ANKARA – Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan announced on Tuesday that Turkey is working to establish its own “Steel Dome” multi-layered air defense system, aiming to match Israel’s renowned “Iron Dome” capabilities. Speaking at a ceremony for Turkey’s Gokbey helicopter, Erdogan highlighted the importance of self-reliance in defense, particularly following last week’s attack by Kurdish militants on the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS).
“If they (Israel) have an Iron Dome, we will have a Steel Dome,” Erdogan declared, noting that the Turkish system will enhance national security by intercepting and neutralizing aerial threats. He also revealed plans to boost Turkey’s long-range missile capabilities, underscoring his vision for full defense industry independence.
In recent years, Turkey has reduced reliance on external defense suppliers, becoming a prominent global producer of armed drones and other defense equipment. Despite U.S. sanctions imposed in 2020 over Turkey’s acquisition of Russia’s S-400 system and its removal from the F-35 fighter jet program, Erdogan expressed confidence in Turkey’s capacity to meet its defense needs domestically.