, weapons, and air defense elements to conflict zones from Ukraine to Africa.
Importantly, Israel is simultaneously increasing the production of its systems — the “Iron Dome” and “David’s Sling.” Ankara takes this fact into account. Tensions do not disappear, arms markets are growing, and states strive not to lag behind the technological pace. Turkey is trying to establish itself in this segment as a producer, not just a buyer.
The “Steel Dome” project is part of a broader trend: countries in the region are strengthening defense amid instability, targeted strikes, and technological competition. This is not an episode, but a long cycle. And now Turkey is accelerating its pace.
In a detailed article, we explain how the air defense project fits into the regional strategy and why Israel, Turkey, and Middle Eastern countries are simultaneously increasing arms production volumes. Read more at NANews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency.
