ISTANBUL (AP) — On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan officially inaugurated Turkey's new integrated air defense system, dubbed the “Steel Dome.” During a ceremony held at the Ankara facilities of defense contractor Aselsan, Erdogan characterized the event as a transformative milestone for the country's defense capabilities.
Erdogan expressed pride in the development of the Steel Dome, stating, "These systems are a show of strength for Turkey. In air defense, we are ushering in a new era for our beloved Turkey." The project, announced by Erdogan's government in August of the previous year, aims to integrate both sea-based and land-based air defense platforms and sensors to create a comprehensive network for safeguarding Turkish airspace.
The latest phase of the Steel Dome project involves 47 vehicles, with a total investment of $460 million. Erdogan emphasized that this initiative would “inspire confidence in our friends and fear in our enemies,” although the government has not revealed when the system is expected to become fully operational.
Turkey's previous efforts to enhance its air defenses included the acquisition of S-400 missile systems from Russia in 2019. This controversial move led to Turkey being expelled from the U.S.-led F-35 stealth jet program, marking a significant setback for Ankara's aspirations in defense technology.
The geopolitical landscape surrounding Turkey has intensified the necessity for robust air defenses, particularly given ongoing conflicts in Syria and Ukraine, along with Israel’s recent strikes against Iran.
Additionally, President Erdogan unveiled new production facilities at Aselsan, which are scheduled to be operational by 2026. He asserted, "In the next 50 years, Turkey will not only meet its own needs but will also lead the world with its technology."
Turkey has made significant investments in its defense sector, striving for self-sufficiency in military production since the imposition of an arms embargo by the United States following Turkey's 1974 invasion of Cyprus.
