The Çelik Kubbe anti-UAV capabilities
For the past several years, Turkey has been working on developing a promising integrated, layered air defense system, Çelik Kubbe. It will comprise a variety of radar and anti-aircraft systems designed to combat a wide range of aerial targets. Specifically, the new air defense system will be designed to detect and engage light unmanned aerial vehicles.
Defense issues
The idea of creating an integrated air defense system for the entire Turkish territory and the active army emerged several years ago. Subsequently, the relevant organizations of the Ministry of Defense and leading defense industry companies began implementing it. The promising project was named Çelik Kubbe (Steel Dome).
The new project envisions integrating existing and future air defense assets of the armed forces into a layered system with common command and control circuits. All radars, command posts, and anti-aircraft systems must operate within a single information space, continuously exchange data, and coordinate combat operations.
The "Steel Dome" system was intended to incorporate several existing air defense systems. Furthermore, newly developed air defense systems will be added to this system in the future. Some recent projects were initially developed with inclusion in the new integrated system in mind.
Products and systems from Çelik Kubbe
At the end of August 2025, Aselsan A.Ş. delivered nearly fifty different air defense systems to the armed forces. They were expected to be deployed to active units and begin combat duty soon. It was noted that this equipment delivery marks the beginning of the actual construction of the new Çelik Kubbe system. Further deliveries of various products to enhance the air defense are expected in the foreseeable future.
Products and components
According to the current version of the project, the Çelik Kubbe system includes more than a dozen different types of equipment. These include radars of several models, anti-aircraft missile и artillery complexes, combat lasers, as well as various communication and control equipment.
The primary means of air situational awareness and early threat detection are the ALP 300-G long-range radar and the ALP 100-G low-altitude radar, developed by Aselsan. They enable the detection and tracking of a large number of targets at ranges down to the radio horizon. In addition, all air defense missile systems and air defense systems are equipped with their own detection systems.
The firepower is divided into several echelons. The Siper air defense system is responsible for long-range interception. Its basic version has a launch range of 100 km, and after modernization, this range will be increased to 150 km. There are also several medium- and short-range systems that will intercept targets within a radius of tens of kilometers.
A range of short- and short-range systems have been developed. Artillery systems of various calibers, electronic warfare systems, and even a combat laser are proposed for engaging targets within a radius of several kilometers.
The Çelik Kubbe system is expected to be capable of engaging a wide range of aerial targets. For example, medium- and long-range air defense systems will intercept aircraft and helicopters, as well as large UAVs and missiles. Meanwhile, short-range systems will engage small and light aircraft. drones, as well as high-precision weapons small size.
Against drones
Several of the Steel Dome systems were developed from the outset as anti-UAV systems. Some other systems have similar capabilities, but are also capable of engaging other targets. Together, they are designed to provide protection against unmanned aerial vehicles. aviation within a radius of up to 6-8 km.
The İhtar 100 mobile electronic warfare system, developed by Aselsan, is designed to detect and suppress drones. It is built on a suitable vehicle chassis or trailer, including commercial models, and can quickly change positions. The system is equipped with a variety of electronic equipment, as well as a telescopic mast with cameras and antennas.
Towable complex Şahin 130/40 GL
The İhtar 100 can search for UAVs using characteristic radio signals and an optoelectronic system. The target is then tracked, identified, and, if a threat is detected, jammed. The operational range, depending on various factors, exceeds 1-2 km. The system can engage multiple targets simultaneously or sequentially.
Aselsan also offered the army the Şahin 130/40 GL artillery system. This towed weapon features a remotely controlled weapon station (RCS) carrying weapons and a targeting system. The RCS is equipped with a 40mm Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher and carries 64 rounds of ammunition.
The ATOM round with a programmable fuse was developed for the Şahin 130/40 GL. Detonation at a predetermined point along the trajectory dramatically increases firepower. However, the grenade launcher's effective range is limited to 700 meters.
The Korkut series of artillery systems are designed to engage aerial targets at ranges of up to 2-4 km. Several such systems, each with a different appearance and capabilities, have been developed using common solutions and components. For example, the Korkut 100/25 SB air defense system is proposed as a UAV interceptor. It is based on a production armored vehicle and armed with a 25mm automatic cannon. Target acquisition and guidance are accomplished using a video camera and a thermal imager.
The Korkut artillery system with a pair of 35mm guns
There is a Korkut modification with twin 35mm cannons. They are mounted in a full-size turret designed for installation on tracked armored vehicles. Due to their larger caliber, these CIWS are capable of engaging more complex targets at increased range. A tracked self-propelled gun with 35mm cannons is designed to operate in conjunction with an armored vehicle carrying a radar and electronic detection system.
The Gökberk combat laser complements the traditional anti-aircraft weapon system. This system is built on a three-axle truck chassis, and all its components are housed in a container van. The system is equipped with electronic and optical detection systems. A solid-state laser with a minimum power of 5 kW is used to engage targets.
Depending on the beam power, the range to the target, and other factors, Gökberk can either destroy objects or suppress their optical systems. For example, plastic parts of light UAVs are damaged at ranges of approximately 2 km. At the same or greater range, irreversible damage is caused to optics. At further ranges, the laser creates interference but does not cause direct damage.
General Features
The Çelik Kubbe air defense system is equipped to combat the current aerial threat posed by small unmanned aircraft. Given the recent development trends of the armed forces of leading countries, this component of air defense is of great importance.
Gökberk combat laser system
According to disclosed information, various components of the Çelik Kubbe system are capable of detecting small and medium-sized UAVs at ranges of at least 10-12 km. Specialized counter-UAV systems, meanwhile, can engage targets at ranges of up to 3-4 km. The air defense artillery component may include systems with varying firing ranges.
Turkey's new short-range and close-in air defense systems are being built using modern technologies and components. For example, several of these projects utilize munitions with programmable fuses, which dramatically increase the probability of successfully engaging a target. Furthermore, modern fire control electronics are being introduced.
It's worth noting that all artillery systems, combat lasers, and other short-range systems must operate within common control loops. Via the Çelik Kubbe communication channels, they will be able to receive timely information about approaching targets and respond more quickly to threats. This defense organization should significantly improve its effectiveness.
Thus, the Turkish defense industry has taken current threats into account and developed promising weapons and systems to counter them. High performance characteristics have been declared, and extensive operational capabilities are expected. Some capabilities have already been demonstrated during trials. Whether they will have the opportunity to demonstrate their effectiveness in real combat remains to be seen. The results of actual combat use also remain uncertain, although the Turkish army has every reason for optimism.
Information