Erdogan: First 'Steel Dome' System Delivered to Turkish Army

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey announced the delivery of the first 'Steel Dome' air defense system to the Turkish army on Wednesday, at a ceremony held at Aselsan facilities.

Erdogan described the system's development as a 'turning point' for Turkey's security, emphasizing the need to strengthen defense capabilities due to regional conflicts. The system, valued at $460 million and consisting of 47 vehicles, aims to protect Turkish airspace.

The program began in August 2024, with the goal of creating a multi-layered air defense shield, similar to the Israeli Iron Dome. Erdogan stressed the importance of domestic technology for the country's security.

In addition, the construction of a technology park for the defense industry, valued at $1.5 billion, was inaugurated, described as the largest investment in the history of the Turkish Republic. The facility is expected to be operational in mid-2026, making Turkey a major player in defense systems.