Turkey strengthens air defense with new Steel Dome system

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday celebrated a significant step for Turkey’s military as the country received its new “Steel Dome” air defense system.

“Today we are providing our army with the (Steel) Dome system, consisting of 47 vehicles worth USD 460 million, which will inspire confidence in friends and fear in enemies,” Erdogan said during a ceremony at Turkish defense giant Aselsan’s headquarters, a year after the project began.

“This system will make the world of difference for Turkey's air defense. This is a turning point for Turkey,” he added.

The Steel Dome, modelled on 'Israel’s' Iron Dome, is part of Turkey’s plan to build a multi-layered air defense system aimed at protecting its airspace. The initiative was unveiled last August, amid growing regional unrest, including 'Israel’s' operations in Syria and the brief air war between Iran and 'Israel' in June.

“Recent conflicts around us have revealed the importance” of radar systems detecting incoming threats, Erdogan noted. “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.”

Erdogan stressed the importance of self-reliance in defense, saying, “With the Steel Dome, we will now be in a different class in terms of air defense.”

defense Minister Yasar Guler, also at the ceremony, highlighted the system’s impact on national security. The minister said it would “further increase the deterrence and effectiveness of our armed forces… and ensure our security at the highest level.”

The president also inaugurated work on a USD 1.5 billion technology base, describing it as “the largest defense industry investment ever made in a single instance in the history of the republic.”

“This is also going to be the largest integrated air defense facility in the whole of Europe,” Erdogan said, adding that the first facility is expected to be operational by mid-2026.

He concluded by noting that the investment would elevate Turkey’s defense capabilities, making the country “not just a regional player but a global player when it comes to defense systems.”