Turkey invests $6.5 billion to strengthen ‘Steel Dome’ air defenses amid rising tensions with Israel

Turkey Invests $6.5 Billion in Its “Steel Dome” Air Defense System

ANKARA — Turkish defense firms have signed contracts worth $6.5 billion to expand and modernize the country’s integrated “Steel Dome” air defense system. The move follows heightened regional tensions and growing concerns about potential security threats linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Expansion of the Air Defense Network

According to Turkey’s Defense Industry Agency (SSB), the agreements cover system upgrades, new radar and missile platforms, and expanded production capacities. The project aims to establish a comprehensive, multilayered defense network capable of intercepting aerial threats from drones, aircraft, and ballistic missiles.

SSB president Haluk Görgün stated that the “Steel Dome” represents “Turkey’s ambition for full independence in air defense.” He emphasized that partnerships with Turkish companies such as Aselsan, Roketsan, and Havelsan will ensure technological self-reliance and continued domestic development.

Strategic Significance

Ankara’s push toward advanced defense capabilities comes as relations with Israel remain tense following the ongoing war in Gaza. Recent Turkish statements have condemned Israeli actions, while officials have also heightened alert levels for possible spillovers of the regional conflict.

Defense analysts suggest that the investment underlines a larger strategy to make Turkey less reliant on foreign military systems, especially after past restrictions on Western arms exports.

“This is not just about modernizing weapons but securing technological autonomy,” Görgün was quoted as saying.

Future Outlook

Once fully operational, the Steel Dome is expected to provide a homeland security shield similar to Israel’s Iron Dome, but with a greater range and integration into NATO’s defense infrastructure. The system combines radar detection, missile interception, and command-control units to handle layered defense operations.

Author’s Summary:
Turkey is investing $6.5 billion to expand its “Steel Dome” air defense system, signaling a drive for military self-sufficiency amid escalating regional and Israeli tensions.

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The Times of Israel The Times of Israel — 2025-11-27

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