Integrated Air Defense Agreements Strengthening the Steel Dome

To strengthen Türkiye’s integrated air defense architecture, new contracts worth a total of 6.5 billion US dollars have been signed with institutions within the defense industry. These agreements cover projects to be carried out under the coordination of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), aiming to develop and enhance the integrated air defense system known as “Çelik Kubbe”.

The signing ceremony was hosted by HAVELSAN and attended by SSB President Haluk Görgün, SSB Vice President Hüseyin Avşar, ASELSAN General Manager Ahmet Akyol, Roketsan General Manager Murat İkinci, representatives of the Turkish Armed Forces, and industry stakeholders.

Scope of the Contracts and SSB Statements

Procurement and Development Processes

SSB President Haluk Görgün stated that the decisions taken by the Defense Industry Executive Board (SSİK) are being converted into contracts, and highlighted that critical decisions were made during the most recent board meeting specifically regarding the procurement of offensive systems and air defense systems.

Görgün noted that the signed contracts encompass not only the air defense systems previously integrated into inventory by Roketsan and ASELSAN, but also new-generation offensive systems developed by these companies. He emphasized that the companies are working around the clock to improve existing systems, enhance their effectiveness, and increase the deterrent capacity of the Turkish Armed Forces.

In his statement, Görgün said: “At this point, we are deeply grateful to God for the contracts we have signed and for the additional joy of reaching a position where we can export products under these agreements. Türkiye has now secured a place among the top ten countries exporting defense industry products. While meeting its own air defense system requirements, Türkiye has also become a country capable of exporting air defense systems at various levels and tiers.”

Çelik Kubbe Architecture and Domestic Production

Layered Air Defense Approach

Görgün recalled that “Çelik Kubbe” is part of the layered air defense architecture long pursued by Türkiye. He stated that both the subsystems and the software and hardware enabling their integrated operation within the network are entirely developed using domestic and national capabilities.

Advanced Offensive Systems

During the same address, it was noted that signatures have been completed to initiate serial production of offensive systems designed to enhance deterrence, and that efforts are ongoing to extend their range and operational effectiveness.

Türkiye’s Defense Industry Ecosystem and Capacity

Görgün stated that the progress Türkiye has achieved in its defense industry over the past 23 years is a result of the confidence placed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in defense companies and young engineers. During this period, a defense ecosystem has been established that is:

• Self-reliant
• Sustainable
• High in export capacity

Sharing with Friendly and Allied Nations

Türkiye is recognized for sharing its domestically produced systems with friendly and allied nations, and has risen to the upper ranks of defense exporters.

Institutional Statements

ASELSAN

ASELSAN General Manager Ahmet Akyol emphasized the strategic importance of the signatures for Türkiye, stating: “Today we have witnessed truly strategic signatures for our country. We have signed agreements to enable high-volume production of our air defense systems. May these be beneficial to our nation and people.”

Roketsan

Roketsan General Manager Murat İkinci said the signed projects will make significant contributions to the strategic power of the Turkish Armed Forces.

At the ceremony, İkinci said: “Through today’s signing ceremony, we have successfully launched numerous projects that will significantly enhance the strategic power of our Armed Forces. Today we signed serial production agreements for projects ranging from space systems and air defense systems to anti-tank systems and strategic systems. May they be auspicious and successful.”

SSB Vice Presidency

SSB Vice President Hüseyin Avşar, at the same ceremony, said: “The projects we signed today will make critical contributions to the security of our country, significantly enhancing the deterrent and strike capabilities of our Armed Forces. I extend my deepest gratitude to the Ministry of National Defense, our Armed Forces, my colleagues at the Presidency of Defense Industries, and our companies for their efforts. I wish these endeavors beneficial to our nation and people.”