Amid growing concerns over aerial threats in Europe—ranging from cruise missiles to FPV drones—Turkish defense giant Aselsan is positioning its “Steel Dome” system as a modular, NATO-compatible short-range air defense (SHORAD) solution. Combining proven Turkish platforms like Korkut and Hisar-A+ with advanced command-and-control (C2) nodes and sensors, the Steel Dome aims to fill a critical capability gap in European layered air defense architectures.
Concept Overview: What Is Aselsan’s “Steel Dome”?
The “Steel Dome” is not a single weapon system but an integrated SHORAD ecosystem developed by Aselsan to counter low-altitude threats such as drones (UAVs), cruise missiles, helicopters, and loitering munitions. Drawing inspiration from Israel’s Iron Dome in terms of layered coverage—but tailored for different missions—the Turkish system incorporates:
- Korkut: A twin 35 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun system with programmable ammunition.
- Hisar-A+: A mobile short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system with vertical launch capability.
- Gökdeniz: A naval close-in weapon system (CIWS) adapted for land use against drone swarms and precision-guided munitions.
- Fire Control Radars: Including the ACAR and KALKAN radars for target acquisition and tracking.
- C4ISR Backbone: A modular command-and-control suite enabling real-time data fusion across all components via NATO-standard links like Link-16.
The architecture is designed to be scalable—from point defense of critical infrastructure to mobile protection of maneuver units—and interoperable with existing NATO IADS (Integrated Air Defense Systems).
NATO Interoperability as a Strategic Selling Point
A key differentiator of the Steel Dome concept is its emphasis on full interoperability with NATO standards. According to Aselsan representatives at recent international expos such as IDEF and Eurosatory 2024, all components are compliant with STANAG protocols and can integrate into existing Allied C2 networks. This includes compatibility with Link-11/16/22 tactical data links and standard Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) modes used by NATO forces.
This focus on interoperability positions the Steel Dome as a potential plug-and-play option for countries seeking rapid enhancement of their SHORAD layers without needing to overhaul their command infrastructure. It also aligns with Türkiye’s broader strategic objective of increasing indigenous systems’ exportability within Western-aligned markets despite ongoing political friction between Ankara and some NATO capitals.
Tactical Components: Guns, Missiles & Sensors
The Steel Dome integrates multiple effectors optimized for different threat profiles:
Korkut SPAAG
Korkut features twin 35 mm Oerlikon cannons mounted on an FNSS ACV-30 tracked chassis. It uses ATOM airburst ammunition capable of engaging small UAVs at ranges up to 4 km. The fire control vehicle includes a radar suite capable of tracking multiple aerial targets simultaneously under electronic warfare conditions.
Hisar-A+
This mobile SAM system has an effective range of ~15 km and altitude coverage up to 5 km. It uses vertical launchers mounted on wheeled platforms and can engage low-RCS targets like drones or cruise missiles using imaging infrared seekers guided via mid-course updates from ground radar assets.
Gökdeniz CIWS
Originally designed for naval platforms like MILGEM corvettes, Gökdeniz employs twin 35 mm guns with high rates of fire (~1100 rpm). Land-based variants are being tested for use against drone swarms or rocket/artillery/mortar threats in fixed-site defense roles—a capability gap highlighted during conflicts in Ukraine and Syria.
Sensors & C2 Integration
The KALKAN-II phased array radar provides early warning out to ~100 km while ACAR offers fire control accuracy. These are fused via Aselsan’s indigenous C4I software platform which supports real-time threat evaluation and weapon assignment algorithms. The entire network can be operated remotely or autonomously depending on mission requirements.
Tactical Relevance for Europe’s Fragmented SHORAD Posture
The Russian invasion of Ukraine laid bare the vulnerability of European forces—and even civilian infrastructure—to low-flying threats like Shahed-type drones or Kalibr cruise missiles. While countries like Germany have invested in IRIS-T SLM or Rheinmetall’s Skynex systems, many Eastern European states still lack sufficient SHORAD capacity due to budgetary constraints or legacy Soviet equipment gaps.
Aselsan sees this as an opportunity. With competitive pricing compared to Western OEMs—and demonstrated battlefield performance in Syria, Libya, Azerbaijan—the Turkish firm is targeting Central/Eastern Europe markets including Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and potentially Baltic states. Notably:
- Hungary: Already operates Turkish-built armored vehicles; potential candidate for COTS-integrated SHORAD systems.
- Bulgaria & Romania: Seeking affordable upgrades amid aging OSA/SA-6 inventories; open to non-Western vendors if NATO-compliant.
- Baltics: Vulnerable due to proximity to Kaliningrad; require mobile SHORAD solutions compatible with Allied deployments.
Export Strategy & Industrial Collaboration Potential
Türkiye has increasingly positioned itself as a MilTech exporter blending affordability with indigenous innovation. Aselsan has already exported various components (e.g., KALKAN radar) independently but now aims to offer full-system packages under the Steel Dome brand—with options for local assembly or licensed production under offset agreements.
This approach mirrors similar strategies by Israel’s Rafael or South Korea’s Hanwha—offering co-production incentives alongside technology transfer where politically feasible. Given rising EU interest in strategic autonomy but limited domestic capacity in some member states’ defense industries, Turkish firms may find receptive partners—particularly if they can meet EU/NATO tech compliance benchmarks without triggering ITAR restrictions common with U.S.-origin systems.
Challenges Ahead: Politics vs Capability?
The main obstacle facing widespread adoption of the Steel Dome within Europe may not be technical—but political. Despite Türkiye’s long-standing NATO membership and proven MilTech capabilities across domains (e.g., TB2 drones), tensions over human rights issues or regional policies have complicated procurement decisions among some EU members wary of deepening military-industrial ties with Ankara.
Nonetheless, operational needs may override politics—especially where cost-effective solutions are urgently required. If successfully trialed within one EU/NATO force structure under joint exercises or EDA programs (e.g., PESCO), the Steel Dome could gain traction as part of broader Allied efforts toward integrated layered air defenses across the continent.
