Ejderha/AD 200 – electromagnetic cannon for Turkey's Steel Dome
Ejderha/AD 200 complex in position
Turkey's military-industrial complex is currently developing and building the Çelik Kubbe integrated air defense system. Recently, Aselsan A.Ş. completed development of a new component of this system—the Ejderha/AD 200 electromagnetic air target suppression system. It has been reported that small-scale production of these systems has begun, and they are expected to be deployed to active-duty units soon.
New Component
Development of an integrated national system Defense The Çelik Kubbe (Steel Dome) project has been underway since 2024. It was planned to be built on the basis of a number of existing radar and anti-aircraft systems, as well as supplemented with several new models. The result is expected to be a full-scale, layered air defense system with extensive capabilities.
Aselsan is a key participant in the Çelik Kubbe program. It already produces several components of the system and is developing new ones. The latest air defense system was first unveiled in late July 2025.
The new product is called Ejderha/AD 200 ("Dragon AD 200"). This project involves the construction of a towed electromagnetic air defense system. It is intended to operate as part of a full-scale air defense system and combat unmanned aerial vehicles at limited ranges.
It's not yet known when development of this system began. Work likely began in the early 2000s and was expected to take several years. By the time of the first official announcement, the Ejderha project had reached the stage of field testing prototypes.
Aselsan attached a short promotional video to the official press release. It showcased the new system deployed in a firing position. It also showed the system being used against training aerial targets, including from the operator's station. Light UAVs with simulated combat payloads were used as targets.
Demonstration of opportunities
In mid-January, Aselsan's management spoke to a Turkish television channel about its recent successes and plans for the near future. Specifically, the topic of conversation was various projects from the "Çelik Kubbe" program, including "Ejderha."
Demonstration tests were recently conducted at the Aselsan Gölbek facility, where armed forces representatives were able to evaluate the system's capabilities. The prototype was required to complete four combat training missions.
The Ejderha/AD 200 system was used against single and multiple aerial targets. The targets were quadcopters controlled via radio and fiber optics. The UAVs approached from the same and different directions. In all cases, the "Dragon" performed well and demonstrated its ability to quickly engage typical targets at ranges of hundreds of meters.
Overall, the Ejderha/AD 200 system has passed the required tests and confirmed its design characteristics. Aselsan is now beginning small-scale production, and the first units will be delivered to the Turkish Army this year. They are planned to be integrated into the "Steel Dome" system and used on combat alert.
electromagnetic gun
The Ejderha/AD 200 is an electromagnetic combat system designed to suppress or destroy the electronics of aerial targets. It is primarily planned for use against small UAVs, but can also be used against guided weapons. Depending on the target characteristics, radiation power, and other factors, the range can reach hundreds of meters.
The developer company demonstrated an "electromagnetic cannon" in publicly available materials. It's a distinctive-looking weapon mounted on a two-axle trailer. It's designed to be transported between positions using a suitable towing vehicle. After some preparation, the "Ejderha" can begin extended combat duty.
There is no separate vehicle with an operator cabin or similar equipment. The system is controlled using a laptop with the appropriate software.
The "electromagnetic gun" itself consists of several main components. Housings and casings of various shapes and sizes are mounted on the trailer. At one end of the platform is a slewing ring with a parabolic antenna and a transmitter. Behind it is a column, from which cables run to the antenna. There is also a mast with a video camera or a multi-mode optoelectronic station. The trailer carries all the necessary electronic components and likely its own generator.
The operating principle of the Ejderha/AD 200 is quite simple. Using a video camera and possibly third-party equipment, the system detects and tracks an aerial target. A high-power electromagnetic pulse is then directed toward it. Depending on various factors, this pulse suppresses or damages the target's electronics.
Demonstration of work on air targets
Unfortunately, Aselsan A.Ş. is not yet disclosing even the most basic specifications of the new system. The company cites high power, high speed, and a range of hundreds of meters. More precise figures are not provided, and it is unclear when they might be revealed.
Place in the system
The Çelik Kubbe program envisions the creation of a full-scale, layered air defense system within the armed forces. It will incorporate all available radar assets and anti-aircraft systems of various classes. A unified radar space is being created along the country's perimeter, along with common fire control loops.
Modern radars, such as the ALP 300-G, will enable detection of air targets at ranges of up to 200-300 km. Various lower-performance radars, including standard anti-aircraft radars, are also envisaged.
The longest-range interception system will be the Siper-2 air defense missile system. missiles They will be able to hit targets at ranges of 150 km. A whole range of medium- and short-range systems and complexes with different features and characteristics is also envisaged.
The Steel Dome program places particular emphasis on near-field defense capabilities. These capabilities will be tasked with combating the most common modern threats—drones. aviation and high precision weaponsThis class includes several missile and artillery systems, a combat laser, and electronic warfare systems.
Operator console
Thus, the Ejderha/AD 200 electromagnetic complex was developed specifically for the Çelik Kubbe. Aselsan will soon begin delivering this equipment to the armed forces, after which it is expected to be put on combat duty.
The Turkish Army is expected to order a large number of Ejderha products. Several important factors will contribute to this. For example, the electromagnetic system fully meets its specific mission requirements. Furthermore, it has demonstrated its performance in testing. Another important factor is the successful combination of technical and economic characteristics.
The Ejderha/AD 200 system could truly find its place in an integrated air defense system. It will operate in its own niche and complement other systems of various types. Moreover, close-in defense will be provided by several different systems, which should increase its effectiveness and the likelihood of successful and timely interception.
Visible result
The Çelik Kubbe program officially launched just a year and a half ago. It envisioned the mass procurement of existing models of various classes and the development of new ones. Some promising products, which were in the design stage when the plan was adopted, have already entered testing and are nearing military deployment.
To date, Turkish industry has successfully fulfilled some of its plans. Another achievement in the construction of the "Steel Dome" was the completion of the main work on the electromagnetic "Dragon." Serialized equipment of this type will reportedly enter service by the end of the year, improving overall air defense capabilities.
Information