Türkiye’s Steel Dome aims to meet all air defense needs

2026-03-27 - 11:50

Türkiye’s indigenous Steel Dome air defense system is being developed as a dynamic, evolving architecture capable of addressing the full spectrum of national security needs, according to Roketsan CEO Murat Ikinci. Speaking to Anadolu, Ikinci explained that the system represents a flexible infrastructure to which new capabilities and technologies will be continuously integrated in response to emerging threats. “I can say that we are working for it to be able to meet all of our country’s air defense needs,” he said. A constantly evolving architecture Ikinci emphasized that air defense is an exceptionally demanding field, and no nation can claim to have completed the task. “We continue by adding new capabilities and features in line with changing threat characteristics and profiles,” he noted. Steel Dome is being developed as a joint effort by Roketsan, Aselsan, and TUBITAK SAGE, bringing together domestically produced radar systems, missile technology, electronic warfare tools, and command infrastructure into a single integrated, layered defense network capable of countering threats at multiple altitudes and ranges. Domestic production brings strategic autonomy The Roketsan CEO highlighted that every component of Steel Dome is produced domestically, giving Türkiye the ability to manufacture as many missiles, radar systems, and battery systems as needed, whenever they are needed. “Viewed from that perspective, Steel Dome is among Türkiye’s most critical defense programs,” Ikinci said, adding that production capacity must be expanded rapidly. He noted that mass production is already underway across a wide range of systems, from anti-tank and cruise missiles to ballistic and air defense missiles, with deliveries of the TAYFUN ballistic missile and SOM cruise missile ongoing. Accelerating production amid regional conditions Ikinci stressed that Roketsan is working around the clock and actively expanding production capacity through new investments, driven by current regional conditions. “We are striving with all our strength both to strengthen our country’s defense and to accelerate production in this field,” he said. He added that many new systems—including air defense missiles, air-to-air missiles, and advanced ballistic missiles—will be unveiled gradually throughout 2026 and beyond, as Türkiye continues to build a self-sufficient defense industrial base.