Turkey’s initiative to launch a defense system modeled after ‘Iron Dome’

Last Updated on October 31, 2024 10:20 am

Israel’s air defense system has been a hotly debated topic in recent times. Especially in the context of the war in the Middle East, this is being vigorously discussed. This time, Turkey is taking the initiative to launch a defense system modeled after Israel’s ‘Iron Dome’. This was announced by the country’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

This was reported by the news agency Reuters in a report on Tuesday (October 29).

At a ceremony held at the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara, Erdogan said that if they (Israel) have an ‘Iron Dome’, we will also have a ‘Steel Dome’. We will not wait, but rather create a system to protect ourselves.

Referring to Israel’s ‘Iron Dome’ system, he said that Turkey is also taking the initiative to launch such a defense system. However, he did not specify a specific time frame in this regard.

Erdogan also said, “We will also increase our long-range missile capabilities. We will not rest until we achieve full independence in the defense industry.”

Israel initially developed the Arion Dome to intercept rockets fired by the Palestinian independence group Hamas. The US-owned Rafael Advanced Defense System developed it in 2011. The radar-guided system is used against short-range rockets, mortars and drones. . A naval version of the system was also launched in 2017. It is used to protect ships and sea-based installations.

Earlier, the US imposed sanctions on Ankara in December 2020 over Turkey’s defense industry. The ban was imposed for the purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system. In addition, Turkey was excluded from the F-35 stealth fighter jet program. Turkey played both the role of manufacturer and buyer in this project.

NATO member Turkey has significantly reduced its reliance on foreign suppliers of defense equipment in recent years. It is now the world’s leading manufacturer of armed drones and produces most of its defense needs with its own technology.

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