Türkiye wraps up air defense chain
Momentum in recent years has seen Türkiye produce its own missile defense technology, from short-range to long-range systems, after Ankara repeatedly sought to secure the equipment from Western partners
TÜRKİYE is preparing to incorporate a new homegrown system into its inventory this year with long-range highaltitude air defense capabilities, an addition that senior industry officials say will mark the last link in the country’s defense chain.
Momentum in recent years has seen Türkiye developing and producing its own domestic missile-defense technology, from short-range to long-range systems, after Ankara repeatedly sought to secure the equipment from Western partners. The U.S.’ refusal to provide Patriot air defense systems prompted Türkiye to look elsewhere, eventually ending up with its purchase of S-400 missiles from Russia in 2019, sparking a row between the two NATO allies.
Aselsan has been involved in most of Türkiye’s ambitious defense industry projects, from drones to fighter jets, warships and missile defense systems.
The defense equipment manufacturer is preparing to deliver Siper, a long-range surface-to-air missile air defense system, this year, which its General Manager Ahmet Akyol said will mark the completion of the nation’s air defense chain.
“With Siper, we will ensure the incorporation of long-range high-altitude air defense into our inventory. Under the leadership of our state, we will complete the end-to-end air defense layer this year,” Akyol told Anadolu Agency (AA).
Akyol described air defense as a structure consisting of low-altitude, mediumaltitude and high-altitude layers, highlighting the importance of the Korkut system in short-range air defense.
Korkut is a self-propelled air defense 35 mm gun that can be used against hostile helicopters, drones and ground attack aircraft. It can also engage air-to-ground and cruise missiles.
It has been heavily used by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), while Akyol also emphasized the interest from many countries in the system.
“Türkiye now produces, utilizes and achieves positive results in operations with its own capabilities, including its smart ammunition, in collaboration with Aselsan’s partner organizations,” said Akyol.